South East Alaska Shipwrecks ( D )

D S S CO NO 1 (1957)     The 41 ton 60 foot wooden scow D S S Co No 1 foundered June 20, 1957 at Hoonah.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 06 30 N 135 26 30 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 41 Gross and Net, Length 60, Breadth 20, Depth 4.2, Built 1916 at Seattle, Owner Icy Straits Salmon Company, Registered Juneau, ON 166244

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1957) Pg 126, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1958) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 777

 

D S S CO NO 6 (1924)     The wood scow D S S Co No 6 was “hauled out on beach and wrecked; not fit for further use” in July of 1924 at Port Althorp on the north shore of Chichagof Island.  The wreck report was filed by Thomas E Stone, agent and attorney in fact for Deep Sea Salmon Co February 1, 1929 in Seattle.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 11 30 N 136 23 W   Chart  17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 17 Gross 17 Net, Built 1918, Registered Juneau, ON 167165, Value $1,000

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed February 1, 1929 at Seattle

 

D S S CO NO 8 (1943)     The 33 ton 54 foot wooden scow D S S Co No 8 foundered at the Taku River in 1943.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 25 30 N 133 59 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 33 Gross and Net, Length 54.2, Breadth 18, Depth 4, Built 1919 at Seattle WA, Owner P E Harris and Company, Registered Ketchikan, ON 167554

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1949) Pg 142, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1950) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 926

 

DAN JR (1938)     It was Wednesday July 13, 1938 when the wood gas screw Dan Jr exploded and burned near Pleasant Island.  The cause of the blast was listed as “gas fumes”.  The following are excerpts from the wreck report filed at Juneau by an agent for the owners:

            “…Gas fumes blew up…Burned”  “Blowing strong, choppy”  “Blew up and boat caught fire.  Man and boy jumped overboard with life preservers and swam to skiff which had been blown off boat and were picked up by watchmen.”  “Trap watchmen rowed over in boat and picked man and son.”

            The Dan Jr had left Excursion Inlet and was headed to Icy Straits with two aboard.  The vessel was valued at $4,000 at the time of the casualty with no insurance.  There was no cargo listed.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 21 N 135 38 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 17 Gross 14 Net, Built 1930, Registered Juneau, ON 229420, Owner Astoria and Puget Sound Canning Co of South Bellingham Washington

Source: Report of Casualty filed by A C Adams August 16, 1938

 

DANUBE (1986)     The 43 foot wooden troller Danube sank while on a crabbing trip October 30, 1986 a quarter mile southeast of Marmion Island southeast of Juneau.  The vessel had a white hull and red markings and was reported overdue October 30th. A subsequent search revealed wreckage washed up on Douglas and Admiralty Islands and an oil slick between the two.  Owner W. Scott Lewis and crewmembers Tom Kelly and Bill Tugman, all from Juneau, were never found.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 11 55 N 134 15 20 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 15 Gross 10 Net, Length 39, Breadth 11.4, Depth 5.3, Built 1932 Seattle WA, HP 82, SL WA4036, ON 231659,

Sources: 1. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 2. Daily Sitka Sentinel (October 31, 1986) “Boat Missing” Pg 6, 3. Daily Sitka Sentinel (November 3, 1986) “Fishing Boat Debris Found” Pg 1, 4. Daily Sitka Sentinel (November 4, 1986) “NOAA Joins Boat Search” Pg 5

 

DARDANELLA (1934)     The gas screw Dardanella stranded and was lost Wednesday August 8, 1934 at 1:00 a.m. at Barlow Point in Stephens Passage.  The vessel had departed Juneau and was travelling to East Point in Chatham Strait with three persons aboard.  The survivors made it back to Juneau in a small boat.  According to Esther Ellsworth, the master and part owner, the vessel was overpowered by the tide rips and taken ashore.  She was laden with 7 tons of groceries and clothing valued at $400.  The Dardanella was valued at $4,000.  Both the vessel and cargo are listed as total losses with no insurance.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 22 45 N 1434 53 30 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 19 Gross 13 Net, Built 1921, Registered Juneau, ON 221843, Owner James Lay of Juneau

