After considering options for where to disembark the passengers, including the Azores (the destination with the least cost to the Cunard Line) and Halifax (the closest port, although along an ice-laden route), Rostron consulted with Bruce Ismay, and ultimately decided to disembark the survivors in New York City, the original destination of the RMS Titanic. News of the "Titanic" disaster rapidly spread on shore, and the humble "Carpathia" became the centre of intense media attention as she steamed westward towards New York at an average speed of 14 knots. Hundreds of wireless messages were being sent from Cape Race and other shore stations addressed to Captain Rostron from relatives of "Titanic" passengers and journalists demanding details in exchange for money. Rostron ordered that no news stories would be transmitted directly to the press, deferring such responsibilities to the White Star offices as Cottam provided details to the "Titanic"s sister ship, the . On Wednesday, 17 April, the scout cruiser began escorting the "Carpathia" to New York. Cottam, by then assisted by the "Titanic"s junior wireless operator Harold Bride, transmitted the names of third-class survivors to the "Chester". Slowed by heavy thunderstorms and fog since the early morning of Tuesday 16 April, "Carpathia" finally arrived in New York on the evening of Thursday 18 April 1912 under heavy rain.