H I C #4 (1929) The 27 ton wooden scow H I C #4 broke her tow line while being towed from Yakutat to Dangerous River at 2:00 a.m. Tuesday September 3, 1929. She drifted onto the Dangerous River Bar and was wrecked by the pounding waves of a heavy SE gale. There was no one aboard and no cargo, but the H I C #4, valued at $984 was completely wrecked.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 59 20 55 N 139 18 W Chart 16016
Additional Information: Tonnage 27, Built 1919, Registered Juneau and Seattle, ON 167643, Master F Svenson of Seattle, Owner Libby McNeil & Libby of Seattle, Last Port Yakutat September 2nd
Source: U S Customs Report of Casualty filed by Svenson October 17, 1929 in Seattle
H L TIERNAN (1882) The 153 ton two masted schooner H L Tiernan was lost in 1882 in the Shumagin Islands. The vessel was owned by Lynde and Hough of San Francisco and valued at $17,000 with cargo at the time of the loss. The H L Tiernan was part of the cod fishing fleet.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 55 10 N 160 W Chart 16540
Sources: 1. Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992), 2. Pacific Cod Fisheries (1916) Pg 108
HAGEMEISTER (1963) The 69 ton 65 foot wooden gas screw Hagemeister foundered September 19, 1963 about 12 miles southeast of Yakataga.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 60 03 40 N 142 26 W Chart 16016
Additional Information: Tonnage 69 Gross 62 Net, Length 65.2, Breadth 24.4, Depth 4.1, Built 1943 at Seattle WA, Service freight, Horsepower 230, SL WA5593, Owner Pacific American Fisheries, Registered Bellingham WA, ON 250722
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1963) Pg 257, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 964
HALCYON (1964) A vessel named Halcyon was reported lost in the Good Friday earthquake of March 27, 1964 at Kodiak.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 57 47 20 N 152 24 10 W Chart 16580
Source: Unofficial Wreck List
HALIBUT ENDEAVOR (2007) The 36 foot fiberglass small passenger vessel Halibut Endeavor sank five miles from Seldovia in 60 fathoms of water April 25, 2007. Eleven passengers, the captain and one crewman were aboard and all were rescued. The Halibut Endeavor had been tagging halibut in Kachemak Bay for an upcoming derby. After weighing anchor, filleting fish and while cleaning the aft deck with a seawater pump, it was noticed that the stern was riding low in the water. Further investigation revealed a substantial amount of water in the aft compartments. The captain of the vessel issued a May-Day immediately on VHF Channel 16. A 27 foot Coast Guard Auxiliary vessel out of Homer responded within 20 minutes and was able to rescue all 13 persons aboard the Halibut Endeavor. They were subsequently transferred to the Coast Guard Cutter Roanoke Island. 45 minutes after the captain issued the May-Day and minutes after all passengers were safely aboard the Coast Guard vessel, the Halibut Endeavor rolled over and sank in 360 feet of water. “Possible causal factors, that were based off the original observed list of the vessel to port, include equipment failure of wet exhaust clamps/connection, and a possible failure of the water wash down pump at the hull connection.”
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 59 26 15 N 151 42 30 W Chart 16640
Additional Information: Tonnage 18 Gross 14 Net, Length 36.1, Built by Modutech in 1973, Call Sign WCZ4848, ON 549521
Sources: 1. USCG Enforcement Report Case 346424, 2. U S Coast Guard Marine Information Exchange, 3. Homer News (April 26, 2007) “Rescue Saves 13 Fishermen Before Plunge Into Kachemak Bay”
HAMMOND (1907) The 41 foot wooden gas screw steamer Hammond burned off Storey Island August 22, 1907.
“The engine of the steamer backfired, igniting oil in bilges. Crew was unable to smother the fire. The master took a small boat and rowed one and one half miles for a larger boat to rescue the passengers and engineer. Meanwhile, the vessel drifted ashore. Six passengers were saved, but the engineer was found dead.”
