History in Pictures - Morro Castle

The Morro Castle was a ship that traveled between New York City and Havana, Cuba in the 1930's.  The Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Company began construction on her in January 1929.  She was christened March 1930.  She had her maiden voyage from New York City to Cuba on August 23, 1930.  

My grandfather, Hugh D. Turner, was born and raised in Newport News, VA.  He was a Merchant Marine and lived in New York City in the 1930's.  I am not sure if this photo was taken in VA or NY, but know it could only be taken taken between March 1930 and September 1934.

On September 8, 1934,  a fire broke out on the ship.  137 passengers and crew members lost their lives that day.  This changed how ships were designed with fire prevention in mind.

83 years after the disaster, here is Hugh's great grandson, Jack, at the memorial placed in Asbury Park, NJ. Near the location where the ship's hull came aground.