International Ice Patrol
"An international service is to be established by the nations chiefly interested in the purpose of an ice patrol and ice observation as well as the deconstruction of derelicts in the North Atlantic. It is to be under the control of the United States...in locating ice in determining its limits to the south the east and the west and in keeping in touch with it as it moves southward in order that vessel may be kept informed by wireless telegraphy of its position."-Lord Mersey
Formed at the SOLAS Convention to replace the earlier Revenue Cutter Service, the International Ice Patrol is run by the United States to control North Atlantic icebergs. Over 40 ships were damaged and fifteen vessels sank from 1882 to 1890 because of icebergs. However, it took the Titanic disaster for more serious action to be taken. On February 7, 1914, patrol work began and has been maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard. Since Ice Patrol formed, no fatalities have occurred from icebergs in Newfoundland's Grand Banks, where Titanic sank.
“All ice is brittle, especially that in bergs, and it is wonderful how little it takes to accomplish their destruction. A blow of an ax will at times split them, and the report of a gun, by concussion, will accomplish the same end. ”–Ensign H. Rodman
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