The Hammond’s home port was Seattle and service was inland towing.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 60 43 30 N 147 25 W Chart 16713
Additional Information: Length 41, Breadth 9.6, Depth 4.5, Built Portland Oregon 1901, Tonnage 14 Gross 10 Net, Registered Seattle, ON 96582
Source: Alaska Packers Association Records (1982 Microfilm) “Shipwrecks 1741-1939”
HANA COVE (1990) The 50 foot fiberglass fish tender Hana Cove lost steering, struck a rock, cracked her hull and sank quickly June 19, 1990 in Valdez Narrows. All four crewmembers donned survival suits and swam to shore.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 61 03 15 N 146 40 30 W Chart 16700
Additional Information: ON 942338
Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
HANG ON (1999) The 34 foot commercial fishing vessel Hang On caught fire and sank August 25, 1999 in Bristol Bay. The only person on board was rescued by an Alaska Department of Fish and Game vessel.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 57 N 162 W Chart 16006
Additional Information: ON 1066222
Sources: 1. U S C G Marine Information Exchange “Hang On”, 2. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013)
HAPPY HOOKER II (1997) The 28 foot dive boat Happy Hooker II iced up, drug anchor and sank December 30, 1997 in Alitak Bay. The three persons aboard made it to safety.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 56 50 N 154 10 W Chart 16580
Additional Information: ON AK9495A
Sources: 1. Unofficial Shipwreck List (Kodiak), 2. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
HARDER (1979) The 48 foot vessel Harder sank near Kodiak October 6, 1979. The crew was picked up by the charter vessel Ten Bears.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 5747 20 N 152 24 10 W Chart 16580
Source: Unofficial Wreck List (Kodiak)
HARLEQUIN (1971) The gas screw Harlequin foundered July 3, 1971 at Seward.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 60 06 30 N 149 26 30 W Chart 16680
Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
HAROLD BLEKUM (1917) The 192 ton wooden schooner Harold Blekum drifted ashore, stranded and was lost in Ugak Bay just after midnight March 4, 1917. The vessel departed Kodiak February 27th bound for Seattle with a crew of eight and 100 tons of cargo including empty gasoline drums. They had lost both of their anchors the day before. Weather at the time was reported to be calm clear night with heavy swell and snow squalls.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 57 48 N 154 04 W Chart 16580
Comment: Vessel originally Ruby A Cousins (see)
Additional Information: Tonnage 192 Gross 185 Net, Age 34 years, Registered San Francisco, ON 110554, Master W O Kahlmeister of Seattle, Owner D F Erskine of San Francisco, Vessel Value $15,000, Cargo Value $1,500, Insurance unknown
Source: U S Custom Report of Casualty March 19, 1917 by Kahlmeister
HARRIET (1967) The crab fishing vessel Harriet struck a log and sank December 6, 1967 one mile off of Seldovia Point. Both crewmembers were rescued by the fishing vessel Amatuli and taken to Seldovia. The Harriet eventually broke in two and the stern washed ashore at Barabara Point.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 59 29 10 N 151 38 30 W Chart 16647
Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
HARRIET G (1932) See Esther 1933? The Harriet G was a wooden brig that that capsized off of Cape Flattery with a load of lumber. Harriet was rerigged as a 3-master, renamed the Esther and eventually became a floating cannery. See Esther 1933.
HARRY B (1991) The 85 foot vessel Harry B burned April 24, 1991 off of Woody Island near Kodiak. The two persons on board were able to escape with most of their gear.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 57 47 N 152 20 W Chart 16580
Sources: 1. Unofficial Shipwreck List (Kodiak), 2. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
HARVEY (1964) The 19 ton 39 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Harvey was consumed by fire February 18, 1964 at Old Harbor.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 57 12 15 N 153 18 W Chart 16580
Additional Information: Tonnage 19 Gross 13 Net, Length 39.6, Breadth 11.5, Depth 6.5, Built 1940 at Coupeville WA, Former Name Evelyn C, Horsepower 130, SL WC4450, Owner Marvin E Nelson, Registered Ketchikan, ON 239459
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) Pg 271, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1003
HARVEY G (1991) The 94 foot crab fishing vessel Harvey G was lost in heavy weather in the Bering Sea November 22, 1991 approximately 100 miles north of Cold Bay. All four crewmembers abandoned ship, but none were ever found. Lost were skipper Ken Krumal (32) of Kodiak, Johnny Morgan of Seattle, Shawn Nelson Crane and Timothy Caudill.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 55 12 N 162 42 W Chart 16011
Additional Information: ON 651993
Sources: 1. Unofficial Shipwreck List (Kodiak), 2. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
HAWK (1935) The 5 ton gas screw Hawk was lost in a storm at Chignik May 22, 1935.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 56 18 N 156 158 24 W Chart 16566
Source: Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992)
