The Pacific Northwest, a region of breathtaking natural beauty and rich maritime history, holds countless tales of exploration and discovery. Among these, the story of Captain George Vancouver’s lost anchor near Bellingham Bay stands as a fascinating historical enigma. This captivating incident during Vancouver’s pivotal 1791-1794 expedition continues to intrigue historians and treasure hunters alike, underscoring the challenges faced by early explorers.
Between 1791 and 1794, Captain George Vancouver, a distinguished British Naval Officer, embarked on a monumental voyage aboard the HMS Discovery and its accompanying fleet. Tasked with an extensive exploratory mission of the Pacific Northwest, Vancouver’s expedition was instrumental in charting vast stretches of this then-uncharted territory. His crew notably became the first Europeans to record the sighting of Mount St. Helens and to meticulously explore the intricate waterways of Puget Sound. Following the coastlines of present-day Oregon and Washington, Vancouver’s ambition was to survey every bay and inlet, dispatching smaller boats to delve into the Columbia River and penetrate the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Anchoring and Exploration in the Straits of Juan de Fuca
While Vancouver’s smaller vessels ventured into numerous channels and rivers along the rugged coast, the larger ships, including the armed tender HMS Chatham, frequently sought refuge in safe harbors. On April 29, 1792, the fleet entered the serene waters of the Straits of Juan de Fuca, dropping anchor in the calm embrace of Discovery Bay. This strategically chosen bay served as an essential base for Vancouver and his men, enabling them to systematically explore the expansive waters of Admiralty Inlet and the majestic Hood Canal.
After several weeks of diligent surveying, the HMS Chatham commenced its journey northward, traversing the Straits of Juan de Fuca to investigate the picturesque San Juan and Lopez Islands. Upon successfully completing this segment of their mission, the Chatham turned south in May, rejoining the HMS Discovery to resume their comprehensive explorations further south.
The Storm and the Fateful Loss of the Bellingham Bay Anchor
The expedition pressed on, reaching as far as Commencement Bay in Tacoma before altering course and heading north again, seeking safer waters. However, upon their return to Puget Sound, the ships were met by a ferocious storm, characterized by severe currents and treacherous tides. As the Chatham navigated an unfamiliar channel, it was violently caught by a powerful flood tide, rendering the vessel helpless against the surging waters. In a desperate attempt to slow its relentless progress, the ship’s stream anchor was deployed. Yet, the immense strain proved too much for the cable, which snapped under the unforgiving force of the tide. The HMS Chatham anchor was lost to the depths below.
Despite the harrowing incident, the Chatham ultimately survived the ordeal. Following unsuccessful attempts to sweep the waters and recover the valuable anchor, the ship rejoined the HMS Discovery, a testament to the resilience of the crews navigating these perilous new frontiers.
Captain Vancouver’s Account of the Loss
Captain Vancouver himself meticulously documented the dramatic event in his journal on June 9, 1792, providing a firsthand account of the challenges they faced:
“We found tides here extremely rapid, and on the 9th, in endeavoring to get around a point to the Bellingham Bay, we were swept leeward of it with great impetuosity. We let go the anchor in 20 fathoms, but in bringing it up, such was the force of the tide that we parted the cable. At slack water, we swept for the anchor but were unable to retrieve it. After several fruitless attempts, we were at last obliged to leave it.”
This entry not only confirms the precise location near Bellingham Bay but also vividly conveys the sheer power of the Pacific Northwest’s maritime environment that led to the loss of the significant artifact.
The Modern Quest for the Lost Anchor
For enthusiasts of maritime history and those drawn to the thrill of treasure hunting, the prospect of discovering Vancouver’s lost anchor has long been a captivating dream. Indeed, this dream gained tangible momentum in 2008 when Anchor Ventures, LLC, a Seattle-based recovery firm, decided to pursue the elusive artifact. Rather than focusing their search within the treacherous channel where the anchor was initially lost, they made a calculated bet, shifting their efforts to Whidbey Island’s northwestern shore. Their hypothesis was that the Chatham might not have been in direct conjunction with the Discovery at the exact moment of the storm, suggesting a different drift pattern.
Their persistent efforts appeared to yield results, as Anchor Ventures successfully retrieved what they believe to be the long-lost anchor in 2014. The discovery sparked considerable excitement and hope that one of history’s maritime mysteries had finally been solved. However, the journey to unequivocally prove its identity has been fraught with challenges.
Controversy and the Enduring Mystery
Despite the successful retrieval, the identity of the anchor remains a subject of considerable debate and skepticism. Critics and maritime historians have raised valid concerns, primarily revolving around the anchor’s weight, which is reportedly heavier than anchors typically used in the late 1700s. This discrepancy has led many to question whether the recovered artifact is, in fact, the genuine Captain George Vancouver’s anchor, or perhaps another relic of the region’s rich shipping past.
The controversy surrounding the 2014 find ensures that the search continues for those who doubt its authenticity. The allure of the original, unequivocally identified anchor still beckons, transforming this historical incident into an enduring modern-day treasure hunt. Whether the true anchor lies waiting to be found or has already been discovered and misidentified, the legend persists, enriching the historical tapestry of Washington State and the broader narrative of Pacific Northwest exploration.
