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RMS Republic Issues the First CQD Distress Signal
23 January 1909
On 23 January 1909, RMS Republic issued the first recorded CQD distress signal after its collision with the Lloyd Italiano liner SS Florida.Republic was navigating through a thick fog off Nantucket when it collided with the Florida, resulting in the death of six passengers. Republic began to take on water and gradually sink, but she was equipped with the new Marconi wireless telegraph system, and became the first ship in history to issue a CQD distress signal, sent by Jack R. Binns.
At the time of Republic’s sinking, ocean liners were not required to have a full capacity of lifeboats for their passengers, officers and crew, so the distress signal probably saved many lives. The Florida was able to take many of the passengers from the stricken ship, but the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service cutter Gresham responded to the distress signal as well and was able to take on several hundred passengers that couldn’t fit on the Florida.
RMSRepublic would founder for 39 hours before sinking to the ocean floor. Thanks to the CQD signal over 1200 passengers were saved, but there are many rumours that Republic was carrying gold and/or other valuables when she went down.
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