Endurance Exploration Group, Inc. announced the successful completion of Phase 1 of Project Sailfish with the identification of the wreck believed to be that of the S.S. Connaught, a mid-19 century steamship reportedly lost with a cargo of gold coins. Built in Ireland and launched in 1860, the 380-foot iron-hulled side-wheel steamer S.S. Connaught was lauded as one of the larger and most luxurious ocean-going liners in service, a true Titanic of her time. Upon sinking on only her second voyage, the S.S. Connaught became best known for her tragic role in what has been called one of the most courageous and daring rescues in maritime history.

The elegant S.S. Connaught departed Galway, Ireland on September 25, 1860, bound for Boston by way of St. John's, Newfoundland. She departed for the final leg to Boston with 50 first-class passengers, 417 in steerage and a full crew of 125.

In addition, she was quietly loaded with 10,000 in gold coins, possibly bound for a visiting member of the British royal family.