Shipwreck site changing everyday

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Story Published: Feb 7, 2008 at 6:04 PM PST

By Britt Carlson

NORTH BEND- A historical treasure is uncovered on the north spit and as the winter storm season progresses, more is revealed everyday.

Since this old shipwreck was discovered earlier this week, it's become a new beach attraction.

Oregon State Parks first heard about it in early January, but as the recent winter storms produced rough surf and higher tides, the sand slowly eroded away to leave this mystery ship.

Oregon State Parks coastal coordinator Calum Stevenson says, "Since a couple of days ago, a little bit more of the length of the ship is uncovered and a little bit deeper has been uncovered. Pretty much everyday you come out here and it's a new site on the shipwreck."

Just south of the New Carissa on Horsfall beach, local historians still aren't sure exactly what ship it is or how long it's been hidden.

This discovery comes with many questions, but based on the stout timbers and the location of the port holes, officials have an idea of what the ship once hauled.

BLM cultural resource specialist Steve Samuels says, "We think it's a lumber-hauling ship, it was pretty big and pretty wide. Probably built in the late 19th or early 20th century, but we don't know which one."

Preservation is the priority Samuels says, so they either plan to leave it there and let the sand cover it up come summer, or preserve certain pieces in the maritime museum.

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