It was a foggy morning on April 1, 1921 when Keeper William J. Thomas of the Point Wilson Lighthouse heard a sickening grinding noise. Though he couldn't see anything through the fog, he knew instantly there was trouble in the water. He quickly sent word to Port Townsend to send help.
What Keeper Thomas heard was the slamming of the crowded passenger liner Governor into the freighter West Hartland. The Governor soon began to sink in 600 feet of water. Because of Thomas' quick actions, all but eight people were rescued from the wreck.
Point Wilson marks the west entrance into the Puget Sound.
|