Historic Shipwreck Profile: Additional Information on Wreck Event
J.B. Stetson |
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Steam Schooner |
Source: Santa Cruz Sentinel (Santa Cruz, CA), September 4, 1934, p1, col 5.
Courtesy of California Digital Newspaper Collection, Center for Bibliographic Studies and Research, University of California, Riverside.
Transcription:
OLD LUMBER BOAT, J.B. STETSON LOST
PEBBLE BEACH, Sept. 3 (U.P.) Partly clad golfers on the green fairways of Cypress Point club paused today to watch a schooner break to pieces on a wave-lashed reef off shore. The old wooden lumber steamer J. B. Stetson was considered a total loss as combers continued relentless battery of the hulk.
The schooner's crew of 18 men was taken off by the coast guard cutter Daphne," which arrived soon after the Stetson struck the reef. None was injured.
Slipping through a dense fog which covered the mid-California coast early yesterday, the lumber schooner J. B. Stetson, with twenty-one men aboard, veered from her course and piled up on the perilous Point Cypress rocks. Twenty members of the crew went over the sides on lines lowered to small boats as the vessel began going to pieces. Only Captain Carl Hubner was left aboard the stricken ship.
The seamen pulled to the coast guard cutter Daphne, standing by while coast guardsmen from the Monterey station escorted them in small boats.
As the tide ebbed, the Stetson was left high and dry on the rocks.
The ship's back was broken and water rushed into her hold through a jagged hole torn in the hull.
The ship went on the rocks about fifty yards off shore.
As the fog lifted, golfers on the Point Cypress course caught glimpses of the stricken craft. To them it appeared to be at anchor.
Sounds Whistle
The Stetson, bound from San Pedro to San Francisco, was easing into Monterey, for a call when it rammed the submerged rocks.
Frantic distress signals from the vessel's whistle brought Pacific Grove police and residents scrambling to the shore to ascertain the trouble.
Because of the perilous rocks it was deemed impossible to send out rescue boats from the shore. Pacific Grove police notified the coast guard station at Monterey, which in turn notified the coast guard cutler Daphne, which had been conducting a two day search for a lost fishing vessel.
The rocks tore a jagged hole in the hull of the vessel and broke its back. Without radio, Captain Hubner resorted to his whistle to call for help.
The Daphne stood by for nearly three hours before Captain Hubner decided it was necessary to abandon the craft. The crew was transferred to the Daphne and then sent ashore.
Source: Monterey Peninsula Herald (Monterey, CA), September 5, 1934, p5, col 5.
Courtesy of Monterey Public Library.
Transcription:
Wrecked Vessel Attracts Crowds To Cypress Point
The wrecked freighter J.B. Stetson today ranks as one of the peninsula’s outstanding attractions for sightseers. Thousands of cars have visited Cypress Point since the ship crashed there Monday morning and the parade of the curious shows no signs of diminishing.
Although pieces of deck and hull occasionally are washed ashore the freighter as yet has shown no signs of breaking up.
The ship has been definitely abandoned and no salvaging attempts are planned. She carried only a small cargo which was insured. Shortening comprised most of the cargo and casks of the cooking compound occasionally are washed ashore to be eagerly seized by members of the crowds that stand a constant “death watch” at Cypress Point.
The Los Angeles-Long Beach Despatch line, owners of the J.B. Stetson, are negotiating for a ship to replace the wrecked vessel and plan to resume service between Monterey and northern and southern California ports before the end of the week according to Wharfinger Joseph Alves.
Source: Santa Cruz Sentinel (Santa Cruz, CA), September 5, 1934, p1, col 8.
Courtesy of California Digital Newspaper Collection, Center for Bibliographic Studies and Research, University of California, Riverside..
Transcription:
J. B. STETSON IS BREAKING UP ON CYPRESS POINT
MONTEREY, Sept. 4 (AP.)—Impaled on a ragged rock in pounding surf off Cypress Rock, the The J.B. Stetson was believed on the verge of breaking to pieces tonight. During the day tugs removed all articles of value from the vessel.
Source: Santa Cruz Sentinel (Santa Cruz, CA), September 7, 1934, p1, col 5-8.
Courtesy of California Digital Newspaper Collection, Center for Bibliographic Studies and Research, University of California, Riverside.
Transcription:
"J. B. Stetson” Stranded Off Cypress Point, Broke Up Yesterday
Freighter That Broke In Two Off Cypress Point Yesterday
Associated Press photo of the stranded J.P. Stetson that struck a rock at Cypress Point, near Pacific Grove, Monday, and which after a terrific three days’ pounding broke in two yesterday and nearly all sank from sight.
AFTER PART OF VESSEL SINKS OUT OF SIGHT
Only Prow Remains on Jagged Rock of Grave Stone
THOUSANDS PAY VISIT TO SPOT
17-Mile Drive Does Rushing Business As Result
The freighter J. B. Stetson, which went on the rocks at Cypress Point, near Pacific Grove, Monday, broke in two yesterday afternoon under a terrific three days pounding by the heavy surf.
Two automobiles and a quantity of other articles that formed part of the cargo of the boat, and which salvagers could not rescue, sank when the boat broke.
The entire after part of the vessel sank Immediately after it broke, leaving only the prow impaled on the large rock.
The wreck was the mecca for hundreds of visitors daily during the last three days, the 17-Mile drive becoming one of the most popular places in Monterey county by reason of the disaster. The only means of getting to the wreck was over this drive, the Monterey Bay Properties concern reaping quite a harvest of half dollars as a result.