Recovery of the body of a child from MORRO CASTLE

photographic print

PHOTOGRAPHS
Associated Press
USA, NJ, Asbury Park
1934-09-09
paper
overall: 9 5/16 x 7 1/8 in.

A news photograph of R.W. Hodge, the Commander of the Fifth District Coast Guard, carrying the body of a child recovered from the wreck of the MORRO CASTLE. On September 9, 1934, the day after the wreck, workers were able to board the wreck and attach the breeches buoy seen here in order to access the ship. A description attached to the back of this Associated Press photo, written in French, says that Hodge was the first to go aboard the MORRO CASTLE after it grounded and that he is bringing back the burnt body of a child that he just found. Hodge reportedly spent five hours investigating the still-burning ship. He shared his experiences at the time, including discovering many burnt bodies and burning his hand on the rail of the ship when he reached out to steady himself at the sight of a particularly gruesome one. He also told the press the soles of his shoes had begun melting from walking on the deck.

2020.39.108