Str. Portland runs aground on her way to Steamboat Race

The Steamer Portland has ran aground just east of The Bridge of the Gods on the Columbia River one and a half miles east of the Bonneville Dam on Friday night, June 27, 2008. An undisclosed mechanical problem caused failure of the propulsion and the Portland hit seom rocks, according to one source. No injuries amongst the 97 passengers has been reported and the hull and structure of the boat hasn't been damaged according to initial reports.

The Portland was on her way to participate in the first paddlewheeler race on the Columbia River in 56 years, between the Portland and the Columbia Gorge neear Cascade Locks, OR.