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Liner SS Morro Castle burns...
Liner SS Morro Castle burns...
Item # 719171
September 09, 1934
HERALD EXPRESS, EXTRA, Los Angeles, September 9, 1934
* Liner SS Morro Castle burns w/ photo
* Ward Line cruise ship disaster
* Early, same day coverage
The front page has a terrific banner headline for display: "FEAR 300 KILLED AS BIG LINER BURNS IN STORM" with subheads and photo. (see images) More on pages 4 & 5
Twelve page "Extra", minor wear along the central fold, tape mend near the bottom of the front page, generally in good condition.
history notes: The SS Morro Castle disaster occurred on September 8, 1934, when a fire broke out aboard the luxury passenger liner during its return voyage from Havana to New York, resulting in the deaths of 137 people. The fire began in a storage locker near the writing room under suspicious circumstances and spread rapidly due to the ship’s flammable interiors, strong winds, and lack of adequate fireproofing. The situation was worsened by the recent death of the ship’s captain the night before, which left the vessel under the command of an inexperienced officer. Poorly trained crew members, malfunctioning fire suppression systems, and chaotic evacuation procedures led to panic, with many passengers forced to jump overboard into stormy seas. The ship eventually ran aground near Asbury Park, New Jersey, where it burned for days, becoming a gruesome spectacle. Investigations later raised suspicions of arson, particularly focusing on radio operator George Rogers, though he was never charged. The tragedy led to sweeping changes in maritime safety regulations, including stricter fireproofing requirements, better crew training, and improved emergency protocols.
Category: The 20th Century
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