Tributes paid to last Titanic survivor, Millvina Dean

Southampton City Council’s leisure and heritage boss made the pledge as he paid tribute to the city’s last link to the disaster.

Councillor John Hannides said the £28m attraction would tell the story of the hundreds of Southampton residents who perished on April 14, 1912.

“I would like to think the museum itself will be a dedication to the people like Millvina and other local residents whose lives were affected by the Titanic,” the Cabinet member for leisure, culture and heritage said.

“But in recognition of Millvina Dean, a local person who was the last surviving passenger on Titanic, I would like to think that we would be able to recognise her in some way within the museum.”

Cllr Hannides said she would also have a distinguished place in future commemoration events and her links with Southampton and the Titanic would not be forgotten.

“It is too early to say what type of tribute there could be, but if we were successful in taking plans for the museum forward then we will be sure to engage with residents on this,” he added.

Roger Hardingham, publisher of Titanic: The Last Survivor, The Life Story of Millvina Dean, said the museum would be a suitable location for a tribute.

Mr Hardingham, who last spoke to Millvina two weeks ago, said: “At the very least I would like to see something happen in the new museum.

“Whether it is a bust or a plaque, I would like to see Millvina remembered in Southampton.”