RMS Tahiti Makes Wireless History on 2800 Mile Journey

The RMS Tahiti made history on a 2800-mile journey by being the first ship to use wireless telegraphy for communication. This achievement was a significant milestone in the development of wireless technology.

The Tahiti's wireless telegraphy system was used to send and receive messages over long distances, revolutionizing the way ships communicated with each other and with shore-based stations. This innovation had a major impact on the shipping industry.

The RMS Tahiti's sinking was a dramatic event that unfolded over several days. On 12 August 1930, the ship set sail from Wellington with 103 passengers, 149 crew members, and 500 tons of general cargo.

The ship was about 480 nautical miles southwest of Rarotonga when its starboard propeller shaft broke, causing rapid flooding. This happened at 4:30 a.m. on 15 August 1930.

The crew launched distress signal rockets and prepared the passengers for the possibility of abandoning ship. They also fought to slow the flooding in an effort to save the ship.

The Norwegian steamship Penybryn arrived to assist at 10:10 p.m. on 16 August. Penybryn stood by Tahiti through the night with her floodlights illuminating the ship and her boats ready to go to the assistance of Tahiti's passengers and crew if needed.

Tahiti's passengers and some of her crew abandoned ship at 9:30 a.m. on 17 August. All lifeboats were away in just 13 minutes.

The US steamship Ventura arrived on the scene and signalled that she could take Tahiti's passengers and crew aboard. Ventura picked them up soon after they abandoned ship.

The crew of the Tahiti then returned to the ship in Tahiti's boats to try to save the first class mails and luggage.

RMS Tahiti was a pioneering ocean liner that made history by being the first ship to cross the Atlantic Ocean in under 7 days.

The ship's record-breaking journey was made possible by its advanced design and powerful engines, which enabled it to travel at an average speed of 22 knots.

The RMS Tahiti's impressive speed allowed it to shave off over 2,800 miles from the previous record, making it a groundbreaking achievement in maritime history.