Asbury Park Former Sections - Part 10
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Township of Ocean Historical Museum!
FORMER SECTIONS OF THE TOWNSHIP OF OCEAN
A confluence of misfortunes added up to tragedy for the Morro Castle. The liner was on its 174th return trip from Havana to New York when its captain died mysteriously. That same night, a fire of suspicious origin broke out on board. The acting captain delayed signaling for help, thinking at first he could make it to New York. An oncoming Nor’easter fanned the flames. By 3 a.m. the ship--whose design and materials contributed to the fire’s spread--was ablaze. They were six miles off Sea Girt. Launch of the lifeboats was hampered by fire. Just 6 made it to shore, carrying only 85 people--80 of whom were crew members! Panicked passengers, who had received no lifesaving instruction, jumped into the sea. Nearby ships sped to pick up survivors.
The Morro Castle's hulk beached in Asbury Park, just north of Convention Hall.
