During the first World War, steel was becoming scarce. President Woodrow Wilson approved the construction of 24 concrete ships. Of the 24, only 12 were built, at a total cost of $50 million. By the time the ships were completed, the war had already ended.

S.S. Atlantus

A steamer that was eventually purchased for use in a ferry landing. During construction of the landing, she broke free in a storm and grounded on the beach of Cape May, NJ.

S.S. Cape Fear

A steamer that collided with a cargo ship in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island. The Cape fear shattered and sank, killing 19 crewmen.

S. S. Cuyamaca

An oil tanker later stripped and converted into a floating oil barge in New Orleans.

S. S. Dinsmore

An oil tanker probably sunk as a breakwater in Texas.

S. S. Latham

An oil tanker turned into a floating oil barge in New Orleans.

S. S. Moffitt

An oil tanker also turned into a floating oil barge in New Orleans.

S. S. Palo Alto

An oil tanker turned into a dance club and restaurant at Seacliff Beach, California. She is now fishing pier.

S. S. Peralta

An oil tanker turned into fish cannery and finally a floating breakwater in British Columbia, Canada. She is the last of the fleet still afloat.

S. S. Polias

A steamer that hit an underwater ledge off Maine and eventually sank.

S. S. San Pasqual

An oil tanker that ran aground off Cuba and was used as a depot ship and prison. Today, she is now a ten-room hotel.

S. S. Sapona

A steamer sold for scrap but converted into a floating liquor warehouse during Prohibition. Finally, she was grounded off shore of Bimini during a hurricane and is now a popular dive site.