Ismay was later villainized for leaving his ship while over 1500 people were left to die. Ismay contended that there were no more passengers in sight when he boarded the boat. Mrs. Carter sued for divorce. About this time many passengers and crew are knocked or swept into the water as the bow quickly plunges under. The forward funnel collapses, crushing many of those struggling in the water.
Several survivors report seeing the ship break in two between the third and fourth funnels.
Second Officer Charles Lightoller, who was in the water just yards from the ship, later reported that the ship did not break-up, but slid gracefully beneath the water in one piece. 1500 people now struggle in the icy water. Most of the lifeboats that had rowed away from the ship with empty seats for fear of suction pulling them under when Titanic sank now refuse to return to the aid of those in the water for fear of being swamped. Many survivors later said they coped with this by convincing themselves that the screams and pleas they heard were not from their loved ones. In less than an hour the sea is quiet.