Letter to the editor: I think I can solve the Vashon Hum mystery (June 2, 2010)


June 1, 2010 · 2:49 PM

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As I was walking the beach around Neill Point during the low tide Sunday, l saw a container ship emerge from the south end of Maury Island heading for the Port of Tacoma.

Although it was miles away, I could hear the deep slow chugging of its giant diesel engine. It struck me that here was the source of the Vashon Hum!

The new breed of giant cargo ships has equally big diesel engines that turn at a very slow RPM, particularly traveling in Puget Sound. Those deep sounds can travel long distances especially across water. If people hear it more on the east side than the west side of Vashon/Maury, I think I can claim the prize.

— Ralph Moore

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