S.S. Contessa Standard Fruit Tropical Steamer torpedoed off coast of Cuba 1942

Description: This RPPC looks smaller than a normal sized postcard by a tiny bit. This Real Photo Postcard (RPPC) captures the S.S. Contessa, one of the iconic steamers from the Standard Fruit & Steamship Company. The postcard highlights the ship’s design and its role in tropical cruising through the Caribbean and Central America. in 1942, the S.S. Contessa met a tragic fate during its wartime service. She was torpedoed by a German U-boat (U-507) on July 4th, 1942, while traveling in the Caribbean Sea near the coast of Cuba. The ship was heavily damaged and eventually sank. Fortunately, all passengers and crew were rescued, and there were no casualties from this attack.The S.S. Contessa's story is reflective of the wider transformation of commercial vessels during WWII, with many civilian ships being repurposed for military efforts. Her sinking illustrates the risks faced by cargo and passenger ships in war zones. Newsworthy Details:Tropical Cruise Specialization: The S.S. Contessa and its sister ship, the S.S. Cefalu, were known for their regular routes to tropical destinations like Cuba, Panama, Nicaragua, Honduras, and Mexico, offering weekly sailings. The ships were specifically designed as oil-burning steamers for swift tropical journeys.Standard Fruit Legacy: Operated by the Standard Fruit & Steamship Company, these vessels were famed for their high standards of comfort, courtesy, and service, catering to tropical routes during a time when such cruises were a luxury experience.Story Section: The S.S. Contessa was part of a fleet that brought not only fruit but also passengers to some of the most exotic and warm locales in the world. It reflects a time when tropical cruising was a unique experience, providing passengers with a chance to explore beautiful islands and coastal areas of the Caribbean and Central America. Condition Information: The postcard is in great vintage condition with clear, sharp details of the ship and lighthouse in the background.Scanned images of both the front and back are provided for clarity and condition details. Please refer to the scans for more specifics.Historic Value & Charm to Your Collection: This postcard provides a glimpse into the maritime history of the Standard Fruit & Steamship Company and its tropical cruises. A perfect addition to any collection of maritime history, ocean liners, or tropical travel memorabilia. Fun Fact Section: The S.S. Contessa and her sister ship were a part of Standard Fruit’s contribution to both fruit transport and leisure cruising. These ships combined efficient transport with an elegant cruise experience, a rarity for tropical routes at the time. Shipping & Handling Information: Postcard sleeve protection.Shipped in a rigid envelope to ensure safe delivery.Combined shipping is available on multiple purchases.Ships the next business day.Community Building: As I share my cherished maritime collection, I hope to find these treasures new homes. Please explore my other listings for more unique postcards and enjoy combined shipping savings. Happy Words:S.S. Contessa PostcardStandard Fruit Steamship Co.Vintage Tropical Cruise LinerReal Photo Postcard Ocean LinerCaribbean Travel MemorabiliaRPPC Tropical Voyage ShipMaritime History CollectibleOil-Burning Steamer ShipCentral America Ocean TravelHistoric Fruit Steamer PostcardStandard Fruit Fleet LinerCoastal Voyage Ocean LinerNautical History CardMaritime Photography PostcardExotic Tropical RoutesSteamship and Fruit CompanyVintage Travel ArtifactSeaside Cruise MemorabiliaTropical Destinations TravelHistoric Maritime Artifact

Price: 28.88 USD

Location: Miami, Florida

End Time: 2024-12-04T03:16:01.000Z

Shipping Cost: 1.5 USD