The skeletal remains of the Peter Iredale, a once majestic four-masted steel bark, stand as a stark yet captivating monument on the Oregon coast. Photographed here by Leo Simon of Portland on November 13, 1906, just nineteen days after its dramatic grounding near Fort Stevens, the wreck of the Peter Iredale has become an iconic and enduring landmark of the Pacific Northwest. This maritime incident, which occurred on a foggy morning in October 1906, is more than just a shipwreck; it’s a story of misfortune, survival, and an unlikely transition into a beloved tourist attraction, forever linking the name Peter Iredale to the scenic shores of Clatsop Beach.
The Voyage and Ill-Fated Turn
Constructed in 1890 in Maryport, England, the Peter Iredale was a proud vessel owned by the British shipping firm Iredale & Porter. On September 26, 1906, she embarked on what was intended to be a routine voyage from Salina Cruz, Mexico, to Portland, Oregon. Her mission was to load a cargo of wheat destined for the United Kingdom. The journey initially proceeded without major incident, even as the ship encountered patches of thick fog as it approached its destination. However, as the Iredale neared the mouth of the Columbia River in the early hours of October 25th, fate took a cruel turn. Captain H. Lawrence recounted the events leading to the grounding, explaining that while awaiting a pilot to guide them into the river, “a heavy southeast wind blew and a strong current prevailed.” This sudden shift in weather and the powerful current proved overwhelming, pushing the vessel towards the shore despite frantic efforts to steer clear. The Peter Iredale ran aground on Clatsop Beach with tremendous force, the impact snapping three of its masts and signaling the beginning of its permanent residency on the Oregon coastline. Remarkably, amidst the chaos and violent collision, none of the crew members sustained serious injuries.
Rescue and a Captain’s Farewell
Following the grounding, Captain Lawrence made the decisive call to abandon ship. Rockets were launched into the misty morning sky, signaling distress and summoning aid. The Point Adams lifesaving station responded swiftly to the call. A team of brave lifesavers was dispatched to the stricken vessel to conduct a rescue operation. Navigating treacherous conditions, they successfully brought all twenty-seven individuals aboard the Peter Iredale, including two unexpected stowaways, safely to shore. William K. Inman, one of the lifesavers involved in the rescue, vividly recalled the poignant scene as Captain Lawrence stepped onto solid ground. The red-bearded captain, standing tall and resolute, turned to face his wrecked ship, offered a salute, and uttered the memorable words, “May God bless you and may your bones bleach in these sands.” Then, addressing his crew, he produced a bottle of whisky, offering a comforting and perhaps celebratory drink to his men after their harrowing experience. A subsequent British Naval Court inquiry exonerated Captain Lawrence and his officers, concluding that the unforeseen wind shift and strong current were solely responsible for the Peter Iredale‘s stranding, absolving them of any blame.
From Shipwreck to Seaside Spectacle
The wreck of the Peter Iredale almost immediately became a source of public fascination. Just a day after the incident, the Oregon Journal reported on the wreck’s magnetic pull, noting that despite stormy weather, “scores flocked to the scene of the disaster.” Recognizing the burgeoning interest, the Astoria & Columbia River Railroad quickly made plans to capitalize on the shipwreck’s notoriety by organizing excursion trains to Clatsop Beach, transforming the site into an accessible and unusual tourist destination. Over the decades, the relentless forces of the Pacific Ocean – waves, wind, and sand – have gradually dismantled the once-proud Peter Iredale. Yet, even in its fragmented state, the shipwreck remains a powerful draw for visitors to the Oregon Coast. The skeletal hull of the Peter Iredale continues to be a popular attraction, offering a tangible link to maritime history and a dramatic photo opportunity against the backdrop of the Oregon coastline. The enduring presence of the Peter Iredale serves as a testament to both the power of nature and the captivating allure of maritime lore.
Further Reading:
Gibbs, James A. Pacific Graveyard: A Narrative of Shipwrecks Where the Columbia River Meets the Pacific Ocean. Portland, Oreg., 1964.
Marshall, Don B. Oregon Shipwrecks. Portland, Oreg., 1984.
Wells, R.E., and Victor C. West. A Guide to Shipwreck Sites along the Oregon Coast, via Oregon US 101. R.E. Wells & V.C. West, 1984.
