Trees Sprout Out of Ghost Ship’s Hull in Anacortes, Washington

"You'd best start believing in ghost stories, Miss Turner. You're in one."

Boats and ships are a huge part of not just the culture of the Pacific Northwest, but its very well-being. Ships have made their way from the Pacific Ocean through Washington and Oregon via the Columbia River. Their use was much more prevalent in the 19th and 20th centuries, but they still are critical to our way of life. In some cases, a ship can be useful from beyond the grave. Such is the case with the La Merced in Anacortes, Washington.

"Life, uh, finds a way."

La Merced was built in 1917, making her over 100 years old. She enjoyed an excellent career working for Standard Products, transporting petroleum as far as Australia. After she was sold to a Washington-based company, she saw herself reporting to Hawaii and British Columbia. She eventually became a salmon cannery in Alaska, where she stayed employed until 1965 when she was sold.

La Merced arrived in Anacortes in 1966, where she was stripped to her hull. The wooden ship was then permanently moored in a marina to serve as a breakwater. Over the years, she has seen some wear from the harsh Puget Sound elements but she remains proud and intact. She has since grown trees aboard her deck. While you cannot get on the ship, you can easily spot it at the marina. One YouTuber filmed as much of La Merced as they could.