The skeletal remains of the Peter Iredale offer a striking and poignant scene on the Oregon coastline. Captured in this evocative photograph from November 13, 1906, by Portland-based photographer Leo Simon, we see the ship just nineteen days after its dramatic grounding near Fort Stevens. This image serves as a powerful introduction to the enduring story of the Peter Iredale Wreck, a maritime event that continues to fascinate visitors and history enthusiasts alike.
A Fateful Voyage: The Story of the Peter Iredale
Built for the Seas: The Ship’s Background and Journey
The Peter Iredale was not just any vessel; she was a majestic four-masted steel bark, a testament to British shipbuilding prowess of the late 19th century. Constructed in Maryport, England, in 1890, she belonged to the esteemed British shipping firm Iredale & Porter. Her final voyage began on September 26, 1906, when she set sail from Salina Cruz, Mexico. Her destination was Portland, Oregon, where she was scheduled to load a cargo of wheat destined for the United Kingdom. The journey initially progressed smoothly, even as the Iredale encountered dense fog as she approached her destination. By the early morning of October 25th, they had successfully navigated to the mouth of the Columbia River, seemingly within reach of safe harbor.
Disaster Strikes: Running Aground at Clatsop Beach
However, fate had other plans. Captain H. Lawrence, the ship’s commander, recounted the sudden turn of events. As they waited for a pilot to guide them into port, a powerful southeast wind suddenly arose, coupled with a strong and unexpected current. The combination proved catastrophic. “Before the vessel could be veered around,” Captain Lawrence explained, “she was in the breakers and all efforts to keep her off were unavailing.” The mighty Iredale, unable to combat the forces of nature, was driven aground at Clatsop Beach with tremendous force. The impact was so severe that three of her masts snapped instantly, a dramatic symbol of the ship’s demise. Incredibly, despite the violent crash, none of the crew sustained serious injuries. Recognizing the hopelessness of the situation, Captain Lawrence made the difficult decision to abandon ship, and distress rockets were launched into the sky, signaling their predicament to any nearby rescuers.
Rescue and Reflection: Aftermath of the Wreck
Heroic Rescue: Saving the Crew
The distress signals did not go unnoticed. The Point Adams lifesaving station, ever vigilant, swiftly mobilized a rescue team. Braving the treacherous conditions, the lifesavers embarked on a daring mission to reach the stranded crew. The operation was fraught with danger, but the skilled and courageous lifesavers successfully brought all twenty-seven men aboard the Peter Iredale, including two unexpected stowaways, safely to shore.
Captain’s Words and the Inquiry
William K. Inman, one of the lifesavers involved in bringing Captain Lawrence ashore, vividly recalled the captain’s poignant reaction. Standing tall and resolute, the red-bearded Captain Lawrence, with a palpable sense of loss, saluted his stricken vessel. His words, echoing with maritime tradition and resignation, were, “May God bless you and may your bones bleach in these sands.” Turning to his crew, he offered a different kind of solace, presenting them with a bottle of whisky and the simple invitation, “Boys, have a drink.” In the aftermath of the wreck, a British Naval Court of Inquiry was convened to investigate the incident. After careful consideration of the evidence, the court concluded that the sudden and unforeseen shift in wind and the powerful current were the primary causes of the grounding. Crucially, the court exonerated Captain Lawrence and his officers, finding them “in no wise to blame” for the unfortunate shipwreck.
An Enduring Landmark: The Peter Iredale Wreck Today
From Shipwreck to Tourist Attraction
The grounded bark quickly transformed from a maritime casualty into an unexpected point of interest. Even the day after the wreck, the Oregon Journal reported on the immediate public fascination, noting that the wreck “proved a strong attraction…and in spite of the gale that was raging scores flocked to the scene of the disaster.” Recognizing the wreck’s appeal, the Astoria & Columbia River Railroad quickly made plans to capitalize on the public’s interest by running excursion trains directly to the site, further cementing its status as a tourist destination.
A Lasting Legacy on the Oregon Coast
Time and the relentless forces of nature – wave, wind, and sand – have taken their toll on the once-proud Peter Iredale. Over the decades, the ship has gradually succumbed to the elements, breaking apart and sinking into the sands of Clatsop Beach. Yet, remarkably, the Peter Iredale wreck endures as a popular and iconic tourist attraction to this day. Its skeletal frame, emerging from the sand, serves as a haunting reminder of the power of the sea and the enduring stories of maritime history along the Oregon Coast, drawing visitors to witness this piece of the past firsthand.
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.
