SS Republic

SS Republic

A passenger liner cruising in thick fog, would collide with a another ship southwest of Nantucket Island, Massachusetts. To those familiar with the Andrea Doria, the year would be 1909 rather than 1956.

The 15,378 ton SS Republic was built in Belfast, Ireland by Harland & Wolff. This was the same shipbuilders that would later construct the RMS Titanic. The White Star Line would eventually purchase the steamer Republic from another line.

In the early morning hours of January 23, 1909, the SS Republic was enroute from New York to the Mediterranean with 742 passengers and crew. She was commanded by Captain William Sealby. He ordered a small reduction in speed as the steamer entered thick fog southwest of Nantucket Island. The ship's whistle was used at regular intervals to alert any vessel in the area. Suddenly at 5:47 a.m., a whistle was heard that did not originate from the SS Republic. This one came off the port bow, directly in front of the ship. The engines were ordered to full astern and the helm to hard-a-port. During this time, two blasts of the whistle signaled Captain Sealby's intention. The captain and officers waited. Out of the fog the bow of a ship could be seen. It sliced into the SS Republic amidships at almost a right angle, instantly killing three passengers sleeping in their cabins. Momentum then separated the two ships and within minutes, the Republic would be alone in the fog again.

Water poured into the engine and boiler rooms of the Republic causing a noticeable list. The ship was also without power. Radio operator Jack Binns was awakened by the collision with his cabin in ruins. He wired the new Marconi set with backup batteries and sent out a distress signal. This was the first time in history that the signal CQD was used from a ship in distress. The call was received at Nantucket Island and relayed to all ships in the area. The first to get the message was the White Star liner Baltic. She altered course for the Republic's position.

Captain Sealby had calmly ordered the passengers to gather on the upper decks. He supplied coffee and blankets while he assured them that rescue was on its way.

The first ship on the scene was not the Baltic, but the Lloyd Italiano liner Florida. As a result of the collision with the SS Republic, its bow had been crushed back to a collision bulkhead. Three of her crewmen were killed. Fortunately for the 900 Italian immigrants on board, the Florida was not in danger of sinking. During the initial phase of rescue, the passengers were calmly transferred from the Republic to the Florida. This left the Florida dangerously overloaded. The Baltic had arrived in the vicinity, but due to the fog, was unable to locate the Republic until around 7:00 p.m. At this time, all passengers from the Florida were transferred to the Baltic. As was customary, women and children were taken off first. Then the original first-class men of the Republic were transferred. A riot almost erupted from the Italian immigrants when they were considered last. Order was maintained and the Baltic steamed for New York.

Captain Sealby, Jack Binns and a skeleton crew remained on the SS Republic in an effort to save her. The New York and the Cunard liner Lucania remained while a tow line was attached from revenue cutters. The attempt to bring her closer to land failed, and during the afternoon of January 24, 1909, the SS Republic slipped quietly into the ocean. The remaining captain and crew were picked up at of the water by the Revenue Cutter Senaca.

The Republic today is located fifty miles south of Nantucket Island, at Loran 14073.1 43453.4 in 250 feet of water. The wreck is sitting upright on a sandy bottom. Visibility in the area can reach 60 feet. The superstructure is collapsing. Penetration into the wreck is possible, with many holes created by salvage operations. The interior is loaded with artifacts; personal items, lamps, china, and brass of all types. Deep inside the wreck is a reported fortune in gold coins.