SS Merida

Herbert O. Benson, the radio operator on Merida

Herbert O. Benson, the radio operator on Merida who sent out the SOS

SS Merida was a Ward Line steamer that was struck by the steamer SS Admiral Farragut with a loss of approximately $2,000,000 in Mexican gold, silver, copper and jewels.^[1] In 1924 the wreck was rediscovered.^[2][3]

References

1. ^ "Everything Lost On Merida. Ship and Passengers' Effects Worth $2,000,000, Says Company's Agent". New York Times. May 14, 1911. http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F20F1FFC355A15738DDDAD0994DD405B818DF1D3. Retrieved 2010-09-11. "The sinking of the Ward Line steamer Merida early yesterday by the steamer Admiral Farragut will cause a loss of approximately $2,000,000, according to an estimate made to-day by H.E. Cabaud, General Agent of the Ward Line, which owned the Merida, who arrived here from New York to-day." 
2. ^ "Treasure Ship Merida Found At Sea Bottom". The Baltimore Sun. October 28, 1924. http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/baltsun/access/1659015662.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Oct+28,+1924&author=&pub=The+Sun+(1837-1985)&desc=TREASURE+SHIP+MERIDA+FOUND+AT+SEA+BOTTOM&pqatl=google. Retrieved 2010-09-11. "The Ward Line steamship Merida, which, bearing Mexican gold, silver, copper and jewels valued at from $2,000,000 to $5,000,000, sank after a collision off the Virginia Capes 13 years ago, has been found by treasure hunters." 
3. ^ "Purser Says Treasure Ship Carried Bullion and Other Wealth". New York Times. July 3, 1925. http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F10C15FB3C5D167A93C1A9178CD85F418285F9. Retrieved 2010-09-11. "The location of the wreck of the steamship Merida, which fourteen years ago sank in a collision off Virginia, has aroused comment in Mexico City, as the passenger list shows some of the richest Mexicans were aboard."