The Dramatic Wreck of the SS LAUREL (1929)

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The Laurel, originally built in 1920 as the West Jessup by the Ames Shipbuilding Company, was a cargo steamer based on design number 1080 of the Emergency Fleet Corporation. After sailing several voyages across the Pacific, the Laurel became a lumber freighter for the Quaker Line, a subsidiary of the States Line.
In 1929, with 32 souls on board, Laurel beached on Peacock Spit, Washington, just at the mouth of the Columbia River near Astoria, Oregon.
In this documentary, we're visiting the Columbia River Maritime Museum, the Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum, and the Cape May Maritime Museum.
Show some support to the efforts of the Cape May Maritime Museum working to restore a lifeboat similar to the ones sent out to rescue those trapped on the Laurel.
www.cmmaritime.org/

[@Randomstuffs261]

Cape disappointment is what my dad would call me if I was a cape.

[@AshesOfArcadia]

Same 😂

[@bo7341]

Cape Disappointment was an alternate title for The Marvels.

[@JohnSmith-is8nq]

Yeah me too. He disowned me and my sister last june. Good times.

[@alanarcher5903]

Hilarious statement

[@treyandoss3056]

Hello sibling!

[@blairpomeroy3193]

My Grandfather John S Wheeler was on this ship. He was 26 years old and signed oa an “oilman”, which meant he was assigned to the engine room to constantly apply oil to the engine mechanics. I have a video of him telling his story in 1981. I have shared this video with Astoria museum and the digitized it for archival. On another subject, there is a comment posted from a person that compliments this video and asks the author to consider doing one on the SS Central America wreck from 1857. My great great Grand mother, Mary Swan (Cook) was on that ship with her husband Sam Swan and infant child. Husband went down with the ship. Mary and baby were saved. I have been engaged with the historians and authors of books like “Ship of Gold” that chronicled the discovery of the ship in 1988 and recovery of 3 tons of gold. I have copies of Mary’s story from the Sacramento Bee newspaper many years later. She crossed the oregon/California trail in 1854.

[@johnwymer1215]

Suuuuuuuuuuuuure prove the ancestry

[@PartTimeExplorer]

Would you email me at [e-mail] ? I’d love to hear more!

[@gayprepperz6862]

Your family has quite a history with the sea!

[@LanceBeckman]

Lol, nobody believes you and nobody cares

[@patd4914]

"Here Joe, your elbow is starting to squeak"

[@BCB-9000]

This channel is my secret little place of peace. Thank you.

[@kiphowland4660]

Mine too……….don’t tell anyone

[@Mike-O-Sullivan]

This channel is the one that convinced me that the highlands of YT had finally exceeded the best that Discovery/History/National Geographic et al had to offer. It's an exciting media milestone. Which is to say, Part-Time Explorer is appointment viewing!

[@giggiddy]

When YT began, I used to laugh to myself that someone would think their amature video production could ever compete with the big boys in quality and accuracy. Now, if I'm looking for something and its produced by History or one of the others. I scroll past and look for one produced my someone like this one. They are superior to the big boys now- in every way.

[@giggiddy]

The graphics here and in prior videos still leave me speechless. Several times I asked how the heck they got real footage of the boat breaking apart. Its that good and accurate that I can't tell whats real and what's made up. So well done!

[@143DREWID]

@@giggiddy Absence of committee decisions and talented director... a captain.

[@tater.thot.8863]

@@giggiddyFr!

[@Gendo.]

@@giggiddy same feelings here, that shot where it transitioned from the photograph to the digital model was really well done. Docs like this remind me of watching history or discovery channel with my dad and grandpa

[@p.k.5455]

The young pilot Billy Gaye had some serious big, uh, guts! Great video as always, and many thanks!

[@hannahp1108]

I'm a lifelong Oregonian, and I think unless you grow up at the coast, you just don't hear about this kind of history. I so appreciate you bringing light to these stories, and giving me reasons to go back to the Columbia River Maritime Museum! The Columbia Bar is still a notoriously hard place to cross, and the ships rely on pilots and can only go at high tide.

