Sternwheeler runs aground on the Columbia with 97 on board

By KATU Web Staff

Summary

According to the Coast Guard, the historic sternwheeler "Portland" was in the Cascade Locks channel heading toward the visitor center dock when a combination of wind and a strong current likely pushed it into the shore.

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Story Published: Jun 27, 2008 at 6:25 PM PST

Story Updated: Nov 20, 2008 at 9:21 PM PST

Sternwheeler runs aground on the Columbia with 97 on board

The historic steamer "Portland" is shown in this file photo.

CASCADE LOCKS, Ore. – A historic sternwheeler ran aground on the Columbia River upstream of the Bonneville Dam Friday evening, causing damage to the vessel but not injuring anyone, officials reported.

According to the Coast Guard, the sternwheeler tug "Portland" was in the Cascade Locks channel heading toward the visitor center dock about 5:30 p.m. when a combination of wind and a strong current likely pushed it into the shore, causing some parts of the wheel to break off.

A tug in the area pushed the sternwheeler to the dock, and the 97 people on board were later bussed back to Portland, the Coast Guard said.

Those on board were enjoying a maiden voyage of sorts for the old sternwheeler, which houses the Oregon Maritime Museum and is normally tied up along the seawall at Tom McCall Waterfront Park in Portland.

The vessel was supposed to take on the "Columbia Gorge" sternwheeler in the first annual "Great Steamboat Race" this weekend as part of Cascade Locks Sternwheeler Days. Now that event is canceled.