One of six surviving life jackets from the Titanic has gone on display the ship's Belfast museum to commemorate the 110th anniversary of the world’s most famous boat.
It is the first time the life jacket has been on public display on the island of Ireland.
The life jacket was recovered from the field of debris by Robert Edwards, Quartermaster of the Cable Ship Mackay-Bennett which was the first of four ships chartered by the White Star Line to search for bodies in the aftermath of the sinking of the Titanic.
Made of linen and cork, the life jacket is described as being in fair condition with all original ribbon ties still in place.
It was made by Fosbery and Co Ltd, manufacturer of life saving devices for many of the White Star Line ships and is now over 110 years old.
The public can now view the life jacket for free as it is on display in the Grand Atrium of Titanic Belfast until Sunday, April 24.
Judith Owens, Chief Executive of Titanic Belfast said: "Having this life jacket here in Titanic Belfast is really something special.
"There were 3,500 life jackets on board but only six remain, so this is a unique, and very emotive, opportunity for the public to see a piece of history in real life," she said.
"It is especially poignant to have the authentic artefact on display as we commemorate the 110th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic and honour all the lives that were sadly lost".
Titanic Belfast will mark the 110th anniversary with ‘A Night to Remember’ on Thursday, April 14.
Visitors will be guided on a living history tour, hearing the story of the Titanic through the eyes of those whose lives were shaped by her journey.
Guests are invited to then join a candle lighting ceremony at 11.40pm on the slipways, marking the exact time the Titanic struck the iceberg thus sealing its fate.
The tour leaves every 10 minutes from 8pm until 9.40pm. Booking is essential and tickets cost £15.
