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.
On July 17, 1898, the United States seized Reina Mercedes following the surrender of Spanish defenses at Santiago de Cuba. The U.S. Navy decided to recover Reina Mercedes, and the Merritt-Chapman & Scott firm was hired for the salvage operation.