The S.S. CATALINA lies in Ensenda harbour, on Mexico's west coast, just south of the California Border.

S.S. CATALINA drawing by Tom Nicolai from a long running grassroots campaign to save the ship.

Built at Los Angeles shipbuilding and Drydock Company, 1924
1,766 GRT
302 x 52 feet
15.5 Knots
Two triple expansion-reciprocating steam engines built by Hoover, Owens & Rentshler of Hamilton, Ohio. Each engine has a 2000 horsepower capacity.

Years of Service: 51
Current Owner: S.S. Catalina Preservation Association.

Launched in 1924, built by Santa Catalina Island owner and chewing gum Magnate William Wigley. She was used to transport passengers from Los Angeles to the island. During her working life she carried over 2.4 million passengers to and from Avalon Bay on Catalina Island.

Commissioned as FS 99 during War service. Active from August 25, 1942 to April 15, 1946 in San Francisco Bay, the SS Catalina carried over 800,000 troops in San Francisco Bay, more troops than any other army transport throughout the war.

Retired in 1975 and place on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. CATALINA is registered as California State Historical Landmark No. 894 and City of Los Angeles Cultural Monument No. 213.

In 1977 she was sold to a private party. Around 1985 she was taken to Ensenda in Mexico, eventually abandoned, she began sinking in 1997. She lies at a list of 15 degrees partially submerged. CATALINA now belongs to the Mexican Government. The Port of Ensenada is planning to build a new cruise terminal and she is in the way. The Mexican Government plans to donate the ship to the "S.S. Catalina Fund. Inc" for her restoration but money must be raised to refloat her, stabilize her, then finance a tow back to the the United States.

S.S. CATALINA, at Ensenda, 25 April 1998. Photo and copyright Peter Knego.

S.S. CATALINA's funnel at Ensenda, July 29, 2000. Copyright Martin Cox.

S.S. CATALINA, at Ensenda, July 29, 2000. Copyright Martin Cox.

S.S. CATALINA, forepeak stairs, July 29, 2000. Copyright Martin Cox.

For S.S. CATALINA history go to: CATALINA - the first 75 years by Shawn Dake

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