Titanic was ready for launching by May 29, 1911.

The Launch
 

Ulster's counties Antrim and Down shores of Belfast Lough were thronged with sightseerers, eager to witness the historic launch. The H&W shipyards, too, were filled with spectators. Over 100,000 people turned out to see the spectacle of the huge ship enter the waters of Belfast Lough.

Then tragedy struck-

Seconds before launch, and hidden from most people, one of Titanic's wooden shores under the bilges collapsed, trapping workman James Dobbins beneath the great hull. Though dragged clear by colleagues, the unfortunate worker died from his injuries within 24 hours.

Nor was everyone in Belfast altogether happy about Titanic's launch. Workers who had laboured hard on the vessel but who were not required for the launch itself were given the day off... but it was a day without pay, which few workers' homes could afford. (It was, of course, customary with any ship launch for the shipyard to declare an official holiday).

Nor was there any- "I name this ship...", for that ceremony was reserved for Southampton. So the bow of the great ship bore no name at this time.

Nor did Titanic have any funnels...

And when they did top her out with three majestic funnels - each 22 feet (6.71 metres) diameter and 62 feet (19.81 metres) height - the owners ordered that a fourth - a dummy! - be added, for her aesthetic appearance.

But Titanic was still only a basic hull at this stage; a magical transformation awaited her.

For this, Titanic (like Olympic before her) was towed gracefully to a new deep water wharf, and there began her essential and dramatic fitting out.