on december 29, 1897, "bailey gatzert" was approaching portland from astoria and passing through the draw of the swinging railroad bridge. with 60 passengers on board, the steamer blew the whistle signal to open the bridge, and when the draw swung open, the vessel proceeded through on the east side of the bridge pier. before the steamer was halfway through, the drawbridge swung back, smashing into the vessel's superstructure and jamming the steamer up against the bridge. it was late in the evening, and except for the crew, everyone on board was asleep. the bridge was opened again, and the steamer was able to proceed. although some cabins were crushed, there were no fatalities and only two people were hurt, neither of them seriously. at the time, "bailey gatzert" was valued at $110,000.