You'll Want To Get One Last Look At this Oregon Shipwreck Before It's Gone For Good
By Catherine Armstrong|Published March 19, 2019
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Catherine Armstrong
Author
Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.
The Oregon coast is home to several visible shipwrecks, but there’s one that’s unique from the others. You’ll find it in a river, not the ocean, and it didn’t run aground like most shipwrecks. Check out the Mary D. Hume:
The Mary D. Hume was built in 1881, and made her mark as the longest-serving fishing vessel on the entire west coast.
Constructed with local lumber from the Gold Beach area, the Mary D. Hume worked in several capacities, first as a cargo ship, then as a whaling ship up in Alaska. She even served as a tugboat. In all, this little vessel put in 97 years of service.
In 1977, the ship was retired and big plans were made for her to become a floating museum in Gold Beach. She was sent back to Gold Beach, where a local historical society was eagerly awaiting.
Unfortunately, the Mary D. Hume suffered a devastating accident when she slipped out of the sling that was supporting her for renovation, and slid right into the mud on the banks of the Rogue.
Even after all hopes of restoration were gone, the ship still serves a purpose. She's covered in moss and lichen, and serves as a habitat for small fish and other creatures.
The vessel continues to slowly sink, and depending on the river's water level, can be all but invisible at times. Who knows how much longer this little treasure can be seen?
