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The Goliah steamer paying out the electric wire
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The Goliah steamer paying out the electric wire
The first submarine electric telegraphic despatch from Dover to Cape Grinez, near Calais. Here, the cable is laid out as the Goliah steam ship sails from England to France, accompanied by HMS Widgeon. After arriving in France however, the cable failed and it was discovered that a French fisherman had hauled up the wire with his catch, and cut it
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Media ID 4400267
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
1850 Arriving Cable Calais Cape Despatch Dover Electric Failed Laid Sails Steamer Submarine Telegraph Telegraphic Widgeon Wire Goliah
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This photograph captures a significant moment in maritime and telecommunications history: the first electric wire transmission from Dover, England to Cape Grinez, near Calais, France. In the image, the Goliah steam ship sails majestically from England, accompanied by HMS Widgeon, as they prepare to lay the newly-laid submarine electric telegraph cable between the two countries. The cable, a marvel of technology for the time, was expected to revolutionize communication, allowing near-instant messages to be sent across the English Channel. The scene is set against the backdrop of the late 1850s, an era of rapid technological advancements. The cable, which was laid using the newly-invented cable-laying ship CS Nautilus, was expected to provide a more reliable and faster means of communication compared to the traditional methods of sending messages by mail or using semaphore signals. However, the triumphant moment was short-lived. Upon arrival in France, the cable failed, leaving those involved in the project puzzled and disappointed. The cause of the failure was later discovered to be a French fisherman who had inadvertently hauled up the cable with his catch and accidentally cut it. Despite this setback, the event marked the beginning of the submarine telegraph era, paving the way for more successful attempts and the eventual establishment of a reliable transatlantic telegraph cable connection in 1866. This photograph serves as a testament to the perseverance and determination of those who dared to push the boundaries of technology and communication during this period. The image also highlights the importance of collaboration between nations and the role of the sea in shaping the course of history.
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