HAWK (1963) The 25 ton 45 foot wooden barge Hawk foundered July 4, 1963 at Naknek in Bristol Bay.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 58 43 40 N 157 00 45 W Chart 16006
Additional Information: Tonnage 25 Gross 21 Net, Length 45.1, Breadth 18, Depth 2.8, Built 1933 at Seattle WA, Owner Wards Cove Packing Company, Registered Juneau, ON 233079
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1962) Pg 255, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 964
HAYDN BROWN (1912) The 162 foot 864 ton bark Haydn Brown was lost on the southern tip of Montague Island at 8:00 p.m. Sunday May 18, 1912. The vessel departed Akutan May 3, 1912 bound for Seattle via Gypsum with 30 tons of coal, six crew and two stowaways. The bark had been reduced to a barge and was being towed by the tug Pioneer. They encountered a storm off of Cape Saint Elias and the Pioneer cut the Haydn Brown loose. The barge drifted for two days with the tug in pursuit, piling up on the rocks at the south end of Montague May 18th. Two crew of the barge made it to shore, one found by local natives and the other by the lighthouse tender Armeria. Only one of those two survived; one August Palmer. The other six aboard the barge perished including the two stowaways. The 1502 ton Armeria also went on the rocks and was lost in the rescue attempt. Her crew of 36 plus the single survivor of the Haydn Brown were rescued by the steamship Admiral Sampson. (See Armeria) Lost with the Haydn Brown were master A Peterson of Oakland California, S Martin, C Westerlund, Chris Jensen, Kowahara and the two stowaways, names unknown.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 59 48 N 147 55 W Chart 16701
Additional Information: Length 162, Breadth 34.9, Depth 19.8 Built Newburyport Mass, Tonnage 864 Gross 769 Net, Registered Seattle, ON 95434, Owner Coastwise Steamship and Barge Co of Seattle, Vessel Value $7,500, Cargo Value $240, Vessel Insurance $2,500, Cargo Insurance none
Sources: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report filed May 23, 1912 at Puget Sound by James Griffith and Sons Managing Owners, 2. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 211
HAZEL (1945) The 10 ton 39 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Hazel stranded and was lost at Cordova in November of 1945.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 60 33 N 145 45 W Chart 16700
Additional Information: Tonnage 10 Gross 7 Net, Length39, Breadth 12.2, Depth 3.9, Built 1917 at Petersburg, Horsepower 25, Owner Judvig Gjoen, Registered Juneau, ON 215014
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1945) Pg 196, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1948) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 861
HAZEL A (1964) The 17 ton 38 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Hazel A was reported lost at Kodiak during the Good Friday earthquake of March 27, 1964.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 57 47 20 N 152 24 10 W Chart 16580
Additional Information: Tonnage 17 Gross 12 Net, Length 38.8, Breadth 12.3, Depth 4.0, Built 1957 at Kodiak, Horsepower 140 SL WK3446, Owner W C Anderson, Registered Juneau, ON 277006
Sources: 1. Unofficial Wreck List, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) Pg 272
HAZEL M (1960) The 9 ton 32 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Hazel M burned March 14, 1960 at Monashka Bay on Kodiak Island.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 57 50 N 152 25 W Chart 16580
Additional Information: Tonnage 9 Gross 6 Net, Length 32, Breadth 10.6, Depth 4.0, Built 1939 at Seward, Horsepower 50, Owner Rudolph Sundberg, Registered Juneau, ON 238586
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1960) Pg 237, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1961) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 861
HEAD AND TAIL (1985) The fishing vessel Head and Tail grounded and was lost while being towed by the seiner Anna O May 16, 1985 at Softuk Bar near Controller Bay. Both vessels were lost along with the operator of the Anna O.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 60 13 N 144 40 W Chart 16723
Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
HEATHER D (1964) The 8 ton 27 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Heather D was destroyed by a tidal wave March 27, 1964 at Valdez.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 61 07 N 146 16 W Chart 16700
Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 6 Net, Length 27.5, Breadth 9.7, Depth 4.1, Built 1930 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 115, SL WT6322, Owner Max H Wells, Registered Juneau, ON 264995
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) Pg 273, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1003
HEATHER KAY (2005) The 46 foot wooden longline halibut fishing vessel Heather Kay was consumed by fire May 15, 2005 approximately 52 miles southeast of Kodiak ESE of Ugak Island. The fire started in the overhead of the wheelhouse and was soon out of control. All four crewmembers abandoned ship in a liferaft and were rescued by a U S Coast Guard Helicopter and transported back to Kodiak.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 57 07 N 153 14 W Chart 16580
Comment: Some reports have this wreck closer to Sitkalidak Island. WG
