As instructed by his captain, the wireless operator on the Californian, Cyril Evans, is sending a message to the Titanic: ‘Say old man we are surrounded by ice and stopped.’ Because the Californian is so close, the message comes through Jack Phillips’ headset at a deafening level. ‘Shut up, shut up, I am busy working Cape Race!’ Phillips taps back in irritation. This time it’s Evans’ turn to be deafened. Passengers’ messages to the United States are Phillips’ priority.
