MIDDLETOWN – Historic Old First Church will serve as the host to an author who will discuss the about Morro Castle disaster, followed by a brunch to benefit residents who are still struggling to recover from the superstorm Sandy.
The Morro Castle program and brunch will take place at 10 a.m. on Oct. 24 at the church at 69 Kings Highway.
Deborah Whitcraft and Gretchen Coyle, co-authors of “Inferno at Sea, Stories of Death and Survival Aboard the Morro Castle,” will revisit one of New Jersey’s greatest maritime disasters.
The authors’ extensive research offers a fresh view of the sensational 1930s tragedy. Copies of their 2012 book will be available. The program will be followed by a reception brunch and book signing.
Awe-struck thousands viewed the blackened wreck of the luxury cruise ship Morro Castle following the fire that destroyed it on Sept. 8, 1934. Drifting, the blazing remains of the ship grounded near Convention Hall in Asbury Park.
Trapped by flames, passengers had to choose between burning alive or jumping into the sea. Many took that plunge and drowned. Today, haunting questions about the Morro Castle linger. What caused the captain’s suspicious death, what started the fire, and why did 137 people perish so close to the Jersey Shore?
Whitcraft is the founder and president of the New Jersey Maritime Museum at Beach Haven. Coyle is a recognized authority on New Jersey maritime history and is the former president of the Long Beach Island Historical Association.
All proceeds from the program will be used to purchase building materials for Churches Accomplishing Long Term Recovery (CALTR), a 501(c)3, not-for-profit group of volunteer workers dedicated to home reconstruction for Jersey Shore victims of superstorm Sandy.
Advance reservations for the Morro Castle program and brunch are encouraged. To make a reservation, mail a $20 check payable to CALTR to: Old First Church, 69 Kings Highway, Middletown, NJ 07748. The deadline for advance reservations is Tuesday, Oct. 20. Admission on the day of the program is $25. Call 732-758-8144 for more information.