After Disaster, Shipyards Scrutinized
Following the tragic Clallam disaster, federal inspectors turn a watchful eye toward ongoing construction at Tacoma’s Heath shipyards.
The steamer Jefferson, now under construction at the Heath shipyards in this city, and the Majestic, which is being remodeled, were given a thorough inspection today by United States Marine Inspectors Whitney and Turner, Captain S. B. Gibbs, surveyor for and agent of the Marine Underwriters' association, and R. U. Hills, Lloyds' agent. The vessels are owned by the Alaska Steamship company and the Puget Sound Navigation company, whose managers are especially desirous of having the inspection made, in view of the Clallam disaster. Heath was the builder of the Clallam. He is applying the same method and plan of construction to the Jefferson as were adopted in the building of the Clallam. For that reason, particular interest attaches to the result of the inspection. The Majestic is a product of another shipbuilder, and in her reconstruction, the owners are desirous of having the work done in the best manner possible.
“Heath was the builder of the Clallam. He is applying the same method and plan of construction to the Jefferson as were adopted in the building of the Clallam.”
The Clallam disaster (1904) was a foundational maritime tragedy in Puget Sound history, claiming 56 lives and shaking local confidence in industrial safety. Today, the site of the former shipyards remains part of Tacoma's industrial waterfront, where the tension between rapid economic expansion and public safety remains a persistent civic theme.
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