SS Irish Pine

A company known as Irish Shipping Ltd. was established in 1941 to produce ocean going vessels for Ireland. They built several ships that would replace the country's existing fleet, which was falling apart after years of use. Among these was a craft known as the Irish Pine which was launched in 1948. Most of the ships that were built at this time did not enjoy a long life in the Irish fleet. Some were damaged, a few were restructured and others were sold off.

The SS Irish Pine made her way into the Merchant Marine fleet of the United States. She was purchased for the purpose of supporting the commerce of America by transporting goods, and to assist the military during a time of war or national crisis by carrying equipment and personnel to international locations.

Ships may have been built differently in Ireland than they were in the US, but they still had all the same basic components. Among them was the need for insulating materials that lined key areas throughout the vessel to steadily maintain a moderate temperature. One of the best types of insulation to accomplish this goal was made out of a mineral called asbestos, which was a natural fire retardant. It helped keep equipment running at an even temperature, lined the duct work on every level and posed an unexpected threat to the people who spent time on board the vessel.

Asbestos is poisonous, but people in America were not always aware of that fact. Most did not have any idea that it was a toxin until that information became widespread during the 1970's. Any exposure to the mineral can be harmful to your health, but people who spend large amounts of time close to it become far more likely to develop serious conditions such as Asbestosis and Mesothelioma. These are extremely dangerous and often even deadly because they have no cure and are difficult to even treat.

Whether it was under the control of Ireland or America, the SS Irish Pine served proudly and carried people and commodities safely across the ocean. Unfortunately even when the ship provided secure transportation, the presence of asbestos made the journey a hazardous and potentially deadly experience for everyone on board.

Last modified: December 09 2009.