Posted in Oregon Nature October 12, 2017 by

Few People Know About This Slowly Sinking Ship Wreck On The Oregon Coast

For decades, the wreck of the Mary D. Hume has been resting half-submerged near the mouth of the Rogue River in Gold Beach, Oregon. This historic ship was originally built in Gold Beach back in 1881. During her 97 years of service, the Mary D. Hume saw use as a tugboat, whaler, and coastal freighter. Today, she is slowly sinking.

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The wreck of the Mary D. Hume is a fascinating reminder of the past.
Flickr/Rick Bergstrom
The Hume is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
She rests half-submerged near the mouth of the Rogue River in Gold Beach, Oregon.
Flickr/Wonderlane
The Mary D. Hume was in use for an impressive 97 years.
The ship was built in 1881 by R.D. Hume and soon became a symbol of Oregon's thriving salmon fishing industry.
Flickr/Wonderlane
For her first 10 years, the Mary D. Hume carried shipments of salmon back and forth between Gold Beach and San Francisco.
After the salmon industry started to decline in the 1890s, the Mary D. Hume was converted into a whaler in Alaska.
Flickr/Wonderlane
The boat now holds the record for largest catch of a baleen whale in the industry.
In her heyday, the Mary D. Hume also saw use as a halibut vessel and a tugboat.
Flickr/David Berry
The ship was officially retired in 1978. While it was originally going to be turned into a floating museum, an accident caused the Hume to start sinking in 1985.
Today, the wreck is a habitat for both marine and terrestrial animals. While you may not be able to spot them, several species of fish and invertebrates make their home here.
Flickr/Wonderlane
The top deck is carpeted with a thick layer of grass and other plants.
The wreck is located several yards off shore, within sight of the famous Isaac Lee Patterson Bridge.
Trip Advisor/Bree J
To learn more, you can stop by and check out this fascinating ship wreck in person. You may want to visit before it's gone for good.

What do you think of the Mary D. Hume? Share you thoughts, experiences, and photos with us below!

For more unique attractions in Oregon, check out our previous article: 12 Abandoned Places In Oregon That Nature Is Reclaiming.