[@gayprepperz6862]

I've heard quite a few stories about the Columbia Bar. Don't think I want to be a ship having to pass it, especially a small ship or a boat.

[@Yes-es8it]

Hello from the Washington side

[@hannahp1108]

@@Yes-es8it Hello over there!

[@shaggybreeks]

It actually takes one pilot to take the ship across the bar, and another to take the ship further up the river, like to Portland. When my dad retired from the Navy, he became a river pilot, taking ships from inside the bar to Portland.

[@PeppieP]

What an awesome true tale of the “Laurel”, told in such an amazing way with fantastic photographs too. Thank you so much for this amazing history.

[@Binarysandbyte]

Your docs are the best. Love these rarely told stories. Thanks for your hard work.

[@AlexLostInWonderland]

I was so worried that the captain was going to go down with his ship unnecessarily. I’m glad that he accepted the ship’s fate before the ship took him with her. I can fully respect his determination to stay with the ship, especially since he did eventually accept rescue. Love your continued visits to local historical centers!

[@ikeyschultz4969]

One of the greatest KZbinr’s continues to deliver.

[@riverbender9898]

For me, there's something tragic about the death of a ship, even if all hands were spared. Superb recreation! Thank you.

[@iamrichrocker]

Dis Billy, brave teenager aviator get recognized with a civilaian medal? what a act of courage at night, in that storm..

[@johnholland4510]

Amazing, I love stories about the dreaded graveyard of the Pacific. Why did they put so much lumber on her for such a long voyage? Did somebody want her to sink for the insurance? Incredible graphics once again. Thanks for the great work Tom.

[@PartTimeExplorer]

My guess is that the captain had a share in the profit from the cargo and the more he carried, the more he got. He probably got greedy and reckless, which makes sense considering he wanted to standby the cargo until the very end. By the way, did you see the special thanks?

[@The_Robbing_Narrator]

​@@PartTimeExplorer Hey there! Can you do more locomotive wreck videos? They're very interesting indeed!

[@Danielwhite9005]

​@@PartTimeExplorerwhy was it called cape disappointment 🤨

[@giggiddy]

Every time I see a video of a ship full of supplies go down like this. Not only is the loss of life tragic. But all of those trees wasted. Wish I could pull those boards up from the ocean floor. Sometimes they are still usable or even sell for more if they've become petrified. Maybe I'm thinking of logs pulled from a muddy river bottom.

[@guaporeturns9472]

@@Danielwhite9005😂Your parents failed

[@eegarim]

Fantastic story! The graphics were excellent. I was reminded of the last chapter of William Least Heat-Moon’s adventure story River Story about taking a boat from the Atlantic to the Pacific on the rivers of the U.S. His description of taking his small boat across the Bar is harrowing, and he did it on a nice day in the daytime. It is worth finding the book at a local library just to read that last Chapter “Salt to Salt, Tide to Tide.” Thank you so much for this maritime history lesson!❤

[@bxbommer]

The animation is more than just illustrative of the narrative, it's so good, these videos rival the best WWII documentaries. Congratulations on a real triumph, one of many on the channel.

[@T_da_yung_goat]

Cape disappointment is basically my Asian parents way of describing me in a Superman costume

[@cwavt8849]

🤣🤣🤣. Ok, I hear so many Asian comedians saying this kind of thing. I know that many Asian parents push their children to achieve, with good results. But, aren't they also affirming, living and supportive? Seriously, I would really like to know

[@DannyDevitoOffical-TrustMeBro]

@@cwavt8849sometimes, sure, but certain cultures have an attitude towards child rearing where parents don’t ever say things like “I love you” to their children. Sometimes, the “affirmation” given to kids comes in the form of an acknowledgment that the child didn’t fail. To outsiders, it often seems cruel. To kids raised by such parents in a foreign culture, like the US for example, the disparity between their peers’ parents and their own will seem unfair, hence the joke. Of course, it’s just a generalization for the sake of humor, but there is some basis to the stereotype.

[@Rachel-art-and-design]

My husband and I went to the Columbia maritime museum last October. So fascinating. Love maritime history. Great video.

