A Foggy Collision in Seattle Harbor
The tugboat Mystic is sent to the bottom of Elliott Bay after a collision with the steamer State of Washington, but the crew miraculously escapes.
The sinking of the tug Mystic by the steamer State of Washington Friday evening was the main topic of conversation along the docks yesterday. The collision occurred about 400 yards off Schwabacher's wharf in thick fog. Capt. Morrison of the Mystic reported that his boat was moving slowly and blowing its fog whistle, but he claimed the State of Washington was traveling too fast for the conditions. When the collision occurred, the Mystic was heeled over so violently that the engine room nearly filled with water, forcing the crew to dive for safety. While the tug was a total loss, all six men on board were saved. The bow of the State of Washington was also damaged in the encounter. Local inspectors are expected to investigate the incident to assign blame.
“The force of the collision was so great that the Mystic was heeled over far enough to nearly fill the engine room with water.”
This collision in the fog highlights the immense danger of early Seattle maritime traffic, a stark contrast to modern radar-guided navigation. Today, the area near the former Schwabacher’s Wharf is part of the densely developed waterfront near Pike Place Market and the ferry terminal.
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