The lookouts had no binoculars. White Star Line employed professional lookouts, seamen specially trained and specially compensated for the job. Binoculars were essential to their task. Unfortunately, the binoculars employed during the sea trials on April 2 were apparently misplaced between that time and the sailing. Using only the naked eye, lookout Frederick Fleet did not see the iceberg until it was a mere 500 yards ahead, only 37 seconds from impact. (Shortly before the collision, Fleet remarked to the other lookout, Lee, that one can Òsmell iceÓ when itÕs near. While this sounds outlandish, it is sometimes possible. Icebergs acquire a certain amount of marine life attached to their undersides, shrimp and so forth. If progressive melting causes the berg to become unbalanced and turn over, those animals die and produce a significant odor.)

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