RMS Republic
 Republic | |
| History | |
|---|---|
 United Kingdom | |
| Name |
|
| Owner |
|
| Operator |
|
| Port of registry | Liverpool |
| Builder | Harland and Wolff, Belfast |
| Yard number | 345 |
| Launched | 26 February 1903 |
| Completed | 12 September 1903 |
| Home port | Liverpool |
| Fate | Sunk after collision with SS Florida on 24 January 1909 |
| General characteristics | |
| Tonnage | 15,400 gross register tons |
| Length | 585.0 ft (178.3 m) overall |
| Beam | 67.8 ft (20.7 m) |
| Draught | 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, the first major marine rescue made possible by radio. 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.