[@flamebroiledsquirrel]

Fantastic animations! One of my favorite books as a youth was "Shipwrecks of the Pacific Coast" by James Gibbs ( if I remember correctly, it was part of my grandparents' library), and these videos scratch the itch I've had since, to see these many virtually unknown dramas, triumphs, and tragedies not only preserved, but brought to life. Keep up the great work😊

[@Super_Bros.]

You really do make some of my absolute favorite content on KZbin.

[@PencilpenYR]

Thanks for shedding light to more of these shipwrecks!

[@ausnorman8050]

Been bed bound layed up sick for 4days, saw your new video posted and knew at least 20+mins it'll be a good day today :)

[@sirboomsalot4902]

Awesome! I love it when you do lesser known wrecks like this

[@willmartin5183]

The graphics are truly outstanding. The cockpit shot was a nice touch. It gets better and better. Thank you!

[@user-bd3zy6wo7l]

Watching it in 2160 P is CRAZY

[@keith800]

Grate video , another lesson on why not to carry to much cargo more than what the ship is designed to handle , the crew were lucky to survive which could have turned even worse if it was not for the courage of the rescuers .

[@ABQRT]

There are accounts of coastal lumber schooners that "sank" but had large deckloads, plus lumber in the holds, that actually kept them afloat and finished their voyage.

[@jacobandmore3915]

Hey Thomas, Another great story on a ship. Please, in the future, do a video on the SS Central America (gold ship)

[@AlejandroFlores-Ibarra]

I first heard about that ship in elementary school.

[@TheKathybarth]

Excellent story - very well presented. Although not a well known ship wreck- I am sure it was to the crew members and their families! Thank you for your channel!!

[@ssclallamproject]

Thanks for another great video Tom! Glad to see some of these wrecks being covered. Apparently the hulk of the Laurel played a role in the wreck of the Admiral Benson the following year. That liner ran aground 400 yards or so away from the Laurel, and her remains were visible at times during the rescue. Supposedly the Benson's officers mistook the half-submerged wreckage as a navigational buoy as they maneuvered to enter the Bar.

[@Arterexius]

That is incredibly unfortunate to have on a resume, good lord 😂

[@jacqueleroes2773]

Bro I love your work.. I have a entire playlist of all my favorites.. Keep up the great work.. And thank you

[@linb4985]

Wonderful job as always. Very professional production. Happy to have someone making the content that we can`t get on TV anymore.

[@elijahredacted8196]

Excited for the watch, you are truly gifted when it comes to crafting these sorts of videos. 💐

[@xX_Moonluster_Xx]

I never expected this video to take place in my home state! We definitely have a history of marining here that isn't talked about much so I'm happy to see something like this, especially because this is one of my favorite channels!!

[@willowhofmann7409]

I look at the mighty Pacific every single day. It's amazing to see how many lives are passed through it and are buried there. It just it's unfathomable it's which is why it's so scary but still majestic

[@buzz5969]

Sailed through it for the better part of 25 years.⚓️🇺🇸✌🏻🍻

[@mattgutierrez7651]

I'll always appreciate your ability to tell these tragic stories without stopping to perverse sensationalism. Thanks for doing what you do!

[@marktaylor9975]

This is some of this channels best work. Perfect mix of real/recreated, and on location shots. Amazing work Amazing stories And well, well done Sir! Awesome.

[@Electriceye1984bySam]

I can’t tell you how much I thank you for producing these fascinating videos and with such great narration, writing, and visuals.👌🏻🥂thank you!

[@Kamikazevondoom]

Loving the intro! Well done and awesome video 🤘🏼🍿🤘🏼

[@jakemj03]

Better than any TV program! Cheers from Halifax!

[@brandonmcgrew4367]

Your videos are extremely good quality, the animations of the ships look incredibly good.

[@MatNichols-iz9dy]

Homies, wake up. A new part time explorer just went up

[@DarkLightSwordFight]

The graphics are soooo good. Keep up the amazing work my friend 🙏🏻🖤🤘🏻

[@TheShowgirl25]

Old ship history is so cool. Thank you for this!