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed August 13, 1934 by Ellsworth

 

DAVID T (1999)     The 32 foot salmon fishing vessel David T was consumed by a galley fire and lost July 7, 1999 in Refuge Cove near Ketchikan.  There was no one on board at the time of the disaster.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 24 N 131 45 W   Chart 17428

Additional Information: ON 944449

Sources: 1. U S C G Shipwreck List (1989-2004), 2. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013)

 

DAYLIGHT (1979)     The 37 foot troller Daylight capsized and was lost in heavy weather November 30, 1979 in Seven Fathom Bay 18 miles south of Sitka. Owner Neland J Haavig and Norman Wilson had been deer hunting in the area when a 40-50 mile an hour gale came up. The men attempted to depart the bay in the Daylight but were blown onto the rocks. They were barely able to get out a May-Day before the Daylight was capsized by the winds. Soon a U S Coast Guard Helicopter hoisted the men to safety and transported them to the Sitka Hospital to be treated for hypothermia.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 47 30 N 135 18 45 W  Chart 17326

Additional Information: Alaska Registration AK1949C, ADFG 12670

Sources: 1. Sitka Daily Sentinel (November 30, 1979) “Pair Rescued After Boat Goes Aground” Pg 1, 2. Alaska Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission “Daylight”

 

DEANN (1996)     The 25 foot fishing vessel Deann sank December 3, 1996 off of Fish Egg Island.  All three persons on board made it to safety.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 29 20 N 133 10 15 W   Chart 17400

Additional Information: 591956

Sources: 1. U S C G Shipwreck List (1989-2004), 2. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013)

 

DEAR JOHN (1969)     The gas screw Dear John was consumed by fire August 26, 1969 one and a half miles north of Funter Bay in Chatham Strait.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 14 15 N 134 55 W   Chart 17300

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

DEBBIE ANN (1989)     The 32 foot wooden longline halibut fishing vessel Debbie Ann grounded in heavy weather, capsized and sank May 16, 1989 in Roller Bay.  Both crewmembers made it to safety.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 31 N 133 46 W   Chart 17400

Additional Information: ON 553583

Sources: 1. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 2. U S C G Shipwreck List (1989-2004)

 

DECORA (1971)     The fishing vessel Decora struck a reef and sank February 3, 1971 on Colorado Reef in Wrangell Narrows.  All five crewmen were taken off of the Decora by the U S Coast Guard Cutter Henlopen.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 38 20 N 132 56 10 W   Chart 17375

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

DEFIANCE (1986)     The fishing vessel Defiance sank May 31, 1986 approximately 15 miles southwest of Cape Spencer.  All four crewmembers were rescued by the fishing vessel Adak.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 12 45 N 136 39 30 W   Chart 16016

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

DEFY (1939)     The 18 ton gas screw fish packer Defy stranded on a rock at Kaigani Point, Cordova Bay Tuesday August 29, 1939 at 2:00 a.m.  The following is an accounting of the casualty by her owner and operator Fred Nimtz of Ketchikan:

            “Light SE wind and rain…poor visibility…stranded”  “After hitting rock tried to make shore but took water too fast and got caught on another rock and had to leave boat.  As tide went out, the boat turned over on her Port side.”  “The Beloit II rendered assistance but to no avail.”  “After Beloit II found she could be of no assistance she went to Ketchikan and reported the accident to the USCG Cyane on August 29th.  On August 30th, the Cyane arrived but by that time the Defy had slid into deeper water, breaking up gradually and could not be salvaged.”

