SS Independence

In 1950 the Bethlehem Steel Corporation began construction on the ship that would be known as the SS Independence. The vessel was built in Quincy, Massachusetts, and became a member of the Merchant Marine fleet. She was in active duty for 13 years, transporting goods the majority of the time, and military supplies or troops whenever necessary.

1974 brought major changes for the SS Independence. The ship underwent a massive reconstruction project and was put to use as a luxury passenger vessel. Even the ship's name was changed, and she became the SS Oceanic Independence. For the next 8 years the refurbished craft took vacationers to exotic destinations, but by 1982 it was time for yet another change - this time to go right back to what she was originally. Once again the vessel would be known as the SS Independence and return to the service of the US Maritime Commission.

Even with all the alterations that were made to this ship, one thing remained the same: it contained massive amounts of asbestos. The asbestos was found in insulation and other products that were an important to help keep the craft operating at an even and safe temperature. Insulating materials are essential on any vessel, and products that were made out of asbestos were very heat resistant and would even be able to help control or stop the spread of a fire. These, and other beneficial qualities, made asbestos one of the most sought after ingredients for thousands of goods that were produced by American manufacturers.

The advantageous features of asbestos did not come without a defect, and this was a massive one. Almost no one knew it back in the mid 1900's, but the mineral is toxic and exposure to it can cause tissue scarring within the respiratory system, difficulty with breathing and lung cancer. Perhaps the most serious condition that often develops within people who spend time near asbestos is a cancerous disease called Mesothelioma which has claimed the lives of thousands of people over the years. Microscopic bits of asbestos can be taken in through the nose or mouth, allowing them to start a cycle of harm to an unsuspecting victim.

2003 was another year of change for the SS Independence: the ship was sold to Norwegian Cruise Line. She was later renamed as the SS Oceanic in 2006, and sold off again the following year. For the next two years the vessel sat at a dock in California, but in 2008 it was finally towed out of the San Francisco Bay. Her fate remains unknown today.

Last modified: December 09 2009.