RMS Republic (1903)

Republic
History
United Kingdom
Name	Columbus (1903) Republic (1903–1909)
Owner	British & North Atlantic Steam Navigation Co. Ltd. (1903) Oceanic Steam Navigation Company (1903–1909)
Operator	Dominion Line (1903) White Star Line (1903–1909)
Port of registry	Liverpool
Builder	Harland and Wolff, Belfast
Yard number	345
Launched	26 February 1903
Completed	12 September 1903
Fate	Sunk after collision with SS Florida on 24 January 1909
General characteristics
Tonnage	15,400 gross register tons
Length	570.0 ft (173.7 m)
Beam	67.8 ft (20.7 m)
Draft	34 ft 1 in (10.39 m) .
Depth of hold	24 ft (7.3 m)
Propulsion	Twin propeller
Speed	16 knots (30 km/h)
Capacity	2,830 passengers
Crew	300

RMS Republic was a steam-powered ocean liner built in 1903 by Harland and Wolff in Belfast, and lost at sea in a collision in 1909 while sailing for the White Star Line. The ship was equipped with a new Marconi wireless telegraphy transmitter, and issued a CQD distress call, resulting in the saving of around 1,500 lives. Known as the "Millionaires' Ship" because of the number of wealthy Americans who traveled by her, she was described as a "palatial liner" and was the flagship of White Star Line's Boston service.^[1] This was the first important marine rescue made possible by radio, and brought worldwide attention to this new technology.