            There were two crewmen aboard the Defy at the time of the casualty, both survived.  They had been fishing and had 6,000 lbs of fish aboard valued at $150.  The Defy was valued at $2,000.  All was lost when the vessel sank; there was no insurance.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 54 45 10 N 132 39 10 W   Chart17409

Additional Information: Tonnage 18 Gross 12 Net, Built 1926, Registered Ketchikan, ON 226049

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed September 11, 1939 at Ketchikan

 

DELHI (1915)     The 986 ton wood steamer Delhi stranded at Straits Island Reef and was lost at 8:05 p.m. January 18, 1915.  The vessel and her crew of 27 departed Craig that day bound for Wrangell with 7.5 tons of empty oil drums and merchandise.  The crew survived the incident but not the Delhi.  The following are excerpts from the casualty report filed March 3, 1915 by E C Wardle, acting manager for Pacific Coast Steamship Co.:

            “SE wind blowing, misty with light snow falling – very dark.”  “Light obscured at intervals and strong ebb tide.” “Upon sighting land, ship backed at full speed.” 

            “SS Salvor attempted to save vessel but owing to heavy storms was unsuccessful.”  “During heavy storm on Feb. 5th steamer drifted off reef, was found several days later by gasoline boat Takue and towed to north side of Sumner Island, where she now lies, her hull so damaged as to be a total loss.”

            The crew survived the casualty but the Delhi, valued at $125,000 was lost.  She was insured for $90,000.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 24 30 N 133 48 30 W   Chart 17360

Comment: There is a story in H W McCurdy, Pg 256, of this casualty and subsequent salvage

Additional Information: Tonnage Gross 986, Built 1906, Registered New York, ON 203502, Master C P McCarthy of Seattle, Owner Pac Coast Co of New York

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty March 3, 1915

 

DELIGHT (1920)     The 11 ton 35 foot gas screw Delight was lost at Ketchikan February of 1920.  The Delight was valued at $700 with cargo.  The vessel broke apart while on the ways.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 20 30 N 131 38 45 W   Chart 17420

Additional Information: Tonnage 11 Gross 7 Net, Length 35.1, Breadth 14, Depth 2.9, Service passenger, Built 1906 at Eagle Harbor WA, Registered Seattle, ON 203035

Sources: 1. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg313, 2. Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992), 3. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1921) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 454, 4. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1918) Pg 214

 

DELL (1948)     The 8 ton 36 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Dell was destroyed by fire August 17, 1948 near Haines, opposite the Chilkat River in Lynn Canal.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   59 14 10 N 135 26 15 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 7 Net, Length 36, Breadth 12.5, Depth 3, Built 1923 at Wrangell, Horsepower 65, Owner E L Kelly, Registered Wrangell, ON 222812

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1948) Pg 119, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1949) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 909

 

DENNY JO (1952)     The 38 ton 50 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Denny Jo foundered November 24, 1952 in Stag Bay, Lisianski Strait, near Cape Spencer.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 35 45 N 136 21 30 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 38 Gross 30 Net, Length 50, Breadth 15,8, Depth 6.3, Built 1945 at Sitka, SL WA4148, Crew 7, Horsepower 165, Owner John J Townsend, Registered Seattle, ON 248579

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1952) Pg 134, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1953-1954) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 744

 

DENNY M (1964) The 39 foot fishing vessel Denny M went missing August 13, 1964 after a routine radio call. An air and sea search was initiated August 16, 1964 and the fishing vessel Shrimper found the Denny M submerged in the Keku Islands area of Rocky Pass August 24, 1964. All three persons aboard were lost including Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Chevalier of Seattle and their son Barney Chevalier of Westport, WA. Bernhardt “Barney” Chevalier was owner and skipper of the Denny M. The vessel had been fishing crab for the Reliance Shrimp Company of Wrangell. The Denny M had a history of problems with the crab tank raw water pump in the engine room disconnecting and flooding the engine room.  The Denny M was subsequently salvaged and put back into service. She sank again in 1982 and again in 2003, both times with no loss of life and in both instances salvaged. The Denny M was built in 1950 at Friday Harbor, WA with Official Number 260098. She was owned by Bernhardt M Chevalier and registered at Seattle, WA at the time of her loss.

