Vesta (I)

In December 1897 this three-masted schooner was in ballast under Captain Humboldt sailing up the coast from Huenema California to Port Townsend for a cargo of lumber. With continuous stormy weather this vessel was unable to take a navigational sight and the captain presuming his position to be 10 miles south of Cape Flattery carried on his course, but he was 30 miles out in his dead-reckoning. On December 9, 1897 this vessel was overwhelmed by a huge wave and swept over a reef nine miles west of Carmanah Point near Tsusiat Falls. This vessel was washed high up across the beach so far that her masts caught in the trees. The crew disembarked to follow the telegraph line. After two days the weather improved, and the captain and four men set out for Carmanah Lighthouse. Attempting to sail the survivors out to Victoria adverse conditions forced them to Neah Bay. For many years this vessel sat high and dry used as a cabin by the telegraph lineman. The wreck was later burned to salvage the copper fastenings. One of her anchors and other gear can be seen in the sand near the Hole-in-the-Wall.