The United States captured Reina Mercedes on 17 July 1898 when the Spanish defenses at Santiago de Cuba surrendered. The U.S. Navy decided to salvage Reina Mercedes, and the Merritt-Chapman & Scott company was engaged to raise her.
The United States captured Reina Mercedes on July 17, 1898, after the Spanish forces at Santiago de Cuba surrendered. The U.S. Navy opted to salvage Reina Mercedes, and the Merritt-Chapman & Scott company was engaged for the recovery operation.