SS Lurline

The SS Lurline was built in 1932 and immediately put into service carrying passengers from Hawaii to various states on the West Coast. The advent of World War II brought a tremendous change for this ocean going craft.

As the war began, a large number of ships were constantly needed to transport troops and military supplies. Enemy submarines specifically targeted members of the Merchant Marine fleet that were charged this important responsibility. These subs were quite adept at damaging or sinking American vessels, so a call went out to build as many new ships as possible and to turn existing crafts into military operatives. To help in the war effort, the SS Lurline was converted for use by the US Maritime Commission and put into active duty.

Both the civilians and the military personnel who traveled great distances on board the SS Lurline were subjected to the a danger that they remained completely unaware of for many years. While on board, each person was likely to breathe in microscopic bits of asbestos that had broken off from insulation or other products which were found all over the craft. Those that inhaled the material faced the very real possibility of developing breathing disorders, diseases and even the dreaded cancer called Mesothelioma. All of this might occur to these sailors, because asbestos is a poisonous substance that can make people very ill or even claim their lives.

Asbestos was discovered in massive deposits in the United States in the 1800's. It quickly became a valuable and important resource and was used to create hundreds of products. Of course at that time people did not know the mineral is toxic, or that just by being around it they were endangering themselves. Nearly a century later this knowledge became widespread, and use of the material became strictly regulated by government agencies.

Following the war, the ship was converted back to once again become a passenger vessel. $18 million was spent on the project, and by 1948 the ship set off on a journey from California to Hawaii. As the SS Lurline arrived, she was greeted by massive crowds who welcomed her and the return of tourism to the islands.

Last modified: December 09 2009.