The Helen McColl was a 65 foot Maine built wooden schooner which joined the New England cod fleet in 1911. Active in the fishery until 1974 when it was brought to Newport by George Morford. George fished from the schooner from Northern California to Cape Flattery Wahington in the pursuit of wild salmon. A change in the methods of issuing permits for salmon gave the advantage to larger more modern fishing vessels and the decline in salmon stocks combined to push the classic schooner into early retirement.
"The Helen McColl at Rest" - a painting by Jenny Armitage
The vessel sank at it’s mooring in November 2009 and was recently raised to the surface. This proud elderly lady now waits for the wreckers hammer in the East part of Yaquina Bay where most of the structure will be recycled. For 99 years this schooner was a part of fisheries on two coasts providing fresh seafood to the public and a living for many families.
Fishing Vessel Helen McColl awaits scrapping (Photo by Terry Dillman)
Next time you happen to visit the Newport area plan to make a stop at Port Dock 5 on Yaquina Bay. There you will be able to see modern fishing vessels and one old schooner of the same age as the Helen McCall. No longer fishing, it is used as a dockside source for fresh crab and salmon in season. Come on over and enjoy a little history.
Dock 5
