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.
Wonderlane/flickr
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.
By NoeHill - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0/Wikimedia
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.
Don Barrett/flickr
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.
M01229/flickr
The money that had been available for her restoration dried up, and the little ship has sat there ever since, slowly rotting away.
Wonderlane/flickr
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.
Wonderland/flickr
You’ll find the Mary D. Hume in the Port of Gold Beach, near the mouth of the Rogue River. It sits in the shadow of the Isaac Lee Patterson Bridge.
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?
Rick Obst/Google
Have you seen the Mary D. Hume in person? Share your photos and memories with our readers in the comments!
Wonderlane/flickr
By NoeHill - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0/Wikimedia
Don Barrett/flickr
M01229/flickr
Wonderland/flickr
Rick Obst/Google
You might also be interested in this famous shipwreck found in the northern part of the coast.
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