Titanic: Danger Ignored
am working Cape Race."
Shrugging, Cyril Evans, "Californian's" wireless operator, switched off his set around 11:35 P.M. Being the only wireless man, Evans had put in a 12 + hour day was turning in for the night.
Up in the crow's nest, Frederick Fleet and Reginald Lee stared out into the darkness. Fleet bragged that he could smell ice (icebergs frequently rolled over, exposing melting undersides and exposing rotting plant life), but mostly they huddled against the cold and scanned the almost invisible horizon. About 11:40 P.M. Fleet discerned a black shape looming out of the night. He grabbed the nearby foremast bell and rang it three times (to indicate danger) and picked up the phone, a direct line to the bridge. 6th Officer Moody picked up. Fleet: "Is someone there?" Moody: "Yes, What do you see?" Fleet: "Iceberg right ahead!"
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