Just Cruises Plus

Contest Photo - SS Ridgefield

Last week’s photo contest was a tough one.  Only 2 people correctly identified the island (Grand Cayman)and only one correctly identified the ship (SS Ridgefield).  We took the photograph 30 years ago while visiting Grand Cayman.  We rented a moped and rode to the East end of the island and came upon the rusted old Liberty ship.

The Ridgefield was a true tramp steamer.  She was originally built as a World War 2 cargo ship and changed owners and names several times.  She was one of 2710 Liberty ships built during the war.   On a frigid December night in 1962, the Ridgefield was sailing toward Galveston, Texas with a load of grain and beer when she struck a shallow reef off of the East end of the island.  She has been a permanent resident of Grand Cayman ever since.  The ship is still there but time and weather have taken their toll on the wreck and the bow and stern are pretty much gone –  but parts of the ship can still be seen.  However, we don’t know if the beer is still there.

The winner is Rocky Cestroni who will receive a $25 gift card.  This brings us to next week’s contest.  There is one glaring error in the above paragraphs.  Can you identify the error?  Those who email (or call) us with the correct answer by Thursday, October 24th will be entered into a drawing for a $25 gift card.

PS. If you would like a daysail on a real World War Liberty ship,  Check out the website for Project Liberty Ship.