April 10: Titanic to Lundy — Maritime Milestones
April 10 in Maritime and River History
1912: Titanic’s Southampton Departure
On 10 April 1912 RMS Titanic left Southampton on her maiden voyage to New York. The White Star liner carried more than 2,200 passengers and crew; she called at Cherbourg and Queenstown before her ill-fated collision with an iceberg on 15 April. Beyond human tragedy the wreck, discovered in 1985, has since become a focus for marine archaeology and a reminder of how shipwrecks alter local ecology: steel structures attract sessile life, scavengers and microhabitats while also posing pollution risks from fuel and artifacts.
1986: Lundy Becomes Britain’s First Marine Nature Reserve
On 10 April 1986 Lundy, an island in the Bristol Channel off North Devon, was designated the United Kingdom’s first statutory Marine Nature Reserve. The designation recognised rich kelp beds, breeding seabirds and grey seal colonies and set rules for fishing, anchoring and scientific monitoring. Lundy’s protection became a template for later marine conservation zones, showing how legal safeguards can rebuild fisheries and protect habitats.
Today’s Anglers
Modern anglers in the UK can take two clear lessons: respect protected seasons and local bylaws, and adopt low-impact practices such as catch-and-release and biodegradable tackle. When fishing around reserves and estuaries, anglers should use a single barbless hook and bring a landing net; use a rod suited to the species and check local notices before entering restricted areas in a boat or with waders to avoid disturbing wildlife.
Recommended: waterproof chest waders