Vashon
Sternwheel Steamer · United States · Lost 1911 · The Salish Sea
One of Puget Sound's oldest sternwheelers burned to destruction at the Anacortes dock, apparently from spontaneous combustion in her hold.
Become Captain of RecordSee Shipwreck on Map
The Vessel and Her Loss
Vashon was a wooden sternwheel steamer built in 1891 in Aberdeen, Washington, and one of the oldest steamers still working Puget Sound waters by 1911. While tied up at the Great Northern dock in Anacortes, preparing to load salmon at Lummi Island, she caught fire in Guemes Channel in November 1911, reportedly from spontaneous combustion. Captain Robert Fredericks and his crew escaped; one fireman was injured but recovered. The vessel was a total loss.
Vessel
- 1891
- US registry no. 126766
- Not established
- Aberdeen, Washington
- Wood
- 127 ft
- 19.5 ft
- 342
- Steam, sternwheel
- Mackie Bros of Everett
Loss
- November 1, 1911
- Fire
- Guemes Channel, near Anacortes
- Salish Sea
- Seattle → Lummi Island (to load salmon for the Island Belt company)
- Not established
- Not established
- 0
- Robert Fredericks
The Wreck Today
- Not established
- Totally destroyed by fire
- Not established
- Not established
- Not established
Position
- 48.51° N 122.62° W
- Approximate position
- Anacortes, Washington
Approximate location in Guemes Channel near the Anacortes waterfront.
Evidence
Overall confidence: Partially documented (60/100)
Exact date of loss and present condition of any remains are not established in the sources reviewed.
Saltwater People Historical Society, citing the San Juan Islander, December 1, 1911
Full loss narrative, dimensions, ownership, crew names.