 

DENTIST (1963)     The 274 ton 80 foot wooden barge Dentist burned in November of 1963 at Nakwasina, 20 miles north of Sitka. 

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 12 N 135 24 W   Chart 17320

Additional Information: Tonnage 274 Gross and Net, Length 80, Breadth 22, Depth 4.9, Built 1958 at Sitka, Owner J L Thompson, Registered Sitka, ON 280014

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 176, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1166

 

DENVER (1968)     The gas screw Denver burned January 1, 1968 at Juneau.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 18 15 N 134 24 30 W   Chart 17300

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

DEPERE (1929)     The 3,475 ton 320 foot Alaska Steamship Company freighter Depere ran up on the rocks off of Cape Decision at 6:55 P.M. November 15, 1929. A storm in the area was said to have contributed to the disaster. There were 35 persons aboard. The vessel was beached near Port McArthur an hour after striking and was in a sinking condition. All but a few of her crew abandoned ship and camped nearby. With the assistance of the U S Coast Guard cutters Unalga and Cygan and the salvage vessel Salvage King, the Depere was eventually refloated and towed south to Tacoma.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 00 10 N 134 08 W   Chart 16016

Comment: The Depere was salvaged. It is included in this compilation because evidence of this wreck may still be on site and of interest.  WG

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1929) Pg 54, 2. Seattle Daily Times (November 16, 1929) “Aid Rushed To Men In Shipwreck Off Alaska” Pg 1, 3. San Diego Union (November 18, 1929) “Land Castaways off Sunken Ship” Pg 6, 4. San Francisco Chronicle (November 30, 1929) “Freighter Depere Floated” Pg 17

 

DETROIT (1898)     The 81 foot wood steamer Detroit struck a reef at the north end of Shelter Island in Lynn Canal about noon November 25, 1898 during a snowstorm and sunk.  She was carrying about 27 passengers and a crew of 10 but no lives were lost.  The Detroit left Skagway November 24th bound for Juneau.  The following are excerpts from the Wreck Report filed by C B Russell of the Seattle Wharf and Land Co of Seattle, the owners of the vessel:

            “The steamer was off her regular course ½ mile or more.  Steamer is in water supposed to be 50 feet deep.”  “Engines slowed down to about 2 miles an hour and sharp lookout kept.”  “Not a heavy wind or sea running, though some of both.”  “Occurred during snowstorm.  Pilot is supposed to have lost his bearings.” “Struck rock, hung, and sunk by heavy seas some hours later.”  “Crew took steamer’s lifeboats and took passengers to Shelter Island, ½ mile distant.”

            The Detroit was valued at $14,200 at the time of the wreck and had neither cargo nor insurance.

Mapping and Location:  Southeast Alaska   58 26 N 134 52 W   Chart 17316

Comment: It is mentioned on the wreck report “hope to recover portion of her machinery.”

Additional Information: Length 81, Breadth 15.3, Depth 6.9, Built Detroit Washington 1889, Rebuilt 1897, Tonnage 109 Gross 74.76 Net, Registered Seattle, ON 157264, Master Thomas Latham of Juneau

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report filed February 8, 1898 in Seattle

 

DEWET (1909)     The 14 ton 36 foot gas screw schooner DeWet burned at Ketchikan October 24, 1909.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 20 30 N 131 38 45 W   Chart 17428

Additional Information: Tonnage 14, Length 36, Breadth 13.4, Depth 5.3, Built 1902 at Blaine WA, Registered Ketchikan, ON 157669

Comment: The DeWet is listed as a 13 ton sailing vessel in 1909 and a 14 ton gas screw in 1910.  WG

Sources: 1. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg169, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1909) Pg 31, 3. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1910) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 407

 

