Ozama Steamship - Haiti Observer Blog

Marine archeologist Dr. Spencer has recovered an English steamer, the Ozama, near the U.S. South Carolina coastline. Originally named Craigallion, the vessel is an integral part of Haiti's history, believed to hold a ballast of gold in its hull for well over a century.

The Ozama sailed the South region, most frequently to Panama and the Caribbean, including Haiti. In 1888, the Ozama hauled an armament of artillery to Cap Haitien. The shipment was intended to halt a planned coup d'etat against Haitian President, Florvil Hyppolite.

Another time, the Ozama transported $300,000 gourdes to Haiti, part of $1,000,000 in secured bonds Haiti would receive later. The vessel caused a world-wide uproar when Haiti stole it one time. In a cause célèbre, the U.S. told Haiti if they did not return the Ozama, the U.S. would bomb Port-au-Prince.

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