D G ROBINSON (Letters, August 7), referring to Titanic, wrote: "It was a big boat that sank because of the incompetence of its officers.'' Incompetence? I certainly don't think so.

I believe his comments are an insult to all Titanic's officers and crew, no doubt some who have relations still living in this area.

They were extremely brave and loyal beyond the call of duty to remain at their posts until the tragic and sad conclusion.

Some of the representatives of the owners were onboard for its maiden voyage and insisted the vessel must go full steam ahead.

These instructions were questioned Captain John Smith who reminded them that the vessel, apart from its sea-trials, was untried in these most dangerous conditions. The objections were over-ruled.

They explained to Capt Smith that several opportunities had presented themselves: 1 To beat the previous time of crossing the Atlantic.

2 To arrive early in New York.

3 This early arrival would be of huge prestige and publicity for its owners.

This was long before radar had been invented and the ship was totally reliant on the crew acting as look-outs.

If any incompetence must be placed, it should be awarded against the company's representatives and not against the brave crew.

Mr Robinson refers to Titanic as a big boat. A big boat is something a child sails on the boating lake on Southampton Common.

R KINGSWELL, Maybush, Southampton.