Additional Information: Tonnage 24 Gross 16 Net, Length 43.9, Breadth 14.3, Depth 5.9, Built 1946 Ketchikan, ON 249303, Call Sign WA5707 WLE8047
Sources: 1. Unofficial Shipwreck List (Kodiak), 2. Kodiak Daily Mirror (May 16, 2005) “Halibut boat catches fire”, 3. USCG MISLE Case # 230960, 4. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1979) Pg 623
HEIDI MARIE (1978) The fishing vessel Heidi Marie grounded and sank November 30, 1978 in Terror Bay, Kodiak Island.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 57 46 N 153 12 W Chart 16580
Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
HEKLA (1964) The 89 ton 71 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Hekla was reported lost in the Good Friday earthquake of March 27, 1964 at Kodiak.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 57 47 20 N 152 24 10 W Chart 16580
Additional Information: Tonnage 89 Gross 61 Net, Length 71.2, Breadth 20.2, Depth 9.9, Built 1937 at Tacoma WA, Former Name Rio Del Mar, Horsepower 350, SL WB2044, Owner Bel Hecate Fisheries Inc., Registered Bellingham WA, ON 236409
Sources: 1. Unofficial Wreck List, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) Pg 273
HELEN (1894) The 46 foot 28 ton wooden schooner Helen lost her rudder, began leaking and stranded near Yakutat Bay (near Mt St Elias) at 2 p.m. Thursday May 3, 1894. The vessel had left Sitka April 7th with a crew of 14 and a hunting outfit worth $2,500. The wreck report filed by the vessel’s owner Henry Strong of Seattle puts the loss to the Helen and her cargo as “whole”.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 59 41 30 N 140 18 15 W Chart 16016
Comment: This vessel has another wreck report on file for a small amount of damage done in a stranding that occurred May 22, 1898 at Unalaska with a different owner and master; strong proof that the Helen was salvaged
Additional Information: Length 45.6, Breadth 17.2, Depth 6.5, Built 1892 Seattle, Tonnage 27.82, Registered Port Townsend Washington, ON 96165, Master Ed Simpson of Seattle, Vessel Value $3,500, Vessel Insurance $3,000, Cargo Insurance $2,000
Source: U S Customs Wreck Report filed May 14, 1894 by Strong
HELEN (1913) Two men were lost aboard the launch Helen in Galena Bay January 24, 1913 when a line fouled in the prop in rough seas.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 60 55 20 N 146 37 W Chart 16708
Comment: This appears to be the same wreck as the Mermaid (1913) WG
Source: Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992)
HELEN (1972) The 9 ton 30 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Helen was consumed by fire during December of 1972 at Cordova.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 60 33 N 145 45 W Chart 16700
Additional Information: Tonnage 9 Gross 6 Net, Length 30.3, Breadth 9.8, Depth 4.3, Built 1930 at Seattle WA, ON 238986
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 284, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1974) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1636
HELEN BLUM (1893) The 75 foot 66 ton sealing Schooner Helen Blum was lost with all hands in 1893 in the vicinity of the Shumagin Islands. The last sighting of the vessel was at Ugamok Island on March 21st. The following is an excerpt from the Victoria Daily Colonist July 18, 1893:
“The steamer Queen, which arrived down from Alaska with a large excursion party, last evening, brings word that quantities of wreckage picked up to the westward of the Alaska Peninsula have been positively identified as belonging to the San Francisco schooner Helen Blum and that vessel, carrying twenty six of a crew, has now been given up as lost with all hands aboard.”
Wreckage thought to be from the Helen Blum was found on Simeonof and Chernabura Islands at the southern extremity of the Shumagin Island group by two local hunters in May of 1893. The Helen Blum was reported to have departed Sanak with 26 crewmembers aboard. A violent northeast snowstorm set in shortly after their departure. The crew included captain A. F. Carlson, first mate Charles Carlson, William P. Shafter, Frederick Irvine, hunters Joe Sasauilla and Charles W. Bernard, cook Alek Lindstrom, cabin boy Ed W. Ryan, seaman Hans Johnson and sixteen Japanese. No boats were found, so hopes were high that the crew made shore.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 54 47 N 159 33 W Chart 16540
Additional Information: Tonnage 66.17 Gross 62.87 Net, Length 75, Breadth 23, Depth 7.8, Built 1886 at San Francisco, ON 75870, Value of Vessel and Outfit $16,000, Insurance partial
Sources: 1. Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992), 2. The Victoria Daily Colonist (July 18, 1893) “First Seizures of the Season” Pg 3, 3. San Francisco Chronicle (July 22, 1893) “Lost in a Great Gale” Pg 4, 4. San Francisco Chronicle (July 13, 1893) “The Helen Blum” Pg 4
HELEN J (1968) The diesel screw Helen J foundered September 10, 1968 near Icy Bay northwest of Yakutat.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 59 55 N 141 33 W Chart 16016
Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
HELEN JEAN (1983) The fishing vessel Helen Jean flooded and was abandoned April 11, 1983 in the Gulf of Alaska. The vessel was traveling between Wrangell and Valdez with two men aboard. The two were rescued from the sinking vessel by a U S Coast Guard Helicopter.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska Unknown
Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
HELEN MARIE (2001) The 42 foot seiner Helen Marie burned from an engine room fire August 16, 2001 at Alitak in Lazy Bay on the south end of Kodiak Island. All three crewmembers escaped to the seine skiff. There were 15,000 pounds of pink salmon on board at the time of the disaster. The melted hulk of the vessel was towed to the beach near Akhiok.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 56 56 40 N 154 10 W Chart 16580
Additional Information: ON 615669
Source: U S C G District 17 News Release (August 17, 2001) “Coast Guard Investigates boat fire in Lazy Bay” Release #112-01
HELENKA B (1974) The oil screw Helenka B swamped and was lost October 17, 1974 off of Icy Bay in the Gulf of Alaska.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 59 55 N 141 33 W Chart 16016
Comment: It is possible that this vessel was salvaged as a vessel of the same name was in service after 1974. WG
Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
HELGELAND (1942) The 76 foot 82 ton halibut schooner Helgeland disappeared September 11, 1942 near Kodiak Island in the Gulf of Alaska. Captain Louis Holm and 9 other crewmembers were lost. Some believe the vessel sank in a storm and other believed she hit a floating Japanese mine. The vessel was last seen at Port Vita north of Kodiak on Raspberry Island.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 58 03 50 N 153 04 20 W Chart 16594
Sources: 1. Seattle Daily Times (November 6, 1942) “Searchers fail to learn fate of Helgeland” Pg 29, 2. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
HENNING-J (1964) The 84 ton 70 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Henning-J was reported lost in the Good Friday earthquake of March 27, 1964 at Kodiak.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 57 47 20 N 152 24 10 W Chart 16580
Additional Information: Tonnage 84 Gross 57 Net, Length 69.9, Breadth 19.3, Depth 8.8, Built 1935 at Tacoma WA, Horsepower 135, Owner National Maritime Leasing Company, Registered Chicago IL, ON 233844
Sources: 1. Unofficial Wreck List, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) Pg 276
HERCULES (1952) The 80 ton 72 foot wooden scow Hercules foundered July 25, 1952 off of Perl Island in the Chugach Island Group of Cook Inlet.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 59 07 N 151 40 W Chart 16645
Additional Information: Tonnage 80 Gross and Net, Length 72, Breadth 24.1, Depth 5.2, Built 1930 at Seattle WA, Owner New England Fish Company of Oregon, Registered Seattle, ON 170583
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1952) Pg 238, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1953-1954) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 745
HERCULES (1966) The 275 ton 117 foot wooden oil screw tug Hercules was destroyed by ice October 23, 1966 at Clarks Point in the Nushagak River.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 58 50 30 N 158 33 W Chart 16006
Additional Information: Tonnage 275 Gross 105 Net, Length 116.9, Breadth 28, Depth 13, Built 1944 at Quincy MA, Former Name LT-463 (U S A), Horsepower 1,440, SL WA5908, Owner Carry-Davis Tug and Barge Company, Registered Seattle, ON 249880
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 288, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1168
HERITAGE (2012) The 68 foot fishing vessel Heritage foundered January 25, 2012 a mile east of Tanner Head on the south end of Kodiak Island with seven people aboard. A Jayhawk helicopter on her way to rescue crewmen from the distressed fishing vessel Kimberly was diverted to help in the rescue of the crewmembers of the Heritage. Two were hoisted to the helicopter and the other five picked up from a liferaft by the Good Samaritan vessel Tuxedni. An additional helicopter was dispatched to continue the rescue of the crew of the Kimberly. All eleven crewmembers from the two vessels were rescued wearing survival suits.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 56 52 20 N 154 15 W Chart 16580
Additional Information: Tonnage 109 Gross 87 Net, Length 67, Breadth 24, Depth 10.2, Built 1977 Toledo OR, SL WYC4675, ON 582098
Sources: 1. U S Coast Guard Marine Information Exchange, 2. U S Coast Guard News Release (January 25, 2012), 3. Inside Ireland News (March 2, 2012) “Dramatic Rescue by Sarah Greer” Pg 1
HERO (1896) The 8.8 ton 31 foot schooner Hero struck a rock and was lost about July 30, 1896 in the Barren Islands. The two person crew was on a trip from Wood Island to Seldoria C. I. when the wreck occurred. Gus Bernhardt, master of the Hero reported that fog and a strong breeze from the SE were the conditions at the time of the casualty. He and the other crewman made it to safety but the Hero, valued at $1,000 was a total loss.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 58 57 N 152 15 W Chart 16606
Comment: Probably going from the settlement at Woody Island to the one at Seldovia. WG
Additional Information: Length 31, Breadth 12, Depth 4.9, Tonnage 8.8, Built 1892 in Seattle, Kodiak (St. Paul), ON 96153, Owner Wm. C Greenfield and John W Smith, Cargo none
Source: U S Customs Wreck Report filed September 23, 1896 by Greenfield in the Alaska Collection District.