DIAJAC (1954)     The 10 ton 30 foot wooden gas screw Diajac burned September 9, 1954 in George Inlet.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 20 N 131 30 W   Chart 17420

Additional Information: Tonnage 10 Gross 9 Net, Length 30.3, Breadth 9.6, Depth 4.4, Built 1944 at Ketchikan, Service freight, Horsepower 75, Owner Ottis J Garner, Registered Ketchikan, ON 246958

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1955) Pg 131, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1956) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 743

 

DIAMOND C (1930)     The wooden gas screw Diamond C caught fire and exploded while taking fuel at The Union Oil Dock at Wrangell Thursday April 17, 1930 at 4 p.m.  The two man crew could do nothing but cut the vessel adrift from the dock.  The Diamond C was valued at $1,600 with no cargo or insurance.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 28 N 132 22 40 W   Chart 17360

Additional Information: Tonnage 14 Gross 10 Net, Built 1916, Registered Wrangell, ON 214223, Master Carl Christiansen of Juneau, Owner Harry R Coulter of Wrangell

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty file at Wrangell April 18, 1930 by Christiansen

 

DIANA (1965)     The 8 ton 28 foot wooden gas screw Diana foundered January 6, 1965 in the small boat harbor at Juneau.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 18 15 N 134 24 30 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 5 Net, Length 28.3, Breadth 8.3, Depth 4.3, Built 1935 at Klawock, Horsepower 110, Service freight, Owner L B Keller, Registered Juneau, ON 234077

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 178, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1166

 

DIANA (1965)     The 7 ton 30 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Diana was consumed by fire July 27, 1965 in Taku Inlet.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 12 N 134 06 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 7 Gross 5 Net, Length 30.3, Breadth 8.9, Depth 4.7, Built 1937 at Kirkland WA, Horsepower 110, SL WC7227, Owner Chris Sundet, Registered Juneau, ON 236261

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 178, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1166

 

DIANA (1966)     The 13 ton 37 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Diana burned August 10, 1966 in Judd Harbor on Duke Island.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   54 53 N 131 16 W   Chart 17420

Additional Information: Tonnage 13 Gross 9 Net, Length 37.6, Breadth 10.9, Depth  4.7, Built 1913 at Tacoma WA, Horsepower 45, SL WJ5331, Registered Port Angeles WA, ON 211767

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 178, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1166

 

DIRIGO (1914)     The 843 ton 165 foot steam powered schooner Dirigo foundered while in tow of the vessel Cordova off of Cape Spencer November16, 1914.  The crew of 13 was taken aboard the Cordova.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 12 45 N 136 39 30 W   Chart 17300

Comment: Merchant Vessels (1915) has the Dirigo lost 40 miles east of Cape Elias.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 823 Gross 521 Net, Length 165, Breadth 35, Depth 22.5, Service Passenger, Horsepower 600, Built 1898 at Hoquiam WA, Registered Seattle, ON 157502, SL KNGW, Owner Alaska Steamship Co, Rebuilt 1912, Last Port Seward, Destination Puget Sound

Sources: 1. Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992), 2. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pgs 208&247, 3. Pacific Coastal Liners (1959) Pg 99, 4. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1913) Pg 152, 5. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1915) Pg 422

 

DISCOVERER (1969)     The passenger and freight boat Discoverer was driven ashore and lost after suffering engine failure July 21, 1969 in Cordova Bay off of Sukkwan Island.  All those on board escaped to the beach.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 06 N 132 46 W   Chart 17400

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

DISCOVERY (1926)     The 17 ton wooden gas screw fishing vessel Discovery hit a rock in Chatham Straits on the morning of August 4, 1926 and sank.  The crew of four survived the casualty but the Discovery valued at $3,000 was lost along with 10 tons ($800 worth) of fresh caught salmon.  The rock that punched the hole in the Discovery was said to be “On Kingamill shore…Chatham Strait.”

