Shipwreck Database

Vessel
*Not A Total Loss

Pectan

Under circumstances that are not too clear, Pectan, then owned by Union Oil, plowed into the sand at Adams Cove, Point Bennett, San Miguel Island, within a mile of the J M Colman and the future resting place of the Cuba. Pectan was proceeding in ballast from Taltal, Chile to Port San Luis (San Luis Obispo, California) to acquire cargo. Either misnavigation or bad weather led her to stray onto the beach on January 21, 1914, at 9:30 PM. Newspapers reported significant storm damage around southern California during these dates, so fog and stormy weather probably played their usual role in grounding the Pectan.

Apparently suffering no damage, Pectan rested easily while waiting for a high tide on February 10, when she was able to extricate herself unassisted. In the interim several vessels assisted in her rescue. Using her wireless, Pectan summoned Argyle and Lansing, also Union Oil tankers, to her aid. Soon involved were the salvage steamer Iaqua and the tug Dauntless, as was the USS Manning. An attempt on January 26 by the Argyle, Lansing, and yet another steamship, the Whittier, to reach the Pectan with a tow line met with no success.

On February 1, the Dauntless steamed to Ventura for fresh water and food for the Pectan's crew of forty-nine, with the announced plan of waiting for the high tide of February 10. The final report on the Pectan (LAT 12 Feb 1914) relates that the vessel pulled herself off without any assistance and "proceeded north to have her hull thoroughly inspected before returning to Port San Luis for reloading." Morri & Lima

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