A STEP BACK IN TIME
Patrolman Lewis (Lou) Norris raced his Model-T Ford to meet them at the Coast Guard Station on Worthington Avenue. It soon became clear that Spring Lake would need to aid the survivors, many of whom leapt to their fate off the burning ship into the angry waters three miles offshore. FIRST RESPONDERS Around 6 am, Lifeboat No. 10 hit Spring Lake. Skeeter Yates and Stanley Truax, both young lifeguards, plunged into the waves to assist survivors. Hearing First Aid sirens, Dr. Patterson threw clothes over his pajamas, and after a call to police, went directly to the beach as so many others did to help. Dave Robinson and Captain Charles Brahn of the Spring Lake First Aid Squad each managed one of the two ambulances, a Packard and Studebaker. Three more Morro Castle lifeboats arrived on the shores of Spring Lake, while two boats beached in Sea Girt. Each boat was less than a quarter filled and predominantly held crew members. The other six boats never left the burning ship. A TOWN EFFORT As the day unfolded, travelers who had jumped into the water were rescued by local fishing boats, while others, due to prevailing currents, arrived ashore. Many citizens, including Maria Marucci, volunteered at triage centers around town. Miss Madeliene Clancy, secretary of the Spring Lake Red Cross, played a vital role collecting and distributing blankets, clothing, and food, as well as connecting survivors with their families. She worked tirelessly for two days straight. Shore residents and innkeepers opened their homes to the weary and exhausted. Dr. Louis Albright and his family tended to many survivors in their home on Madison Avenue. Mr. & Mrs. Cecil Horseman took in an eight year old boy, Benny, until the Red Cross learned his mother and brother had been rescued and found in New York. Over seventy homes opened their doors until relatives found their loved ones. Local shops helped as well. The American Stores Co (ACME), provided coffee, sugar, and milk, while Vorhees bakery supplied bread and biscuits. Employees of the Essex and Sussex prepared endless sandwiches while Walter McManus, President of the Crown Cork and Seal Company, sent a dozen cases of whiskey to the First Aid building. Merchants offered clothing to the people who swam ashore half dressed or still in their nightclothes. KINDNESS, QUESTIONS, CONSPIRACY Spring Lake became a field hospital that day. The Spring Lake First Aid Squad, Police and Fire Departments, as well as local lifeguards, fishermen, and citizens, rescued almost 150 passengers and crew. One resident said, “Of the many memories I have of
Goodwill Fire House was one of the locations used as a triage.
Rescue ships, including the USS Arizona (which would later be sunk at Pearl Harbor) came to help. In the end, the Morro Castle ran aground in Asbury Park.
THE MORRO CASTLE
BY KATIE SCHRADER - EDITOR A Reflection 90 Years Later
First Responders and citizens rushed to the beaches to help people on the lifeboats.
I am not an investigative reporter. I reluctantly remind myself of this whenever I delve into research. Still, disappointment lingered as I reiterated this while reading about Morro Castle, a luxurious ocean liner that ran aground September 8, 1934, resulting in 137 lost lives. I stumbled upon a labyrinth of conspiracy theories surrounding the popular ship which allowed travelers to circumvent prohibition laws while also transporting U.S. mail to Cuba under a lucrative government contract. Theories suggest arson, insurance fraud, a mutinous crew, and even a government cover-up. Rife with controversy, the story features an alleged corrupt radio operator, initially hailed as the hero but later suspected to be the villain. Riveting as it is, this article will not solve the nearly century-old mystery. Experts have written books attempting to unravel the case. However, my exploration rekindled another worthy tale of compassion, teamwork, and bravery, sprinkled with some conspiracy. MORRO CASTLE ABLAZE On the last night of the cruise back from Havana to Manhattan, the ship faced a nor’easter complete with gale force winds and turbulent seas. In the first hours the next day, a fire broke out in a storage locker and quickly spread.
Survivors at Spring Lake Police Headquarters.
the Morro Castle disaster, I will always remember the kindness of our people the most.” So, while many unanswered questions and theories continue to be reignited to this day, an undercurrent story of a town coming together to offer solace and respite to all those who suffered remains. (For anyone interested in the conspiracy theory part, read Inferno at Sea by Deborah C. Whitcraft or Morro Castle by Robert McDonnell and Fred Rosmussen. As McDonnell said, “This story is not over.”)
Mysteriously, Captain Robert Wilmott who had ordered the smoke detection system to be turned off three days prior, died hours before the fire started. Around 3am, 100 pounds of gunpowder aboard the Morro Castle exploded, scattering fire, smashing windows, and awakening people on land. THE SIGHTING On shore, summer residents Mr. Walter McManus and his son spotted the flaming ship in the darkness and quickly alerted local police.
We’re looking for contributors! If you want to be involved with Stroll Spring Lake , email ron.schrader@strollmag.com
14 August 2024
Stroll Spring Lake 15
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker