The SS Rex was an Italian ocean liner built by Ansaldo in Genoa for the Italian shipping company Navigazione Generale Italiana, later operated by Italia Flotte Riunite. Launched in 1931, she entered service in 1932 and sailed between Italy and North America. The Rex was known for her luxurious interiors, elegant design and impressive size. In 1933, she won the prestigious Blue Riband for the fastest westbound crossing of the Atlantic, making her a symbol of Italian engineering and national pride. During World War II, she was used as a hospital ship for a short time before being laid up. On 8 September 1944, she was attacked by Allied aircraft near the coast of Slovenia and caught fire. After several days, she capsized and sank in shallow water. The loss of the Rex marked the end of one of Italy’s most celebrated ocean liners.
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