N.L.'s Titanic connection revived

A little-known part of the role Newfoundland played after the Titantic sank is being revived as the tragedy nears its 100th anniversary.

After the ship — described as unsinkable — struck the iceberg 99 years ago Friday, the distress call it sent out was received by a small wireless station in Cape Race in eastern Newfoundland.

Cape Race was the only land-based location to receive the transmission that read, "Struck iceberg. Badly damaged. Abandoning ship." Operators at the station passed on news of the disaster to the rest of the world.

Cape Race Heritage Inc. president Gertie Molloy said the group hopes to enlighten others about the station's role in the tragedy.

"Anyone from up our way knows the connection Cape Race has to the Titanic, and we're all stunned [as to] why doesn't anybody else know this, right?" said Molloy.

The group has announced plans ahead of next year's centennial for the Titanic. An extension to the wireless station is planned, as well as film and literary festivals and a dinner theatre.

On the day of the historic event, a re-enactment of the wireless message exchange has been planned.