Mr E. F Warms, acting captain of the Morro Castle at the time of the disaster, giving evidence at the inquiry. He believed that the fire may have been started deliberately. The Morro Castle, a U.S passenger ship, caught fire on her regular route from Cuba to New York. The speed in which the fire spread cause 133 people to lose their lives. The disaster highlighted the need for fire precautions, such as fire proof doors and sprinkler systems, to be included on all passenger ships.