S.S. Astorian Sinks in Puget Sound Fog
A collision with a Union Oil barge results in the loss of a vessel carrying cargo from the San Juan Islands.
Dense fog has taken another toll of Puget Sound steamers. The S.S. Astorian was sunk after a collision with a Union Oil Company barge recently on her way from Bellingham to Seattle. All on board were saved; the barge was towed to Smith Cove. The S.S. Astorian carried a cargo estimated to be worth $6,000, consisting chiefly of turkeys from the San Juan Islands, intended for Seattle’s Christmas.
“Dense fog has taken another toll of Puget Sound steamers.”
Maritime accidents in Puget Sound were common in the early 20th century due to frequent fog and heavy vessel traffic. While navigational technology has vastly improved, the waters between Bellingham and Seattle remain challenging for mariners even today.
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