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 50 N 134 25 10 W   Chart 17368

Comment: Probably Kingsmill Point on NW Kuiu Island. WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 17 Gross 11 Net, Age 15 years, Registered Seattle, ON 208681, Master Frank Rose of Kake, Owner Fidalgo Island Packing of Anacortes Washington

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed Sept 29, 1926 signed by W J Hansen secretary for the owners. 

 

DISPATCH (1890)     The 10.27 ton wood steamer Dispatch dragged anchor in a storm, blew ashore and was wrecked January 22, 1890.  The casualty occurred on the east shore of Seymour Canal On Admiralty Island, 15 miles NW of the mouth of the canal.  None of the three crew were lost but the Dispatch, valued at $4,500 was damaged to the tune of $3,000.  She was towing a barge from Juneau, having left December 9, 1889.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 32 N 133 50 W   Chart 17300

Sources:  1. Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992), 2. Lewis and Dryden’s Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1895/1961) Pg 383

 

DIVEMASTER (1996)     The 30 foot steel fishing vessel Divemaster struck a submerged object and sank July 4, 1996 approximately 20 miles south of Wrangell.  The only person aboard made it to safety.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 28 N 132 22 40 W   Chart 17360

Additional Information: ON 631603

Sources: 1. U S C G Shipwreck List (1989-2004), 2. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013)

 

DIXIE (1950)     The 10 ton 34 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Dixie stranded and was lost November 15, 1950 near Cape Cross in the Gulf of Alaska. Owner Fred Wetche, his 14 year old son Fred Jr. and Helvig “Chris” Christensen were returning to Pelican from a hunting trip when heavy weather forced them into the rocks near Cape Bingham on the north end of Yakobi Island. Only Christensen survived hanging on to Yakobi Rock. He was rescued barely alive two days later by Pelican residents Tom Allain (34), Betty Mork (15) and Marie Mork (13) who found him still clinging to Yakobi Rock. The three rescuers received the U S Coast Guard Meritorious Service Award for their harrowing rescue of Christensen using a 32 foot vessel poorly equipped for the task.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 55 N 136 33 30 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 10 Gross 7 Net, Length 34.4, Breadth 10.2, Depth 5, Built 1925 at Houghton WA, Horsepower 100, Owner Fred A Wetche, Registered Juneau, ON 224682

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 180, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1166, 3. Daily Sitka Sentinel (September 26, 2011) “U S Coast Guard, State Troopers honor Sitka woman for 1950 shipwreck rescue”

 

DIXIE (1962)     The 8 ton 30 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Dixie foundered September 7, 1962 in Kasaan Bay.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 24 N 132 06 W Chart 17420

Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 5 Net, Length 30.8, Breadth 9.3, Depth 4.3, Built 1919 at Tacoma WA, Horsepower 110, Owner Jacob Thomas, Registered Ketchikan, ON 218521

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1962) Pg 159, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1963) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 930

 

DONA S (1964)     The 106 ton 70 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Dona S foundered off of Baranof Island May 10, 1964.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 45 N 135 10 W   Chart 16016

Additional Information: Tonnage 106 Gross 102 Net, Length 70.4, Breadth 20.5, Depth 9.6, Built 1937 at Seattle, SL WB 4099, ON 236462

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) Pg 898, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1963) Pg 169

 

DORA R (1972)     The 60 foot purse seine fishing vessel Dora R foundered in Peril Strait 75 miles south of Juneau November 19, 1972.  Ronald Hanson, skipper of the vessel was “plucked out of the water” by a helicopter crew and taken to a hospital with extreme exposure.  Crewmembers James Pope and Roy Robal were lost with the Dora R.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 30 N 135 13 W   Chart 17320

Source: Seattle Daily Times (November 20, 1972) “Seattle boat sinks; Two men drown” Pg 62

 

DORIS (1952)     The 7 ton 32 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Doris burned September 19, 1952 halfway between Neva Strait and Olga Strait.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 13 40 N 135 32 W   Chart 17320

