RMS Republic (1903)

RMS "Republic" was a steam-powered ocean liner built in 1903 by Harland and Wolff in Belfast, and was lost at sea in a collision six years later while sailing for the White Star Line. In her time, she was one of the largest, most modern and luxurious passenger vessels afloat.

History

White Star acquisition

The ship was originally built in Belfast, Northern Ireland for the International Mercantile Marine's Dominion Line (a sister company to the White Star Line) and was named " SS Columbus". After two voyages with Dominion, she was sold to White Star and renamed "Republic" (the White Star's original in approximately convert|270|ft|m of water. Two salvage expeditions in the 1980s attempted to locate the gold, but were unsuccessful. However, the ship contains many other treasures. In addition to the gold, many ship and personal artifacts remain. To date, however, none of the rumored Czar's treasure has been found.

The salvage continues

In 2005, Captain Bayerle's exclusive salvage rights to the wreck were reconfirmed by the United States District Court, District of Massachusetts. [ [http://www.rms-republic.com/legal/ RMS Republic - Legal ] ] He plans to re-survey the vessel in 2008, and is planning a major salvage for the summer of 2009. A "section lift" of the vessel is planned. [ [http://www.rms-republic.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=19 The RMS Republic Forums :: View topic - Raising the Republic! ] ]

ee also

*Treasure hunting (marine)

References

External links

* [http://www.rms-republic.com/index1.html The Official RMS Republic Website]
* [http://earlyradiohistory.us/CQD.htm Radio Broadcast, April, 1924, pages 449-455]
* [http://earlyradiohistory.us/1909rep.htm The Outlook, February 6, 1909, pages 294-297: THE TRIUMPH OF WIRELESS]
* [http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/rescue/ The American Experience |Rescue at Sea]
* [http://www.slu.edu/the_arts/cupples/republic.html R. M. S. Republic Samuel Cupples House]
* [http://www.cdnn.info/news/industry/i050720.html Billions in gold? Former dive shop owner to salvage RMS Republic]
* [http://shipwreck.blogs.com/shipwrecks_historical_tim/2005/07/rms_republic_sa.html RMS Republic - Sad Times for Older Sister of Titanic]
* [http://rms-republic.com/reference/ranson.html Details of "Baltic's" effort to find "Republic"]