[@prestonbrahniuk6730]

What a great channel. Diamond in the rough of BS and nonsense that is our online world. Researched, concise storytelling without embellishment and outstanding animation - just wonderfully produced content, as usual. Keep up the brilliant work mate.

[@PartTimeExplorer]

Thank you very much!

[@brandonvereyken4869]

Great channel. Few channels have real research, fewer have accurate history, let alone such a wonderful truly engaging presentation of it. As a certified grammar nazi, I am so impressed. You evidently paid attention in 6th grade, an extremely rare gift in this day and age. Your enunciation and clarity of language is just about unprecedented on KZbin, and you don't even have the typical irritating British accent. Overall a triumph of artful presentation. Congratulations. I only wish there were more tragedies for you to present. Perhaps you could make some up, like the media does with news. On second thought, perhaps sticking with truth isn't a bad idea. It surely sets you apart.

[@killyourtelllievision]

You got all that right Amigo and agree with every hilarious word especially the annoying blyme accent and We Awake sure as hell all know the lies and treachery theyve tried often desperately to get us to beLIEve the criminal, corporate tell lie vision media is actually telling the truth this time. Open the door for the boy! Tell him The Wolf has come to visit for awhile. That being Mr. Big Bad hisseff and no he doesnt want cheese & crackers (unless he can CHASE the latter)! Peessowt (again)

[@Madhouse_Media]

Why would an American have a British accent in the first place? Somebody get this guy a globe for his birthday.

[@ThrowbackRacing]

Keep it in your pants..

[@dougfitch3649]

@@Madhouse_Mediathere are people out there who put on a phony Brit accent when they do history or documentaries. It's really weird.

[@squiglemcsquigle8414]

This is the weirdest boomer ahh message ive seen all day.

[@RockyStJohns]

I love this channel so much. Very sincere thank you to all involved.

[@blueriver5269]

Great job, Tom. And the video your team created , just amazing.

[@fibergran9]

Some of these shots looked 100% real, congrats!

[@Xzeihoranth]

Those rescue workers did one amazing job.

[@petebrandon8164]

Another excellent video. - thank you- even the animation sequences seem so authentic 😮

[@dddaddy]

Amazing graphics, and you tell the story in a very engaging way. 👏

[@gothicalpha]

Love the new animations

[@martcon6757]

This is a credit to you and your team. What a fantastic video presentation. The quality of the animation and the details in this documentary are amazing.

[@charlottereed8060]

I love these stories!! You are so easy to follow. So much information!! I love stories about ships!! Thank you so much!!

[@dytile1603]

I’m impressed with your 3D model of this ship, nice work

[@jimstrickland8653]

Tom, you research, narrate and present excellent nautical documentaries, and I've loved every one. As another fan below suggests, your take on the SS Central America gold ship disaster would be a wonderful addition to your series, as would a Canadian perspective on the loss of the Empress of Ireland. Thanks for all your superb work, and I look forward to your future productions.

[@yappytown]

I always get SO excited when you have a new video! Wonderful as always, thank you for the incredible work you do :)

[@petersipp5247]

Very authentic. Nice to thank everyone like you did.

[@kinglolo88]

I was obsessed with this channel and all the boat stories. Happy to see another one added. Keep it up.

[@rikspector]

Your vlogs are awesome, so well documented. Cheers, Rik Spector

[@marvinrschwartz7402]

Good job you’re the best in what we watch on channels doing this type of work. You do a great job on these yards!

[@RamSkirata]

your videos are outstanding! The visuals you create help tell the story so well!

[@maryannebeauchamp1649]

Wonderful storytelling about The Laurel and its crew. Great to know all were saved but one poor unfortunate soul. I realkt enjoy your narration & recreations.

[@spingleboygle]

your storytelling and animation has improved a LOT over time. this is beautiful.

[@galenjacobs6005]

It’s always such a treat when you post!

[@warpedbeyondhelp]

Extraordinary graphics!! Great story telling. Thank you. 😊

[@blogauthor3375]

Awesome CG. Modeling and animation is pro level. If it wasn't so clear, I would have thought it to be old film.