HERO (1916) The 14 ton 39 foot gas screw fishing vessel Hero stranded and was lost at Knik Arm Shoal August 1, 1916. The two persons aboard made it to safety.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 61 12 N 150 13 W Chart 16660
Additional Information: Tonnage 14 Gross 9 Net, Length 39.5, Breadth 10.8, Depth 5.1, IHP 20, Built 1915 at Seattle WA, Registered Seattle, ON 213046
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1921) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 454, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1916) Pg 245
HERO (2007) The 32 foot jet drive fishing vessel Hero was found September 24, 2007 capsized and stranded on the sand flats in the vicinity of Egg Island near Cordova. The body of Stephan Reutov (36), master of the Hero was discovered some time later on Hinchinbrook Island. Reutov was the only one aboard the Hero at the time of the disaster.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 60 22 N 145 42 W Chart 16700
Additional Information: Tonnage 6 Gross 4 Net, Length 30, Vessel ID AK9374AG
Sources: 1. U S C G News Release (September 26, 2007) “Coast Guard Suspends Search for Mariner near Cordova”, 2. Anchorage Daily News (November 8, 2007) “Troopers: body of missing commercial fisherman found near Cordova”, 3. USCG MISLE Case # 375733
HIAWATHA (1953) The 74 ton 66 foot oil screw yacht Hiawatha foundered in October of 1953 at the entrance to Port Etches.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 60 20 N 146 37 W Chart 16700
Additional Information: Tonnage 74 Gross 50 Net, Length 66, Breadth 16, Depth 7.2, Built 1909 at Houghton WA, Former Name Rainier, Crew 2, Horsepower 225, Owner George E Brown, Registered Ketchikan, ON 206041
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1952) Pg 239, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1955) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 738
HIGH TIDE (1978) The fishing vessel High Tide sank off of Spruce Cape September 13, 1978
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 57 49 15 N 152 20 W Chart 16594
Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
HIGHLAND QUEEN (1915) The small schooner Highland Queen was lost April 20, 1915 in the Shumagin Islands
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 55 10 N 160 W Chart 16011
Source: The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 258
HILLSIDE II (1929) The 34 ton wooden gas screw Hillside II lost her rudder and foundered 65 miles west of Ocean Cape at 2:30 p.m. November 12, 1929. The following are statements taken from the report of casualty filed by Ragnar Jensen, master of the vessel:
“Rough sea…rudder was disabled by heavy sea.” “Pumps would not keep down water and stopped engine. Set flare to call aid. Oil screw Middleton 223,523 came to our aid and took off crew.” “Crew then taken to Petersburg, Alaska the home port of the Middleton.” “Vessel foundered…total loss”
The value of the Hillside II was listed as $14,000 with $10,000 insured. She had seven crewmen and no cargo and was travelling from LaTouche to Ketchikan.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 59 32 30 N 139 51 30 W Chart 16016
Additional Information: Tonnage 34 Gross 23 Net, Age 12 years, Registered Seward, ON 215379, Owner Utopian Fisheries of Seward
Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed November 15, 1929 at Petersburg
HORIZON (2006) The 42 foot fishing vessel Horizon flooded and sank January 13, 2006 approximately 12 miles southeast of Sitkalidak Island while engaged in longline fishing. All three crewmembers from the Horizon were safely rescued by the fishing vessels Last One and Competition. The Horizon initially began flooding 12 nautical miles southwest of Blacks Point but was later seen washed up on the beach at Ocean Bay.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 57 05 N 153 10 W Chart 16580
Additional Information: Tonnage 30 Gross 24 Net, Length 42, ON 946915
Sources: 1. Unofficial Shipwreck List (Kodiak), 2. U S C G News Release (January 13, 2006) “Good Samaritan saves three from sinking vessel”, 3. Kodiak Daily Mirror (January 18, 2006) “Horizon believed to be sunk Friday”, 4. USCG MISLE Case # 272265
