Shipwreck Series
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Photography
Columbia River Maritime Museum - 1792 Marine Drive - Astoria,
Oregon 97103 - 503.325.2323
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Collection: 551 Shipwrecks, by name
Title: Steamer Admiral Benson stranded
at Peacock Spit
Date/circa: February 15, 1930
Photographer: unknown
Ship Stats: length: 299 ft.; tonnage: 2962 tons; built in Wilmington, Delaware
Subjects: Admiral Benson (steamer); Shipwrecks
ID#: CRMM 551-11474
Notes: The S.S. Admiral Benson was the
Pacific Steamship Company's Portland - California liner. It wrecked inbound
at the Columbia River entrance near Peacock Spit outside of the North Jetty
under the command of Captain C.C. Graham on February 15, 1930. The Coast Guard
removed all 39 passengers in lifeboats from Point Adams and Cape Disappointment.
The crew of 65 and the Captain remained on board because it was believed that
the vessel could easily be refloated. By February 18th the entire crew was
removed by breeches buoy due to increasing wind and seas. Captain Graham remained
on board until February 24th when the wreck was abandoned. No lives were lost.
Click here to find the location of this shipwreck on the Shipwreck Map.
Source: The H.W. McCurdy Marine History of the
Pacific Northwest, Lloyd's Register