merida

query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9B0CEFDD1E3EE033A...

Herbert O. Benson, rescued radio operator of the sunk ship Merida. In Snopes.com, the article Same Old Slip repeats Benson's first-person account of the collision and his attempts to send an S. O. S. This dispels the myth (along with others in this article) that the Titanic in 1912 was the first ship to to send an S. O. S.

" The Merida is another well-known name in the treasure-salvage business. Ward Line's 6,207 ton passenger-freighter SS Merida, on May 12, 1911, enroute from Vera Cruz and Havana to New York, was carrying former aristocrats and other refugees escaping the Mexican Revolution of 1910. In a heavy fog, she was rammed amidships by the Admiral Farragut which itself became helplessly disabled. The wireless distress call was sent out and the steamship Hamilton responded. The Hamilton took on board all persons from both distressed vessels before the Merida sank in 210 feet of water approximately 80 miles east / northeast of Virginia Beach, Virginia. The rumor of the Merida's treasure goes something like this: there was not enough time to save the $6 million worth of gold and silver from the strong room, and the Maximilian jewels from the purser's safe. There are accounts of salvors working this wreck in 1932 and in the 1980s, but without success." www.rms-republic.com/other_cargos2.html

One of the first uses of SOS. Navy Library has the correspondence as it went down. Several articles were run in the Washington Post on May 13-14, 1911, including discussion of the sunken treasure. Should be obvious, but... photo is older stock image. They've bordered it off for publication.

title should read "wireless" query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9B0CEFDD1E3EE033A...

wow,Iook this pitcure make me a sleep. I hate about the old history....

Left: Herbert O. Benson, radio operator of the newly sunk Merida Right: C. Krauter radio operator of the Princess Anne This picture shows the radio operators from the Merida and the Princess Anne after the 319 passengers and crew of the Merida were rescued. The Merida sunk after colliding with the fruit steamer Admiral Farragut that was on the way back to Jamaica from New York. The Merida was said to be carrying 17 tons of silver bars and another $1 million worth of jewels and other coins. However, several attempts to recover the treasure since have recovered only a fraction of that. New York Times Coverage: New York Times - May 12, 1911 MERIDA PASSENGERS TELL OF HER LOSS; The Princess Anne Brings Crew and Travelers Saved from Sinking Ward Liner. New York Times - May 13, 1911 SUNK IN SEA CRASH; 319 PERSONS SAVED; Ward Liner Merida, Rammed by the Admiral Farragut, Goes Down Off Cape Charles. New York Times - May 14, 1911 EVERYTHING LOST ON MERIDA.; Ship and Passengers' Effects Worth $2,000,000, Says Company's Agent.

One of the first uses of SOS.

They look so healthy and well groomed , want to see some old movie