RMS Republic

RMS Republic was a big steam-powered ocean liner built in 1903 by Harland and Wolff in Belfast. It sailed for the White Star Line and was called the "Millionaires' Ship" because many rich Americans traveled on it. The ship was known for being very comfortable and was the main ship for White Star Line's trips between Boston and Europe.

In 1909, Republic crashed into another ship and was lost at sea. The ship had a new Marconi wireless telegraphy transmitter, and it sent out a CQD distress call. This was the first big sea rescue helped by radio communication. Because of this, about 1,500 people were saved. The rescue showed how important radio could be for safety at sea and brought a lot of attention to this new technology around the world.

History

The ship was built by Harland & Wolff in Belfast, Ireland, for the Dominion Line. It was named Columbus and started its journeys in October 1903 from Liverpool to Boston. Later, the Dominion Line and White Star Line became part of the same big company. Columbus was then sold to White Star Line and renamed Republic.

After that, Republic served on routes between Boston, Naples, and Genoa, especially for people moving from Italy to the United States. Over time, it had a few small accidents, like bumping into other ships in Boston and Naples.

Collision with SS Florida and sinking

On January 23, 1909, the Republic was sailing from New York City to Gibraltar and Mediterranean ports. It hit the SS Florida in thick fog near Nantucket, Massachusetts. The crash caused damage and flooding.

Captain Inman Sealby calmly organized the passengers for evacuation.

The Republic was the first ship to send a distress signal using the new Marconi wireless telegraph system. The SS Florida, the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service cutter Gresham, and later the Baltic helped rescue the passengers and crew. Although six people died, most were saved because of the quick response and rescue work. The Republic sank later that day, but all remaining crew members were safely evacuated before it went down.

Rediscovery

The wreck of Republic was found in 1981 by Captain Martin Bayerle. It lies upright about 50 miles south of Nantucket Island, at a depth of around 270 feet in the water.