Liners (2/2)

SS Mohawk postcard
A postcard of the Mohawk, a typical 1930s passenger liner

A liner is a vessel designed primarily to carry passengers on a set schedule. There was a time when ocean liners were more than the mere pleasure cruisers of today. Before the advent of modern air travel, ships were the primary means of transport for those needing to cross the oceans. Untold numbers of immigrants came to this country in passenger liners, most in steerage class, a far cry from the modern floating pleasure palaces.

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Shipwreck Republic
Type:
liner, White Star Line
Name:
One of the "-ic" series of White Star liners, which included such other ships as the Georgic, Olympic, and Titanic.
Built:
1903, Ireland
Specs:
( 570 x 68 ft ) 15378 gross tons
Sunk:
Sunday January 25, 1909
after collision with steamer Florida - 2 casualties
Depth:
240 ft

Liners

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Thresher Shark

Alopias vulpinus

Size:
to 20 ft including tail

Habitat:
open ocean, both coastal and over very deep water, also in the Mud Hole

Notes:
not especially dangerous

This shark feeds mainly upon small fishes which it stuns with its long tail. It has relatively weak jaws and small teeth for its size and is generally not considered a threat to man unless provoked. Thresher Sharks are capable of great bursts of speed, and also commonly leap completely out of the water, for reasons unknown. The Thresher is a favorite of shark fishermen, and is very good eating if cleaned and prepared properly. It is also a common bycatch of long-line commercial fishing. The Bigeye Thresher shark is even more bizarre ( it's purple ! )