J. B. Ranson - Rescue of The RMS Republic

Rescue of The RMS Republic

Ranson was the captain of the ship RMS Baltic, which rescued 1600 passengers and crew from the stricken liner RMS Republic (sailing from New York to Gibraltar and Mediterranean ports) when it collided with the Italian liner Florida in fog off the island of Nantucket, Massachusetts, Saturday, January 23, 1909. Submarine bells, depth sounding, and radio signals were used by Ranson to locate the drifting RMS Republic.

This was the first occasion on which the CQD distress call had been sent by wireless transmission.

Ranson was awarded the Lloyd’s Life Saving Medal "as an honorary acknowledgement of his extraordinary exertions in contributing to the saving of life on the occasion of the steamships Republic and Florida being in collision in the vicinity of the Nantucket Lightship on the 23 January 1909".

As a joint expression of the gratitude of saloon passengers from the White Star's Baltic and Republic, Ranson received a special commemorative award CQD "Gold" Medal, in recognition of the gallantry of the seamen who had taken part in the rescue.

American wrist-watch millionaire, Ralph Ingersoll, undertook the striking and distribution of the medals, presented to all crew members and captains involved in the incident.

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