[@roselightinstorms727]

You tell this so well. Amazing!

[@betraktare1]

these animations are getting better and better. Really nice work

[@dougfitch3649]

Your graphics are out of this world!!!!!! Amazing!

[@detcordxxxi]

Another fantastic documentary. I love that you cover the unknown wrecks that most people never hear about.

[@ZGryphon]

I can never get tired of the deadpan delivery of the names in the end credits. And it's always nice to see the Hohenzollern emperors supporting talented artists. :)

[@kurtwagner350]

Excellent production value per usual

[@felixf4378]

I can’t believe I just discovered your channel. Your videos are extremely high quality. Netflix should hire you.

[@CPorter]

By far the best looking video on your channel yet

[@GangGang1]

Thanks for sharing this story!

[@thebowlbster]

As always, thank you for your hard work!

[@DaveLynchJazzGuitar]

Nice work!! Good documentary!!

[@erniepenner6487]

My family and I love your shipwreck videos, We live in Ontario but I grew up in hants county Nova Scotia and visited the Maritime museum of the atlantic multiple times.

[@simonhjc]

Brilliant story telling. The 17 year old flying was a very brave attempt

[@shaunbrowne5139]

Thank you for your brilliant presentation. Your research is impeccable as is your articulation of the information.

[@summerrain7956]

I have learned so much through this great channel. Thank you!!

[@VanessaScrillions]

Your channel is truly a work of art! Every single video you put out is educational, beautifully done, well researched, and keeps me on the edge of my seat 😊 THANK YOU!!!

[@Yorkcraft-ep7fv]

Hurray! A new upload, i do wish the name of your channel was full time explorer. Your videos are a welcome break to my day

[@john-carlosynostroza]

Great job! Terrific work!

[@debrap947]

Wow! They don't make 17-year-olds like they used to. 😑

[@Kaidhicksii]

Another fascinating lost story that I would've never heard of were it not for guys like you. The second you mentioned the amount of lumber lowered the ship's freeboard to only *_four measly feet_* I immediately knew how this was going to end. Surely they could've split the amount of lumber up with another ship so the poor Laurel wouldn't have to ride so low and work as hard. Maybe then this would've never happened? I was wondering why the wreck seems to be so popular in that region when it really doesn't stand out like a Titanic-type disaster, until you mentioned the bravery of the rescuers, from the Coast Guard in their 36' wooden lifeboats (which instantly reminded me of The Finest Hours, another story you should definitely cover some time) to the 17 year old pilot with the connection line (mad impressive), the stubborn (some would say stupid) but inspiring determination of the captain to stand by his ship to the bitter end, and all the photos that were taken of the wreck. It was a heroic story that was forever immortalized in film, which is always incredible to see for the time period. Fun watch as always, Tom. 👍

[@LandyVlad_Rides]

Brilliant as always Tom.

[@peterj5106]

Excellent video bro. The animations are brilliant quality. 👍

[@markbowles2382]

So good, again, thanks Tom.

[@saffytaffy]

Wow, my neck of the woods and I've never heard of this wreck! Thanks for the amazing work as always!

[@NitroBoarder17]

Fantastic as always!!

[@gedrooney9305]

Another stellar upload. Keep it up 👍

[@jamiebray8532]

Another great video. Thank you.

[@thisoldbelair]

Loved it. As a PNW native I’ve never heard this story. Very well done, i love this channel! Keep it up!

[@morkorson4196]

Thank you from South Wales, I live right by Cpt Henry Morgans old house in Llanrumney. Never miss an episode.

[@maris2458]

Wow! Another phenomenal video Tom. Loving the intro! The graphics are impeccable, I sometimes had to take a second look to see if it was real, lol! Can't wait for the next upload :)

[@ApathyZone]

Wonderful work as always! Production quality notably above many of the other channels out there.

[@johnlombardi1021]

you do such a great job on all your work it your great passion

[@ElizabethMayo-sf4wg]

I ALWAYS enjoy your channel!!!!

[@davidclinch1358]

What a very well presented and interesting video, thank you.

[@dirkhartman9572]

I love this, freighter wrecking stories are under rated