HORNET (1939) The 11 ton 53 foot wooden gas screw Hornet foundered near Unga in September of 1939. No one was aboard at the time of the casualty.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 55 11 N 160 30 10 W Chart 16011
Additional Information: Tonnage 11 Gross 7 Net, Length 53, Breadth 12, Depth 4.5, Built 1905 at Portland OR, Horsepower 22, Owner Frank Slemton, Registered Juneau, ON 201751
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1942) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 511, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1941) Pg 168
HOTAI (1976) The 85 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Hotai stranded and was lost at Montague Island May 12, 1976.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 60 10 N 147 15 W Chart 16013
Additional Information: Tonnage 81 Gross 63 Net, Length 86, Breadth 15.5, Depth 7.1, Built 1925 at Detroit MI, Formerly Mildred M, Suzanne, Natoya, Glorianna, 370 HP, SL WB8866, ON 225405
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1978) Pg 1601, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1976) Pgs 547, 1608
HOTLINE (1987) The 42 foot seiner Hotline disappeared with all hands May 6, 1987 near Nuka Bay on the east coast of the Kenai Peninsula. Lost with the vessel were skipper Rick Liston of Anchorage, Jim Fuller, James Carnegie of Sterling and Burt Logan. The Chabro, Kahiltna II and Kvinga were lost in the same storm in the same area of Alaska.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 59 19 N 150 33 W Chart 16680
Sources: 1. Unofficial Shipwreck List (Kodiak), 2. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 3. Daily Sitka Sentinel (May 11, 1987) “Search on for Seiner” Pg 8
HOURI (2001) The 34 foot gillnet fishing vessel Houri was consumed by fire and sank July 6, 2001 in Cook Inlet. The one person aboard was rescued by the fishing vessel Proud Mary.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 59 05 N 152 30 W Chart 16013
Additional Information: ON 579282
Source: U S C G District 17 Enforcement Report (July 6, 2001)
HUENEME (1897) The 142 foot 347 ton wooden schooner Hueneme was wrecked at Cape Khituk, Unimak Island at 10:45 p.m. September 7, 1897. The vessel departed Seattle August 15 with 9 crew, two passengers and 600 tons of cargo bound for Saint Michael. The cargo consisted of lumber, materials and a steam launch; the lumber and materials for building two river steamers and a barge. The following are excerpts from the wreck report filed by Charles Peterson, master of the Hueneme:
“Dark, thick fog, with rain. Heavy SE squalls….Struck a rock during thick weather heavy squalls.” “Vessel began to break up as soon as she struck a rock, turned bow in and went higher every breaker, and soon went to pieces.” “Assistance was rendered by the U S steamers Richard Rush and Grant, and steamer Dora. The latter picked up Captain and four men at sea.” “Total loss”
The crew and passengers all survived but the Hueneme, valued at $20,000 and her cargo valued at $12,500 were lost. At the time of the wreck report the insurance was unknown. The Hueneme was under charter of the North American Transportation and Trading Company.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 54 24 15 N 164 47 30 W Chart 16520
Additional Information : Length 142.3, Breadth 34.2, Depth 10.7, Built 1877 at Port Ludlow Washington, Tonnage 346.77 Net, Master Chas. Peterson of San Francisco, Owner W G Hall of San Francisco, Last Port Seattle August 15, 1897, Destination Saint Michael
Sources: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report file at Puget Sound by Peterson September 29, 1897, 2. Alaska File of the Revenue Cutter Service 1867-1914 (1966)
HUMDINGER (1982) The 36 foot fishing vessel Humdinger sank May 13, 1982 approximately 15 miles east of Shuyak Island. The three persons on board were picked up by the vessel Fairweather.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 58 31 N 152 30 W Chart 16580
Sources: 1. Unofficial Shipwreck List (Kodiak), 2. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
HUMPY (1964) The 17 ton 35 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Humpy burned January 25, 1964 at Alitak (Akhiok).
