Frederick Fleet was born on October 15, 1887, in Liverpool, England. He grew up without knowing his father, and his mother eventually abandoned him to live with her boyfriend in the United States. Despite this difficult start in life, Fleet was determined to make a name for himself and set out to sea at a young age.
Fleet started his career as a deck boy and quickly showed promise as a sailor. He worked his way up to become an able seaman, gaining valuable experience along the way. Fleet's skills as a lookout were put to the test when he served on the RMS Oceanic for four years before joining the crew of the ill-fated RMS Titanic.
On the fateful night of April 14, 1912, Fleet was on duty as the lookout on the HMS Titanic when he spotted an iceberg in the ship's path. His now-famous words, "Iceberg, right ahead!" alerted the crew to the danger, but it was too late. The Titanic struck the iceberg and began to sink into the icy waters of the North Atlantic.
Despite the chaos and tragedy that ensued, Fleet managed to survive the sinking of the ship. His quick thinking and alertness may have saved the lives of many passengers and crew members that night.
Following the Titanic disaster, Fleet testified at inquiries conducted by both the British and American governments. He suggested that if he had been given binoculars, he might have spotted the iceberg sooner and possibly prevented the tragedy. Fleet's testimony shed light on the events leading up to the disaster and helped bring about changes in maritime safety regulations.
During World War I and World War II, Fleet continued to serve as a lookout on merchant ships. He bravely faced the dangers of war at sea, using his experience and skills to keep his fellow sailors safe.
Despite his professional success, Fleet faced personal challenges throughout his life. He was married to Eva Ernestine Le Gros, who sadly passed away in December 1964. After his wife's death, Fleet's brother-in-law evicted him from his home, leaving him homeless and destitute.
Tragically, Frederick Fleet took his own life by hanging, succumbing to the hardships he had faced. His legacy as the lookout on the Titanic lives on, a reminder of the heroism and tragedy of that fateful night.
Frederick Fleet's role as the watchman on the HMS Titanic has secured his place in history. His actions on that night in April 1912 changed the course of maritime safety forever. Fleet's bravery and quick thinking in the face of disaster have inspired countless others to strive for excellence in their own lives.
As another Titanic survivor who testified at the US Senate hearings, Harold Lowe, noted, Fleet's testimony was crucial in understanding the events of that tragic night. His legacy serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of hubris and the importance of vigilance at sea.