The White Star liner Republic collided with the Italian ship Florida in fog near Nantucket in January 1909. Its wireless operator transmitted distress signals that helped bring rescuing vessels to the scene. Although Republic sank, nearly everyone aboard was transferred safely before it disappeared.

The rescue inspired popular verse that marvelled at invisible radio signals crossing fog and ocean. In literary culture, Republic marked a transition from the isolated shipwreck of traditional balladry to a modern sea increasingly connected by technological voices.