The Point Reyes Shipwreck is Almost Gone
The iconic “Point Reyes Shipwreck,” which gained fame on Instagram as it gradually succumbed to decay on a Marin County shoreline north of San Francisco, faces a perilous fate following recent storms that have hastened its deterioration.
The weather has taken a toll on the weathered vessel named S.S. Point Reyes, which was already showing signs of degradation due to the overwhelming attention of visitors to the Marin County coast.
“While we recognize that this is a local landmark and destination, the NPS is evaluating options to remove it safely,” said Point Reyes National Seashore authorities in a statement.
Social media photos show the shipwreck in its dilapidated state:
Things changing in Inverness. The shipwreck’s days are numbered. If you want a final photo, might want to get out there soon. And a new look for Chicken Ranch Beach after the big tides and rain pic.twitter.com/BOKurUrjvh
— The West Marin Feed (@WestMarinFeed) December 29, 2023
Built in the 1940s, the boat once served as a means of transportation and fishing before being abandoned years ago. It found its final resting place near Inverness on the Tomales Bay shoreline, which is part of the Point Reyes National Seashore. Over the years, it transformed into a tourist attraction and a social media sensation, amassing over 5,500 images on Instagram alone.
The recent storms have almost erased the scene that captivated countless photographers. There are now growing risks with visiting the site, and it may not be around for much longer.
