The Republic sailed from New York on Oct. 18, 1865, carrying 59 passengers and a cargo of gold. The storm hit off Georgia. For two days, the steamship battled hurricane winds and giant waves. Then the engine failed and the the Republic went down. Since 1865, the Republic has sat a third of a mile deep in the ocean off the coast of Georgia, its paddle wheel still visible. It was found by a team of explorers that hopes to bring $350 million worth of gold to the surface.