The SS Russell Sage was a Liberty ship built at J.A. Jones Construction, Panama City, Florida, during World War II. The ship was named after Russell Sage, an American financier, railroad executive, and Whig politician. The SS Russell Sage was laid down on 25 November 1943, under a Maritime Commission contract, and launched on 5 January 1944. The SS Russell Sage was allocated to Marine Transport Lines, Inc., on 29 February 1944. On 26 February 1947, the cargo ship was sold to Caribbean Land & Shipping Corp., for commercial use. It is well known that Navy ships built prior to 1970 contained significant amounts of asbestos-based materials that were used in areas such as engine rooms, fire rooms, boiler rooms, and turrets. The damage caused by asbestos can often be hidden for years or even decades, and many veterans have been blindsided by the development of asbestosis or mesothelioma. Anyone who has worked onboard the SS Russell Sage or been involved in her repair should be on the alert for signs of asbestos-related diseases and consult a doctor immediately if they experience any associated symptoms.
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