Additional Information: Tonnage 7 Gross 6 Net, Length 32.5, Breadth 9.1, Depth 4.2, Built 1919 at Colby WA, Horsepower 110. Owner Robert B Wik, Registered Juneau, ON 218339

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1952) Pg 143, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1953-1954) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 744

 

DOROTHY (1967)     The gas screw Dorothy foundered November 23, 1967 off of Hemlock Island.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 09 40 N 131 33 45 W   Chart 17420

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

DORTHY M (1938)     The 11 ton 35 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Dorothy M caught fire from an engine backfire at 9:00 a.m. March 14, 1939 at Meyers Chuck.  Eight Pyrene cans were emptied in an attempt to extinguish the blaze.  Crewman Bill Hansen shot a hole in the vessel with a shotgun and sunk her.  Chris Lading Jr., master of the Dorothy M and crewmen Hansen escaped unharmed.  The vessel, valued at $2,000 and insured for $1,000 was later salvaged.  Damage was estimated to be only $400.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 44 30 N 132 15 15 W   Chart 17423

Additional Information: Tonnage 11 Gross 9 Net, Length 35, Breadth 10.2, Depth 4.3, Built 1921 , Horsepower 40, Owners Clyde W Henley and Walter Brandt, Last Port Wrangell October 31, 1938, Destination Meyers Chuck, Registered Ketchikan, ON 221146

Sources: 1. U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty March 20, 1939 by Lading, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1938) Pg 135

 

DOT (1957)     The 15 ton 38 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Dot was consumed by fire December 3, 1957 at Craig.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 28 30 N 133 09 W   Chart 17400

Additional Information: Tonnage 15 Gross 12 Net, Length 37.9, Breadth 10.5, Depth 4.6, Built 1919 at Arietta WA, Horsepower 115, Owner Austin J Scott, Registered Wrangell, ON 218133

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1958) Pg 148, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1959) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 800

 

DOVE (1920)     The 26 ton 48 foot gas screw Dove stranded and was lost at Cape Ommaney March 15, 1920.  Two of the five persons aboard perished in the disaster.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 10 N 134 40 20 W   Chart 17360

Additional Information: Tonnage 26 Gross 20 Net, Length 48.7, Breadth 13.7, Depth 5.6, IHP 25, Service freight, Built 1917 at Anacortes WA, Registered Seattle, ON 215123

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1921) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 454, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1919) Pg 222, 3. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 313

 

DOWNEASTER (1986)     The fishing vessel Downeaster flooded and sank June 1, 1986 between Eldred Rock and Sullivan Island in Lynn Canal.  Both crewmembers escaped to a raft and were picked up by the fishing vessel Genevieve.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 53 N 135 19 W   Chart 17300

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

DREADNAUGHT (1930)     The gas screw wood vessel Dreadnaught broke a plank in rough seas Wednesday June 1, 1930 at 10:00 a.m. and sank.  The crew of two made it to safety but the vessel, valued at $1,000 with no cargo or insurance was lost.  The report of casualty filed by the master of the Dreadnaught lists the location of the casualty as “other side Kletachekoff Island, near Leo’s Anchorage, Chichagoff Island.”

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 25 20 N 135 51 30 W   Chart 17320

Comment: Probably Klokachef Island opposite Leo Anchorage. WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 6 Net, Age about 30 years, Registered Sitka, ON 213620, Owner/master Lester Boyd of Sitka

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed March 25, 1930 at Sitka

 

DREAMER (1925)     The wooden gas screw Dreamer caught fire and became a total loss Sunday August 2, 1925 at 1:50 p.m. at Gravina Island opposite Peninsula Point.  Wallace W Noyes, owner and master of the vessel was the only one aboard at the time of the loss.  The following are statements from the report he filed with the Coast Guard at Ketchikan August 11, 1925:

            “Gravina Island opposite Peninsula Point Revilegagedo Island…burning…Fire from Delco Light Plant.”  “Mr Scrimsher and son of Ketchikan and the deck hand tried to put fire out but unsuccessful.”  “Before fire was noticed it had too much of a start to put out with the fire fighting apparatus carried on board.”

