Heroic Titanic Seaman Gets Grave Stone Decades After Death

JERSEY CITY, N.J. (AP) -- The family of a seaman whose quick actions helped prevent the additional loss of life in the sinking of the ocean liner Titanic has gathered to unveil a headstone on his grave.

Titanic enthusiasts joined members of the family of Robert Hopkins at Holy Name Cemetery in Jersey City on Saturday to unveil the black granite headstone bearing his name.

The able-bodied seaman was aboard Lifeboat 13 when it was drawn under another descending lifeboat. He hollered for crew to stop lowering, and he and another crewman used knives to cut the ropes so they could row to safety.

The Titanic International Society pointed out his grave was unmarked, and Catholic Cemeteries offered to provide the headstone.