The historic ferry Tourist II partially sank at a pier in Astoria, Oregon on July 28, interrupting its long and storied career.
The ferry went down at her berth, as the U.S. Coast Guard informed. After sinking, a containment boom was deployed around the ferry in order to reduce the risk of pollution, while an oil spill response organization was contracted to provide cleanup services. No one was aboard at the time of the sinking.
The Tourist II was built in 1924 and during World War II was used as a minelayer and cargo boat in and around Astoria. When the war concluded, the ship returned to work on the ferry route.
After the closure of the ferry service, Tourist II was transferred to Pierce County, Washington, after which it underwent an extensive refit and began a new career in the dinner-cruise trade, operating in and around freshwater Lake Washington.
However, the vessel suffered a fire in 2010 while moored alongside at berth in Kirkland, and the engine room was destroyed. The vessel was then declared a total loss.
According to Restore Oregon, as of 2018 the vessel was suffering from leaky weather decks and showed signs of deterioration on the interior.
