Galveston, Texas: SS Selma - Concrete Ship

Experimental warship with a concrete hull (ferrocement) just missed WWI when christened in 1919. The 400-ft. long SS Selma's stint as an oil tanker ended less than a year later after she hit a jetty and cracked. The ship was towed here but never repaired.

SS Selma Concrete Ship Hulk

Mention to the guard you only are interested in seeing this ship and she will probably let you in free. Otherwise it may cost you $6.00 dollars just to turn around!

[Robin Cohea, 10/19/2012]

SS Selma - Concrete Ship

Built in 1919 by F.F. Ley and Company in Mobile, Alabama, the SS Selma was originally intended to serve during World War II. However, the signing of the Treaty of Versailles on June 28, 1919 officially ended the war. The SS Selma was then commissioned as an oil tanker in the Gulf of Mexico. In May of 1920, the ship hit a jetty in Tampico, Mexico, tearing a 60 foot crack in her side. The ship was towed to Galveston for repairs but workers there were inexperienced in working with concrete ships. She remained in Galveston until 1922 when officials decided to dredge a 25 foot trench off Pelican Island and scuttle her there.

Today, the SS Selma still rests in the waters just north of Galveston. She can be clearly seen from Seawolf Park in Galveston, among other locations.

[Cindy L., 03/25/2012]