Joseph H. Moran II
The ship known as the SS Joseph H. Moran II II sailed under several different names during her history. Originally the vessel was given the monicker of ATR 47 when it was built in 1943, and that was later changed to ATA 125 when the US Navy purchased her in 1943. By 1947 the ship had changed ownership and names again, as the Moran Towing & Transport Corp. from New York bought it and christened the vessel as the Joseph H. Moran II.
For several years the Joseph H. Moran II was a part of the Merchant Marine fleet for the United States Navy. Her primary mission was always to transport goods on an international level, but during a war the ship would serve the purpose of carrying military equipment or even troops. Every ship that was part of this fleet would take on this duty any time it became necessary.
Military personnel and civilians alike spent time on this vessel, and each one came into contact with products that were made out of asbestos. These people didn't know it at the time, but those items were actually a serious health hazard to them, because asbestos is toxic. This fact was not widely known until the 1970's, and by then millions of Americans had been affected by exposure to the hazardous mineral.
Simply being around goods that contain asbestos is dangerous because dust particles from the mineral frequently break apart and become airborne. The dust has the ability to float, so it becomes part of the air supply and is unknowingly ingested by anyone around. From there, the material can cause tissue scarring, difficulty breathing and a host of other maladies. Among the more dangerous aspects of exposure to asbestos is the possibility of developing lung cancer or the often deadly disease Mesothelioma. Since no one was aware of these dangers, all of the crew members of the Joseph H. Moran II were put in peril every time they were on board.
After 1947, the Joseph H. Moran II changed names a few more times, and was even brought back under the ownership of the Moran Towing & Transport Corp. where she once again was known by her third and most commonly used title. The vessel was eventually sold to the French Navy and sunk as a training target in 1985.
Last modified: December 28, 2010.
