People had to blame someone then and Mr. Ismay was the public's target. It is not known for sure if Ismay is the one who told Captain Smith to push the engines all the way. But it is certain that he jumped in one of the last lifeboats, leaving behind 1,500 passengers, his butler, secretary and of course his reputation. He insisted no passengers were on the deck near him and that's why he got in the boat. Bruse stepped down as Managing Director in 1913 and moved to Ireland with his wife adn remined reclusive the rest of his life. He later ied of a stroke in 1937 and was never forammlly held responsible for the sinking.