Getting the report that the Port (or more likely, an independently hired crew) has started "dismantling" the SS Catalina in the bay in Ensenada.
I just got off the phone with a friend of mine, very closely involved with the (eventually unsuccessful) attempts to save the entire ship (and whose
efforts first brought this to my attention over 10? years ago) and we're seeking photos of what the ship looks like *as of today* AND photos of any
parts/pieces that may be lying along the shore that have not been transported away as of yet.
Does someone have the time/camera/availability to do such today?
If the weather's like it is in San Diego this morning, I realize that may not be a realistic possibility, and if so, at the earliest time that there's
a significant break in the weather would be what we're looking for.
Thanks,
--
Doug Means
[Edited on 12-15-2008 by BajaNomad]fernando - 12-15-2008 at 09:24 AM
hi Doug
I may be able to take a couple of pics. I have not much time today so iuf you tell me what is the fastest easyest way to acces the area where the
Catalina is I would apreciate it.
Fernando
Baja Outfitters & Adventures www.baja-outfitters.comBajaNomad - 12-15-2008 at 10:37 AM
The last few times I've gotten up close from land, I've accessed the area by - ahhhh - well, "clearing" the fence a block west of Blvd. Costero, (and
a block or two to the north of the Chevrolet (?) dealer and Las Cazuelas de Kiki restaurant).
I've just walked out and taken a few pictures from the shore there, which is where the Catalina is sitting. I'd imagine it'd be that same shore where
any parts would be laying - if there were any to be seen (or on a barge if there's one nearby the ship).
They've continued with construction in that area, and it's always possible it's more difficult (or problematic) to access the shore there today than
in years past. My last time out was probably about a year ago.
Just out of curiosity, can anyone tell me the weather in Ensenada today?
Thank you for any help you can be with this Fernando.
Regards,
--
Doug Meansfandango - 12-15-2008 at 10:37 AM
fernando:
if you travel on blvd lazaro Card##as from the cultural center towards the naval base, look to your right and you will see the ss catalina. you can
turn right at one of those small streets and get a good view of the ship.
hurry...DENNIS - 12-15-2008 at 10:42 AM
Weather here started with semi-clear skys but, has clouded over, cold and windy. If it doesn't rain soon, it's missing a good chance.DENNIS - 12-15-2008 at 12:14 PM
11;15 AM.........Raining now and blowing harder, out of the south. A very nasty day.BajaNomad - 12-15-2008 at 01:08 PM
Thanks for the weather info and updates....
fernando - 12-15-2008 at 01:43 PM
Hi Doug
I managed to get near the boat not to much though and took a couple of pics. please give me your email so I can send them to you.
The wind has picked up a lot and oits defionetly stormy. Ill send you a pic as well of todays weather
take care
Fernandofandango - 12-15-2008 at 01:48 PM
doug:
when you get the photos from fernando, please post them.BajaNomad - 12-15-2008 at 01:49 PM
Fernando,
Thank you for your efforts.
You can use the email link with my posts - and may need to respond to a confirmation email (checking for "real" email senders).... or I'll send you an
alternative one via u2u.
Thanks,
--
Dougfernando - 12-15-2008 at 02:00 PM
OK just sent you the email. I havent figured out how to post pics in the Forum
hope they are useful
FernandoBajaNomad - 12-15-2008 at 04:03 PM
I'm so appreciative of the members of this forum, and the overall willingness to support each other.
Thank you very much to Fernando of Baja Outfitters, who took time out of his busy schedule today - and braved the elements - to snap pictures of the
SS Catalina for me.
I'm including a couple of looks at image(s) I received from Fernando, along with one of those he sent demonstrating the weather being experienced
today in Ensenada.
THANKS for doing this for me Fernando!
BTW - if anyone else "happens" to be in the general vicinity and can easily take another shot or two of the ship that would show any further details
(or a look at it from a different angle - or maybe closer-in), it would continue to be of great interest and assistance.
Thanks so much.
Regards,
--
Doug Means
(edit: hey, I need to attach the photo!!!)
[Edited on 12-15-2008 by BajaNomad]
David K - 12-15-2008 at 04:12 PM
Looking forward to seeing them, Doug!bajaone - 12-15-2008 at 04:12 PM
I will be in Ensenada next week. I will shoot some pics and send to you if you like.
ChrisBajaNomad - 12-15-2008 at 04:16 PM
Set back a little to see where the shore is in relation to the ship.
I forwarded these pictures to my contact, and although they seem difficult to pickup the details in, he was able to describe in great detail what was
now removed, and what still remained on the ship - just from Fernando's pics alone. Again, thank you very much Fernando!
BajaNomad - 12-15-2008 at 04:18 PM
the wind in Ensenada earlier today (from Fernando)...
BajaNomad - 12-15-2008 at 04:20 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by bajaone
I will be in Ensenada next week. I will shoot some pics and send to you if you like.
Chris
Chris,
At the rate they're taking things off, I don't know what'll remain by then to take pictures of???!!!
I am interested in seeing any other angles at this that would be easily available - and appreciate your offer to help out with this.
Thanks,
--
Doug MeansBajaNomad - 12-15-2008 at 04:25 PM
If we were able to find a museum - or other taker - to permanently keep and maintain the steam engine smokestack, and then "negotiate" somehow to
acquire it in this process....
Anyone have any thoughts on where it could be temporarily stored in the area?
How about a suggestion for transporting it to the border - or into Southern California? (who?; how?)