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 56 56 40 N 154 10 W Chart 16580
Additional Information: Tonnage 17 Gross 12 Net, Length 35.6, Breadth 13.8, Depth 5.3, Built 1962 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 165, SL WT3771, Owner Pacific American Corp., Registered Bellingham WA, ON 288381
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) Pg 286, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1003
HUNTER (1917) The 63 ton gas screw Hunter struck a rock and sank in four minutes near Foggy Cape, Sutwik Island August 30, 1917. The vessel was travelling from Chignik to Kodiak. No lives were lost but the Hunter sank, along with a full load of codfish.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 56 32 N 156 58 W Chart 16568
Sources: 1. Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992), 2. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 292
HUNTER (2007) The 58 foot fishing vessel Hunter capsized and sank January 7, 2007 in the Shelikof Strait two miles east of Cape Igvak. High winds and freezing spray caused the vessel to experience heavy icing and the Hunter became unstable, listed to starboard and eventually keeled over. She sank within ten minutes. All four crewmembers donned survival suits and abandoned ship to a life raft taking the EPIRB from the Hunter with them. U S Coast Guard Kodiak responded to the EPIRB signal and the crewmembers were rescued by an HH-60 helicopter. The temperature at the time was minus five degrees Fahrenheit causing ice fog to hamper rescue efforts. The Hunter was based out of Cordova and was enroute to Dutch Harbor area to fish for Pacific Cod. The crewmen rescued were identified as Ron Blake (37), Charles Nippell (21), John Quinlin (50) and John Mahalich (50). All were taken to Kodiak and treated for hypothermia.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 57 26 N 156 01 W Chart 16580
Sources: 1. U S C G News Release (January 7, 2007) “Coast Guard Rescues Four Fishermen”, 2. Kodiak Daily Mirror (January 8, 2007) “4 Fishermen rescued in Shelikof”, 3. Anchorage Daily News (January 9, 2007) “Four Rescued from life raft in Shelikof Strait”, 4. USCG MISLE Case # 333793
HUSKY (1942) The 24 ton 48 foot wooden oil screw Husky foundered June 9, 1942 two miles off of Cape Constantine.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 58 23 30 N 158 53 30 W Chart 16006
Additional Information: Tonnage 24 Gross 21 Net, Length 48.5, Breadth 13, Depth 4.9, Built 1915 at Brooklyn NY, Former Name No 2201 (USN), Owner Felder Gale, Registered Cordova, ON 224589
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1943) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 755, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1942) Pg 166
HUSKY (1961) The 50 ton 55 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Husky stranded and was lost October 13, 1961 on Amak Island.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 55 25 N 163 08 W Chart 16006
Additional Information: Tonnage 50 Gross 26 Net, Length 55.2, Breadth 16.3, Depth 6.5, Built 1940 at Los Angeles CA, Former Name Defender, Horsepower 165, SL WB7766, Owner Oddmund M Sumstad, Registered Juneau, ON 240052
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1960) Pg 250, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1962) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 903
HUSTLER (1975) The 24 ton 43 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Hustler foundered October 12, 1975 off of Kodiak Island.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 57 47 20 N 152 24 10 W Chart 16580
Additional Information: Tonnage 24 Gross 16 Net, Length 43.2, Breadth 13.1, Depth 5.9, Built 1936 at Seattle WA, ON 235746
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 298, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1978) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 2118
HUSTLER (1995) The 62 foot steel fishing vessel Hustler grounded and broke up in the surf January 19, 1995 near Narrow Cape. All five crewmembers made it to safety.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 57 25 30 N 152 20 W Chart 16580
Additional Information: ON 606821
Sources: 1. U S C G Shipwreck List (1989-2004), 2. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013)
HUSTLER (2005) The 56 foot landing craft Hustler sank November 12, 2005 three miles south of Izhut Bay near Afognak Island. Both crewmembers from the vessel were found clinging to debris and rescued by a U S Coast Guard Helicopter. The fishing vessel Bottom Line assisted in the rescue.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 58 11 N 152 15 W Chart 16580
Sources: 1. Unofficial Shipwreck List (Kodiak), 2. U S C G News Release (November 12, 2005) “Coast Guard Rescues two after vessel sinks”
HYACINTH (1950) The 33 ton 49 foot wooden gas screw Hyacinth burned September 25, 1950 at Katalla anchorage near Cordova.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 60 12 N 144 31 W Chart 16723
Additional Information: Tonnage 33 Gross 22 Net, Length 49.4, Breadth 16.1, Depth 4.8, Built 1941 at Seattle WA, Former Name Chignik 4, Service freight, Crew 4, Horsepower 192, SL WA5970, Owner James Hodnett, Registered Juneau, ON 240516
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1952) Pg 247, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1953-1954) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 748
HYAK (1916) The launch Hyak was lost along with a group of other launches in a strong wind storm at Ellamar January 22, 1916.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 60 53 45 N 146 42 30 W Chart 16700
Source: Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992)
HYAK (1936) The Hyak struck the rocks off of Kinklik coming from the Hobo Bay Mine and was lost with cargo. The crew made it to safety.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 60 50 55 N 147 37 30 W Chart 16700
Source: Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992)
HY-C-TANE (1956) The 10 ton 33 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Hy-C-Tane foundered July 15, 1956 at Ships Anchorage, Naknek.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 58 43 40 N 157 00 45 W Chart 16006
Additional Information: Tonnage 10 Gross 7 Net, Length 33.2, Breadth 10.3, Depth 4.9, Built 1942, Horsepower 135, Owner Alaska Reefer Fisheries, Registered Tacoma WA, ON 269793
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1956) Pg 233, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1957) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 756