THE SIX

 The little-known story of how six Chinese men survived the Titanic.

This book is a follow-up to a documentary that Schwankert made about this amazing tale of survival at sea. He begins with Fong Wing Sun from Taishan, China, on Xiachuan Island. Along with many other Chinese young men, he would travel to Hong Kong, then to Europe. Schwankert discusses the major shipping lines, including the White Star Line, the men who ran them, and the ships they built, including the Titanic in 1909—the “largest and most luxurious ship in the world.” Eight third-class Chinese passengers, all working seamen, were listed on the ship’s April 1912 maiden voyage, ranging in age from 24 to 38. Fong is listed as Fang Lang, 26, but Schwankert believes he was 18. All were staying in a London boardinghouse. There were 900 crew members and 1,300 passengers. Schwankert conjectures what life was like for them on board. Fang, Lee Ling, and Len Lam knew each other, hoping to become merchants in America. At 11:40 p.m. the Titanic struck an iceberg. The men would have gone to the boat deck hoping to find a lifeboat, but there weren’t enough for everyone. Cheong Foo made it to one, so did Ah Lam, Chang Chip, Lee Bing, and Ling Hee in Collapsible Lifeboat C. Lee Ling and Len Lam did not survive. Fang was rescued from the water. The six survivors—among 712—reunited on the deck of the Carpathia. That they lived was “almost incredible.” But history didn’t treat the “stowaways” well and Schwankert goes into great detail to reinstate their “tarnished” reputations, describe what happened to them afterward, and tell the story behind his documentary.

A much-needed tribute to the Titanic’s Chinese passengers.