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 23 N 131 44 W   Chart 17428

Additional Information: Tonnage 23, Age nine years, Registered Ketchikan, ON 214496, Last Port Ketchikan, Destination Gravina Island, Vessel Value $6,000 no cargo, Insurance $5,000

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty August 11, 1925

 

DRIFT (1967)     The 12 ton 39 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Drift was consumed by fire July 20, 1967 at Slaughterhouse Cove in Dixon Harbor.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 20 15 N 136 52 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 12 Gross 8 Net, Length 39.4, Breadth 11.5, Depth 4.5, Built 1909 at Everett WA, Horsepower 125, SL WK6777, Registered Port Townsend WA, ON 206432

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 192, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1166

 

DRY HEAT (2001)     The 32 foot pleasure vessel Dry Heat burned and sank July 22, 2001 near Streets Island 10 miles west of Ketchikan.  Four adults and five children abandoned ship to the icy waters.  The vessels Show Girl and Sheltered Seas responded to the distress call and rescued all nine.  The Dry Heat sank in 200 fathoms of water.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 28 40 N 132 08 15 W   Chart 17420

Source: U S C G District 17 News Release (July 23, 2001) “Boat blaze sends nine boaters into water”

 

DUBROVNIK (1948)     The 31 ton 49 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Dubrovnik burned September 20, 1948 at Klawock.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 33 15 N 133 05 45 W   Chart 17400

Additional Information: Tonnage 31 Gross 24 Net, Length 49, Breadth 13.9, Depth 6.5, Built 1915 at Seattle WA, Crew 6, Horsepower 40, Owner Bob Peratovich, Registered Juneau, ON 213266

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1948) Pg 133, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1955) “Vessels Subject to Removal” Pg 569

 

DUCK (1976)     The converted military landing craft Duck struck a submerged log and sank July 25, 1976 near Saint Marys Point just north of Ketchikan.  The vessel had been converted to a house boat and a family was travelling north up the inside passage when the disaster occurred.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 44 N 135 01 15 W   Chart 17300

Comment: Point Saint Mary just north of Juneau?  WG

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

DUCKLAND (1922)     It was 2:00 a.m. Sunday October 29, 1922 when the 42 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Duckland drug anchor and stranded with two persons aboard.  The Duckland’s master and owner, Peter Beaudrie and his only crewman were able to escape, but the Duckland, valued at $1,200 became a total loss.  Beaudrie had left Wrangell on the 22nd and was “cruising for timber”.  The casualty occurred at the mouth of Anita By on the NE coast of Etolin Island.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 14 N 132 23 W   Chart 17382

Additional Information: Tonnage 10 Gross 7 Net, Length 42, Breadth 9, Depth 4, Built 1908 at Wrangell, Registration Wrangell, ON 205277

Sources: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1922) Pg 222

 

DUPOCO II (1942)     The 8 ton 31 foot wooden gas screw Dupoco II burned at Juneau January 14, 1942. 

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 18 15 N 134 24 30 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 6 Net, Length 30.9, Breadth 9.3, Depth 5.1, Built 1933 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 40, Owner E I Du Pont de Nemours & Company of Delaware, Registered Juneau, ON 232353

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1943) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 754, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1942) Pg 124

 

DURI (1941)     The 10 ton 36 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Duri stranded and was lost on Biorka Island near Sitka February 4, 1941.  The two persons aboard made it to safety.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 51 N 135 32 W   Chart 17320

Additional Information: Tonnage 10 Gross 8 Net, Length 36.4, Breadth 9.7, Depth 4.6, Built 1939 at Ketchikan, Horsepower 50, Owner Olal Sela, Registered Ketchikan, ON 239094

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1942) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 510, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1941) Pg 127

 

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