If it ships sideways, the walls on the smokestack would need to be bolstered, otherwise it would collapse.
Thought I'd put it out there and see what everyone's thoughts were on this.
Thanks,
--
Doug MeansPaulina - 12-15-2008 at 05:08 PM
I'm willing to bet that after they take off anything and everything of "value" she'll be put to rest with the others that are moored out in front of
Rancho Packard, Punta Banda, IF she makes it that far.
P<*)))>{bajabound2005 - 12-15-2008 at 07:00 PM
well, if it makes it to Rancho Packard we can take pix of it daily from our patio!
Lot's of earlier photos of SS Catalina at this link
Too bad it wasn't able to get saved... Adios SS Catalina!
SS Catalina pic's
beachbum1A - 12-16-2008 at 08:30 AM
Here are a couple of shots taken (3) months ago.
Oops
beachbum1A - 12-16-2008 at 08:33 AM
try this;
beachbum1A - 12-16-2008 at 08:36 AM
And..
BAJACAT - 12-16-2008 at 09:18 AM
who legally owns this vessel?David K - 12-16-2008 at 09:32 AM
Quote:
Originally posted by BAJACAT
who legally owns this vessel?
This is on Doug's Escapists site (link above):
History:
This historic steamship, known as the "Great White Steamer," was built by Santa Catalina Island owner and chewing gum magnate William Wrigley in 1924
at a cost of one million dollars. She was used to elegantly transport passengers to the island of Catalina from the mainland. From the time of her
maiden voyage in 1924 to her retirement in 1975, she ferried over 2.4 million people to and from Avalon Bay on Catalina Island.
During World War II, the SS Catalina did her part by being used in San Francisco Bay to transport a total of 820,199 troops, more than any other Army
Transport throughout the war.
On September 1st, 1976 the Great White Steamer was bestowed the honor of being placed on the National Register of Historic Places (reference#:
76000495). She is also registered as California State Historical Landmark No. 894 and as the City of Los Angeles Historical Cultural Monument No.
213.
In 1977 the Catalina was sold to a private party, and her troubles began. She was taken to Ensenada, Mexico about 17 years ago. She began slowly
sinking towards the end of 1997 and, as a result of 1998's El Niņo season, is now partially submerged, listing 15 degrees to her port side, in the
Port of Ensenada. Divers have inspected the damage, and the Catalina can be repaired and refloated.
Current Situation:
Abandoned by her previous owners, the SS Catalina was seized by the Mexican government. The Port of Ensenada is building a $21 million cruise ship
terminal and the Catalina is in the way. The Mexican government intends to donate the ship to the rescue effort in a collaborative effort to find a
positive outcome for this once beautiful ship. However, we must come up with the funds to refloat and repair her. If we fail to raise the needed
funds in a timely manner, Mexican officials will be forced to dismantle the Catalina for scrap metal in order to get her out of their harbor.BAJACAT - 12-16-2008 at 09:40 AM
Thanks DK I will miss it , that was part of the fun of taking a sea side boat trip in the bay...BajaNomad - 12-17-2008 at 11:58 AM
Quote:
Originally posted by beachbum1A
Here are a couple of shots taken (3) months ago.
Thank you for those pics.
Word was they started with the dismantling about a week ago, and if you look at Fernando's pictures closely enough, you can see where the base of the
smokestack is more exposed where they've removed much of the top deck already, including the nearby funnels. Someone's already been in contact with
the dismantling operation and found out the funnels still exist as-is (they were not yet cut into pieces).
That's about all I know at the moment.
Still thankful for Fernando's pictures, but would definitely be interested in further "looks" at what the present situation is.
The David Engholm quoted in the story is the person with whom I'm in contact with this week regarding the ship.
--
Doug
[Edited on 12-17-2008 by BajaNomad]lizard lips - 12-28-2008 at 10:15 AM
Doug,
Just had a conversation with my neighbor who works for a company here in Ensenada that was contracted by a group out of Monterrey who is dismantling
the ship and that the entire Catalina will be gone within six months.
They are also going to dismantle the ships that are anchored just south of Punta Banda.
If you want further information as to who these companies are (full names) please let me know.
Sorry to see her go but it was just a matter of time.DENNIS - 12-28-2008 at 01:10 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by lizard lips
They are also going to dismantle the ships that are anchored just south of Punta Banda.
They had better hurry as only three of the original six remain floating. Two are on the beach, probably forever and the third must have broken loose
when we had a strong south wind, sending it out to sea.JohnH - 1-5-2009 at 09:55 PM
Was in Ensenada Sat. There definitely was a boat there next to it and all I could see was the frame of the Catalina and it definitely looked like
pieces were coming off it. I remember how pristine it was even in 1996 when I first started working on the Carnival Holiday and I was there twice a
week for five years. Sad to see how bad it deteriorated. Sorry to see it go.
Johndocsmom - 1-8-2009 at 10:24 AM
Thanks SS Catalina for the great times. You were a great ship, and what memories I have.....
jonke
BAHALOU - 1-8-2009 at 08:17 PM
This thing should of been scrapped long ago. Bring out the torchesfdt - 1-9-2009 at 07:09 AM
Recuperadora de Acero de Monterrey is in charge of the dismanteling along with that of two other ships, the Colima and the Manzanillo. The note reads
that they are taking it apart piece by piece in order to salvage the steel and proceed with it's recycling. They proyect starting with the recycling
by February.
note says that docens of sea lions are becoming an atraction on the Bay of Ensenada, for years they lived on the Catalina that has now been
dismanteled.
