16. (_a_) What steps were taken immediately on the happening of the casualty? (_b_) How long after the casualty was its seriousness realized by those in charge of the vessel (_c_) What steps were then taken? (_d_) What endeavors were made to save the lives of those on board, and to prevent the vessel from sinking? Answer. (_a_) The 12 water-tight doors in the engine and boiler rooms were closed from the bridge, some of the boiler fires were drawn, and the bilge pumps abaft No. 6 boiler room were started. (_b_) About 15 to 20 minutes. (_c_) and (_d_) The boats were ordered to be cleared away. The passengers were roused and orders given to get them on deck, and life belts were served out. Some of the water-tight doors, other than those in the boiler and engine rooms, were closed. Marconigrams were sent out asking for help. Distress signals (rockets) were fired, and attempts were made to call up by Morse a ship whose lights were seen. Eighteen of the boats were swung out and lowered, and the remaining two floated off the ship and were subsequently utilized as rafts. 17. Was proper discipline maintained on board after the casualty occurred? Answer. Yes. 18. (_a_) What messages for assistance were sent by the _Titanic_ after the casualty, and at what times respectively? (_b_) What messages were received by her in response, and at what times respectively? (_c_) By what vessels were the messages that were sent by the _Titanic_ received, and from what vessels did she receive answers? (_d_) What vessels other than the _Titanic_ sent or received messages at or shortly after the casualty in connection with such casualty? (_e_) What were the vessels that sent or received such messages? (_f_) Were any vessels prevented from going to the assistance of the _Titanic_ or her boats owing to messages received from the _Titanic_ or owing to any erroneous messages being sent or received? (_g_) In regard to such erroneous messages, from what vessels were they sent and by what vessels were they received, and at what times respectively? (_a_) (_b_) (_c_) (_d_) and (_e_) are answered together. (_f_) Several vessels did not go, owing to their distance. (_g_) There were no erroneous messages.