SS Steel Traveler

The SS Steel Traveler was built in 1945 by the Ingalls Shipbuilding Corp. and commissioned by the USMC the following year. This vessel sailed as part of the US Merchant Marine fleet until 1973 when it was sold to the I. Chon Steel & Iron Works and used for scrap by the Republic of China.

During her nearly 3 decades on the sea, the SS Steel Traveler endured many mishaps. In November of 1948 the ship collided with an object that was submerged too deeply to be seen. Two propellors were fractured upon contact, and the vessel had to be taken to a shipyard for repairs. A fire erupted on board in 1950 when a spark from a welder's torch landed on some flammable materials. Before the flames could be put out, they had damaged a large amount on cargo and electrical work, and once again the ship was temporarily out of commission. More fixes were made over time as the ship suffered through minor collisions, horrendous weather conditions and several small fires.

It may have seemed as though the SS Steel Traveler had a streak of bad luck, but these incidents were not the only trouble that was found on board the ship. Like most other sea going vessels, the Steel Traveler contained various items that were made out of the mineral asbestos. Although we now know that asbestos is toxic and a danger to everyone who gets close to it, during the years this ship was in use most people had no idea that the mineral posed any sort of health hazard. In fact, it wasn't until the early 1970's that this information started to become public knowledge, and by that point the ship was no longer a part of the US fleet.

Asbestos is a danger to people because it is comprised of microscopic fibers that can float freely in the air, thus allowing anyone nearby to breathe them in. Consequently, the fibers will attach themselves into the respiratory system and remain permanently secured there. The tiny invaders are extremely damaging to lung tissue, and they can cause large amounts of scarring. Over a period of several years, asbestos frequently promotes the development of breathing disorders, respiratory diseases and even cancer.

There is no way of knowing how many crew members who sailed on the SS Steel Traveler have developed disorders or diseases as a result of being exposed to products made out of asbestos. Sadly, anyone who spent time on board was put at a great risk of inhaling the poisonous substance and becoming ill as a result, or even developing the fearsome, incurable and often deadly cancer known as Mesothelioma.

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Last modified: December 09 2009.