Storm Surge Unveils Buried 1930s ‘Sin Ship’ Off San Diego

So far this winter, El Nino storms have brought huge waves to California and Hawaii. Now the surging tide waters have washed away enough sand from the shores of Coronado Island off the coast of California to unveil a 1930s shipwreck. 

And it’s not just any shipwreck either. Rumors have it there could be $100,000 in silver coins buried beneath the sand, according to NBC San Diego.

The ship, named the SS Monte Carlo, served as a floating gambling casino and drinking establishment (and probably other sinful activities) during prohibition days. Evangelists at the time prayed for its demise, but that didn’t stop famous actors such as Clark Gable and Mae West from frequenting the establishment.

A storm pushed the 300-foot vessel off its moorings in 1936 where it washed up on the neat and proper Coronado Island. The evangelists cheered its landing, where before long the sand slowly overtook the wreck until its salvage was too costly if not impossible.

But now, thanks to high surf and winds, enough sand has washed from the South Coronado Beach to reveal more of the ship than ever before. 

Photo credit: Coronado Eagle & Journal

 

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