A new ice cube tray that makes replica frozen moulds of the Titanic for people to "sink" into a drink has been slammed as "sick and distasteful"

'Sinkable' Titanic ice cubes branded 'sick'<br/>

A new ice cube tray that makes replica frozen moulds of the Titanic for people to "sink" into a drink has been slammed as "sick and distasteful".

The product, called the Gin and Titonic ice tray, also makes little icebergs so the drinker can "re-create history" by making the two objects collide in the glass.

They then watch as the four-inch long Titanic ice cube sinks to the bottom of the cup before the drink is ready to "go down with the ship."

The rubber tray consists of four replica moulds of the luxury liner that struck an iceberg and sank on its maiden voyage in 1912, killing 1,522 people.

The item, which also has four round icebergs to pair with the ice ships, has gone on sale over the internet in time for Christmas.

But it has been criticised for being in bad taste. Titanic historian Brian Ticehurst said: "They are distasteful, hundreds of people died in the tragedy. Surely this is the wrong way to remember them? How long will it be before this firm makes ice cubes of the Twin Towers to commemorate 9/11?"

Tim Brant, secretary of the Merchant Navy Association, said: "It is a bit of a sick idea and it is distasteful to the people who suffered and their families. "The sinking of the Titanic is an event that should be commemorated not celebrated."

The product has been designed and manufactured by Fred and Friends, a company that makes quirky and unusual household items.

The packaging for it reads: "Ice ahoy! Gin and Titonic is guaranteed to be an unsinkable addition to your next party. This reusable ice tray contains four icy Titanic ships and four menacing icebergs. Pair them up in your mixed drinks and re-create history. Go ahead...sink another round!"

Joe Edmundson, spokesman for Fred and Friends, based in Maryland, US, defended the product saying, "We design housewares that are functional and fun. The Gin and Titonic is quite a good seller around the world.

Somebody is always going to be offended by something, especially when it involves humour with a little edge."