See The S.S. Hurricane Camille Before It’s Gone Forever
It seems that the Gulfport landmark S.S. Hurricane Camille may have finally been defeated and will be removed after over 30 years along U.S. Highway 90. From the Biloxi Sun Herald newspaper:
For nearly four decades it sat in the same spot, almost mocking large hurricanes and the frequent squalls that festered in the Gulf.
Over time, it became a draw for tourists and a colossal reminder for locals, but chances are, bulldozers will soon scrape away what’s left of the SS Hurricane Camille.
The 72-foot tugboat East Point was pushed ashore in August 1969 with its bow facing west on property owned by Lucille Moody’s parents.
The family noticed curious crowds would gather to take pictures after the storm and because it was a natural attraction for tourists and locals, the Moodys bought the boat and changed the name.
Railroad tracks were built to scoot the vessel more than 200 feet south to where it sits today. Moody opened a tiny gift shop near the stern in 1970.
“I think it has a lot of historical significance,” said Missy Bennie, who was visiting last week with a volunteer group from Iowa that decided to stop for pictures in front of the old tug.
“I honestly think you guys should do whatever it takes to keep it,” she said. “It’s a historical reminder of what happened here, and it gives you a pretty good idea of how powerful storms can be.”
Moody, a college student when Camille struck South Mississippi, is now in her 60s. She has no plans of reviving the iconic vessel or the gift shop.
“I’m too old to start over,” she said. “We’re going to sell the property, and I don’t know what will happen to the boat.”
Historical experts on the Coast seem to agree the tugboat probably has about as much historic value as the knickknacks sold in the gift shop, but it’s hard to find a local who doesn’t know about the boat Camille beached.
Moody said a price has not been set and a sales contract on the property will not include any requirements to save the SS Camille.
“I’m not going to tear it down, but if someone buys the property and wants to remove it, then that will be up to them,” she said. “If I had a dollar for every time a tourist had their picture taken in front of the boat, I’d already be in the Riviera.”
The Moodys had several holes cut in the hull so if another storm surge ever splashed through Gulfport, the SS Camille would not float away. That surge-plus some-happened again in August 2005.
The boat survived two of the worst storms in U.S. history. It survived the casino invasion of the 1990s and it even outlasted some of the largest gambling barges on the Coast, but today, its days seem numbered.
Also from the Biloxi Sun Herald:
After standing for nearly four decades in the same spot, the SS Hurricane Camille’s future is unknown as the land it stands on is up for sale.
The 72-foot tugboat, originally named East Point, was pushed ashore in August 1969 on the property owned by Lucille Moody’s parents. The boat soon became a tourist attraction and the Moody’s bought it and changed the name.
The family had several holes cut in the hull so if another storm surge came through Gulfport, the boat would not float away. Another surge did hit the area during Hurricane Katrina.
Moody was a college student when Camille struck South Mississippi. Now in her 60s, she has no plans of reviving the vessel or the gift shop that accompanied it.
“I’m too old to start over,” she said. “We’re going to sell the property, and I don’t know what will happen to the boat.”
Though a price has not been set, a sales contract on the property will not include any requirements to save the SS Camille, she said.
There is a boom in high-rise condo construction currently ongoing along the Mississippi Gulf Coast and more than likely the property will be purchased by one of those companies or by a nearby casino that is currently rebuilding its gambling facilities as well as a resort.
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April 14th, 2007 at 2:51 pm
Hurricane Camille was a very powerful storm back in 1969. I feel that boat needs to stay in place as a reminder of the power of nature and I think it should be made into a landmark.
May 7th, 2007 at 8:17 am
The following is a letter my wife sent to the Mayor of Gulfport and The Sun Herald. The SS Camille can not be destroyed…
Let SS Hurricane Camille anchor Gulfport’s history
My husband and I are owners of undeveloped land in the Landon Lakes section of Gulfport. As my husband’s sister lives in Long Beach, we have taken some family vacations to visit over the last few years.
