As a Trimmer, Mr. Sheeth's job was to shovel coal between various positions in the holds to maintain the ship's balance and to feed the furnaces.

Fred was in a stokehold when the incident happened and when water started pouring in through a bulkhead he was sent topside along with his crewmates. The change in temperature from the lower holds to the cold night air must have been challenging and crew were normally dressed in just trousers, a kerchief, cap and a singlet. When First Officer Murdoch asks for men with seamanship experience Fred was allocated to lifeboat 1.

He would receive a cheque for £5  from Sir Cosmo Duff-Gordon to compensate him for his loss of kit, although rumours of it being a bribe payment to avoid returning to collect other survivors persisted. Fred appeared at the British Inquiry after returning from America. 

After service during World War One he married and left his career at sea to become a docker in his home town.  His health deteroriated quickly and he passed away at 41.