The last survivor of the Titanic died today.

Millvina Dean was only two months old when disaster struck on April 14, 1912, but the event haunted her for the rest of her life.

The Titanic’s sinking may also haunt our collective psyche, but unfortunately it’s hardly unique. Over and over again, history has reminded us that we can never be truly invulnerable. The weather can turn. Accidents happen.

Yet it’s hard to accept that—in this age of radar and satellites—people can still vanish into the ocean without a trace. Sadly, that’s exactly what seems to have happened to AirFrance flight 447.

My heart goes out to the families and friends who are despairing for their loved ones, and to the hundreds of people who will be affected in the days to come.

Ô Dieu qui êtes le Créateur,
accordez aux âmes de vos serviteurs et servantes
la paix qu’ils ont toujours désiré.