The Burned MORRO CASTLE off of Asbury Park

photographic print

A photograph of the burnt out hull of the MORRO CASTLE, in shallow water off of Asbury Park, New Jersey. On September 8, 1934, a fire broke out in the luxury ship's writing room and quickly engulfed the entire ship. Most of the crew ended up in front of the fire, while most of the passengers ended up behind it with little guidance as to how to escape, and the fire quickly cut off both the lights and the radio. Only half of the ship's lifeboats were launched, filled mostly with crew, and many passengers were forced to jump into the rough water. Due to a combination of structural problems, ill-preparedness, high winds, and poor choices by the crew and later by rescuers, 134 people died and many others were badly injured. The abandoned ship drifted for a day and then came to rest just off Asbury Park's beach, where it became a tourist attraction. This photo is by Stickeler Photo.