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September 12, 2026Short & citedBlog
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People File • Shipbuilder

Thomas Andrews

Thomas Andrews Jr.

Updated September 12, 20261 min readCited sources

Thomas Andrews Jr. was the Irish shipbuilder who designed the RMS Titanic. He died in the ship's sinking during its maiden voyage in 1912.

Who was Thomas Andrews?

Andrews was born in Comber, County Down, in 1873 into a prominent family. He entered Harland and Wolff as a premium apprentice, eventually becoming managing director and head of the drafting department. He married Helen Reilly Barbour in 1908 and had one daughter, Elizabeth.

What was his role on the Titanic?

As chief designer of the Olympic-class liners, Andrews oversaw the construction of the Titanic. He was on board for the maiden voyage in April 1912. After the ship struck an iceberg, he helped assess the damage and assisted passengers into lifeboats.

How did Thomas Andrews die?

Andrews died when the Titanic sank on 15 April 1912 at age 39. His body was never recovered. He is remembered as one of the central figures of the disaster and a key figure in the history of Harland and Wolff.

In short

  • Chief designer of the RMS Titanic and Olympic-class liners.
  • Managing director and head of drafting at Harland and Wolff.
  • Died in the Titanic sinking on 15 April 1912 at age 39.
  • His body was never recovered after the disaster.

Quick questions

Who was Thomas Andrews?
He was an Irish shipbuilder and the managing director of Harland and Wolff, best known as the chief designer of the RMS Titanic.
How did Thomas Andrews die?
He died in the sinking of the Titanic on 15 April 1912 after the ship struck an iceberg in the North Atlantic. His body was never recovered.
Was Thomas Andrews married?
Yes, he married Helen Reilly Barbour in 1908, and they had one daughter named Elizabeth.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Andrews
    Supports: Birth, death, occupation, Harland and Wolff role, Titanic design, body not recovered.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Thomas-Andrews-Irish-ship-designer
    Supports: Birth and death dates, birthplace, shipbuilder identity, Titanic and Olympic design, body not recovered.
  3. Dictionary of Irish Biography — https://www.dib.ie/biography/andrews-thomas-a0166
    Supports: Family background, career at Harland and Wolff, Titanic role, death in sinking, marriage.
  4. Encyclopedia Titanica — https://www.encyclopedia-titanica.org/titanic-victim/thomas-andrews.html
    Supports: Birth, family, marriage, daughter, career details, final hours on Titanic.