The Shirley R: A Fishing Vessel’s Final Haul-Out in Westport, WA
The fishing vessel Shirley R has been a familiar sight in Westport, WA, but after years on the water, it met its unfortunate end—sinking at the Westport docks. The vessel had reportedly been underwater for about a month before crews worked to haul it out.
The event drew attention from the local community, with many reflecting on its past and others watching the extensive efforts to remove the boat from the water.
A Boat With History
Shirley R wasn’t just any fishing vessel—it was a former Alaska seiner as we were told that had seen better days. According to social media conversations, the boat had been part of the commercial fishing industry for years before eventually being sold for around $25,000 nearly 15 years ago local resident stated.
Though details on the exact cause of the sinking remain uncertain, the vessel had been sitting at the docks for some time before going down.
As one local resident recalled,
"We were crabbing the other day when they were getting this out of the water... it had sunk about a month ago!"
The Haul-Out and Unexpected Challenges
Raising the Shirley R was no simple task. Crews used a heavy equipment loader to move the vessel, but the process ran into complications. Once it was out of the water, it became stuck at the boat launch.
One observer described the situation:
"Now it's stuck on the boat launch. The lowboy trailer and metal beams are dug into the asphalt and stuck. Gonna take a crane to lift the ass end of that trailer up to get it all the way off the ramp."
Despite the difficulties, the community watched as workers strategized and adjusted to get the vessel fully removed.
What’s Next for the Shirley R?
Now that the boat has been pulled from the water, its fate remains uncertain. Some locals speculated about whether it could have been repaired, while others noted the high costs of maintaining older vessels.
One commenter remarked:
"There will be more and more of this as the fisheries dry up – takes a few bucks every year to keep them in good shape!"
For now, the Shirley R sits on land—a stark reminder of the challenges facing aging fishing vessels and the changing tides of the commercial fishing industry.
By the time you are reading this, she may be melted into new pots and pans…
Sad day…
Capturing Maritime History in Westport, WA
At Adventuring Duo, we document Westport’s maritime heritage through high-resolution photography and aerial drone videography. From historic lighthouses to retired fishing boats like the Shirley R, we specialize in preserving these moments before they fade into history.
📸 Want to see more Westport maritime photography? Explore our gallery: https://adventuringduo.smugmug.com/
🎥 Need drone footage or professional documentation of your vessel, event, or project? Contact us: Sales@AdventuringDuo.com | (360) 209-3827
Westport’s fishing industry is ever-changing, but through photography and storytelling, we can keep these stories alive. 🚢📷