Our last visit, almost two years ago, was a very different trip for me. It was different because a month earlier I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I vividly remember that visit - probably because in August 2005 I was seeing things with “different eyes.” I remember walking along the beaches acknowledging the intense power held within the ocean waters. I felt so small walking along the beach that day with my oldest daughter, and I couldn’t help but wonder: Would I survive? Would I be around to walk on this same beach next year?
I can still visualize the bead of water dripping down the freezer as I purchased an ice for my daughter from a vendor. As we walked along the streets, I took in every sight - the beauty of the homes, the decorated facades of the souvenir shops, and the expressions on the residents’ faces. Not for a minute did I think that one week later most of those things I studied so intently would vanish - some for a while, some forever.
One thing that my family and I always looked for was the SS Hurricane Camille. It was interesting to learn the story behind the little beached tugboat. When we heard that she survived Hurricane Katrina, we were even more impressed. To me, this boat was an inspiration. If the SS Hurricane Camille could weather the storm, then so could I.
We have subscribed to receive the Sun Herald in New Jersey to keep up with the happenings in Gulfport (a town where we hope to one day reside), and it saddened us to learn that now, after everything she has been through, SS Hurricane Camille’s future is at stake.
I have written and asked Mayor Warr to save the historical SS Hurricane Camille by having her bought and placed in a public museum so people can continually appreciate her story.
I have read that some argue that SS Hurricane Camille has no worth. Financially - maybe not. Historically - absolutely. As a representation of the strength of the people of Gulfport - most definitely.
Since 1969, the SS Hurricane Camille has drawn curious crowds for tourist photos. Her pictures have appeared in many newspapers and magazines over the course of 38 years. She continued to maintain her dignity by amazingly surviving Hurricane Katrina.
Please, do not let the SS Hurricane Camille end up as scrap metal but rather as a dedication of honor to the people of Gulfport who themselves have weathered the storm and have survived the trials and tribulations of having to rebuild and start over. I understand that as part of the redevelopment, many Coast properties are being bought and construction of condominiums and casinos is underway. It is wonderful to see that Gulfport is undertaking new beginnings. With that in mind, let’s anchor part of the past by protecting SS Hurricane Camille.
CAROL M. SULLIVAN
Nutley, New Jersey
October 9th, 2007 at 12:34 am
I would hope that people would not be stupid to remove a historic landmark… somethig needs to be done.
October 29th, 2007 at 5:12 pm
This is most interesting even though I don’t live anywhere near this landmark. I find the story to be very encouraging and wish that this could be saved.
If anyone knows the current status of the boat please post as I am currious to see if someone can save this vessel.
January 13th, 2008 at 12:48 pm
i think it would be a really bad idea to destroy the boat. to me it represents all of the 256 people that lost there lives and the 20,000 homes that were damaged or totally destroyed
March 25th, 2008 at 8:13 pm
I would honestly hate to see the boat removed or destroyed. Being in the Emergency Management field, I have become fascinated with Hurricane Camille and I believe the landmark is a demonstration of how severe Mother Nature can be. Too many people have become complacent and forget how important it is to be prepared. This can be a reminder.
May 7th, 2008 at 9:14 pm
I hate it that the S.S. Camille was torn down yesterday. It makes me want to cry. It did have value and a permanent place on Hwy. 90. But, that has changed now. Gulfport has lost a jewel.
May 7th, 2008 at 9:51 pm
Stacy, that is indeed sad news.
June 9th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
It saddens me to know that my favorite boat as a child and adult is gone. Were the people who decides what landmarks stay and which ones are torn down on vacation when this was discussed? I guess noone could build a comdo around the boat? Not everything can be sold on ebay to keep it alive in peoples hearts. This was a national treasure in my heart and in my memory. Thank God some folks have great pics posted for us (who survived the hurricanes) to look at . Thank you.