HMHS
Britannic, a sister Ship to the RMS Titanic and HMHS (His Majesty's
Hospital Ship) Britannic, was launched on February 26, 1914. Britannic
was the third and final Olympic-class ocean liner built by the White
Star Line, a British shipping company.
Like
its sister ships, Britannic was initially designed to be a luxury ocean
liner, but due to the outbreak of World War I, its construction was
repurposed to serve as a hospital ship before it could enter commercial
service. Britannic's career as a hospital ship was short-lived, as it
sank in the Aegean Sea on November 21, 1916, after hitting a mine during
its service as a hospital ship in the Mediterranean.
Despite
being launched as a hospital ship, Britannic has historical
significance not only due to its association with the Titanic but also
because it played a role in maritime and medical efforts during World
War I. The sinking of the Britannic resulted in fewer casualties
compared to the Titanic disaster, as the ship's design improvements and
the crew's response contributed to a more successful evacuation of
passengers and medical staff.