three years later in 1778 by English explorer James Cook.

On his return journey south, still with only the larger Santiago and a reduced crew, Heceta discovered a large bay penetrating far inland. He was the first European to sight the mouth of the Columbia River. He tried to sail in, but the strong currents prevented it, even under a full press of sails. His crew was so reduced that they could not handle the anchor, so he could not easily wait for better conditions.