How a watch borrowed by a Titanic passenger led to his arrest.

An AI generated image based on the theme of the news article, not the actual watch noted in the articles.

“Man Tells of Shooting in Titanic’s Steerage”

The Philadelphia Inquirer

April 24, 1912

“Horrible scenes in the steerage of the Titanic were described by a peculiar incident yesterday by Luigi Fianoli, who was on the giant steamer, and who pulled an oar on one of the rescued lifeboats. 

“Fianoli was arraigned before Magistrate Coward yesterday morning and faced by Isaac Wilderman, of 1043 South Fifth street. The latter said that he had loaned a watch to Fianoli prior to his departure for Europe six months ago. 

“Fianoli then declared that he had lost the watch when he hurried from his bunk on the Titanic after she struck. He promised to pay Wilderman for the timepiece and was discharged. 

“Fianoli gave last night, in one of the moving picture establishments on Christian street between Eighth and Ninth, a graphic talk of his experiences. 

“According to his story he was asleep when the iceberg was rammed. 

“‘The steerage passengers, most of them not understanding the rapidly issued orders in English, shrieked out in fear as the Titanic was seen to slant towards the bottom. It was then that the shooting took place. I heard it, but was too near the rail to see just what the results were, but I know the wails of the immigrants became wilder, and in the din I could hear the names of those who had been shot. 

“I seized a woman from the steerage and pushed her towards an officer. He placed her in one of the few remaining boats and then grabbing me hustled me into the same boat. He cried out as he did so, ‘Get in there. You are a strong fellow and ought to be able to pull an oar.’

“We were ordered to pull away from the steamship and I shall never forget those terrible cries.”

“Pays for Watch on Liner”

Ledger-Star

April 26, 1912

“Philadelphia, April 26-A watch lost when the Titanic went down caused the arrest of Luigi Finoli, one of the survivors. Before sailing for his home in Italy several weeks ago, Finoli borrowed a valuable gold watch from Isaac Wilderman. He wanted to make an impression at home. 

“While Finoli was telling the story of his escape from the Titanic, Wilderman entered Finoli’s saloon and caused his arrest for larceny. Later he was arraigned before Magistrate Coward, who after hearing the story of the loss, settled the case by allowing Finoli to pay the value of the watch to Wilderman. 

“Finoli declared that he was in his bunk when the Titanic struck and that the watch was in his vest pocket at the head of the bunk. He did not have time to get it. He was impressed into service as one of the crew of one of the lifeboats.”