Alaska Shipwrecks (E)

ABBREVIATIONS:  AluminumALBritish ColumbiaBCCentralCFiberglassFRPFishing VesselFVIndicated Horse PowerIHPLongliner-LLMotor VesselMVNorthNOfficial NumberONRevenue Cutter ServiceRCSSchoonerSchSignal LettersSLSouth CentralSCSoutheastSESouthwestSWSteel oil screwSOSSteam ShipSSUnknownUUnited States ArmyUSAUnited States Coast GuardUSCGUnited States NavyUSNWestcentralWCWood gas screwWGSWood oil screwWOS

E J N (1934)     The wooden gas screw E J N parted her mooring cable, drifted ashore and was lost between 9:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. October 4th and 5th, 1934.  The following are excerpts from the casualty report filed by Thea Wilson November 14, 1934 at Juneau:

“Vessel moored at fox ranch.”  “North side Katzehin Bar, Lynn Canal.”  “Strong SE wind, dark.”  “Anchored with one inch steel cable.”  “Between 9:00 p.m and 2:00 a.m. on the night stated she broke her cable due to the crystallization.  We could not get out to her with a skiff, as the sea was very rough before she had time to pound to pieces on the rocks.”

The E J N was valued at $2,000 and had no insurance.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   59 12 N 135 17 W   Chart 17317

Additional Information: Tonnage 24 Gross 16 Net, Built 1915, Registered Juneau, ON 213540, Master H G Dickerson of Haines, Owner Thea H Wilson of Haines

Source: Report of Casualty filed by Wilson at Juneau

E L DWYER (1913)     Alexander Allan, owner of the 54 ton gas screw E L Dwyer reported that she was destroyed in a 72 mile an hour SE gale at 6 a.m. Monday October 6, 1913 on the beach at Teller.  The wreck reports states that:

“Vessel has been laying on beach at Teller, Alaska, since August 14, 1912 when vessel was then reported as a partial wreck and there has been no one on board since that time to look after said vessel.”

No one was aboard at the time of the casualty. The E L Dwyer was valued at $4,500 and had no insurance.

Mapping and Location: West central Alaska   65 16 N 166 22 W   Chart 16006

Comment: Some reports have this wreck out on Port Clarence. WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 54 Gross 36 Net, Built Astoria Oregon 1892, Registered at Port Townsend Washington, ON 136267, Master Andrew Thompson of Nome, Owner Alexander Allan of Seattle

Sources: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report filed at Nome October 15, 1913, 2. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pgs 196&230

 

E NIELSON (1935)     The 18 ton gas screw fishing vessel E Nielson broke her anchor line at 4:30 a.m. Tuesday October 22, 1935 near Cora Point on Coronation Island and stranded.  The crew of two escaped but the E Nielson, valued at $3,500 and her 1,100 lb cargo of fresh salmon worth $200 were lost.  There was no insurance.  The 50 mph NE wind and dark night contributed to the loss.  Owner and master John Kayser said in the Report of Casualty that he filed November 13, 1935 that he had “No time to take measures.”  The oil screw Venus assisted in the rescue of the two aboard.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 54 50 N 134 06 55 W   Chart 17400

Additional Information: Tonnage 18 Gross 15 Net, Age 18 years, Registered Ketchikan, ON 214682, Last Port Wrangell October 18, Destination Coronation Island

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed at Ketchikan November 13, 1935

EACREET (1899)     The 31 ton schooner Eacreet was driven ashore and left high and dry November 6, 1899 on the east side of Saint Lawrence Island. The schooner left Nome November 3, 1899 with J H Johnson at the helm and five others including owner P Lair of Snohomish, Charles Elliott, mate R A Nichol, cook J Smith and seaman James Murphy.  They were bound for San Francisco.  The wreck happened after three days of violent weather.  The following comes from the account from H W McCurdy:

“All 6 men escaped to shore, but as the schooner became hopelessly iced in and their supplies were soon exhausted, they died one by one of exposure and starvation, only Murphy surviving to tell the story of the Eacreet’s loss.  He was rescued by natives and picked up five months later by the bark Alaska.”

Mapping and Location: West central Alaska   63 30 N 170 30 W   Chart 16006

Comment: This wreck is the R Eacrett (See). WG

Source:    The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 52

EAGLE (1869)     The 336 ton whaling bark Eagle grounded at Sea Horse Shoal off Point Franklin and was lost along with 1600 barrels of whale oil and 25,000 lbs of whale bone September 30, 1869.  The crew was rescued by the John Carver but the Eagle, valued at $100,000 with cargo was lost.

Mapping and Location: Northern Alaska   70 53 N 158 42 W   Chart 16003

Source: Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992)

EAGLE (1922)     The wooden gas screw Eagle departed Nome June 30, 1922 never to return.  The Eagle and her crew of four set a course for Kolyma, Siberia loaded with 30 tons of general merchandise. On Tuesday, August 15, 1922 at 11:30 p.m. an ice floe drifted in and crushed the Eagle against the ground ice 14 miles east and five miles off shore from Cape North, Siberia.  The crew survived and was assisted by the gas screw Chukotsk.  The Eagle, valued at $10,000 and her cargo, valued at $14,000 were lost with no insurance.

Mapping and Location: Siberia

Additional Information: Tonnage 23 Gross 15 Net, Built 1913, Registered Seattle, ON 211110, Master Ludwig Hansen of Seattle, Owner Charles T Muessler of Seattle

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed at Nome August 29, 1922 by Hansen

EAGLE (1930)     The single masted wooden gas boat Eagle was destroyed September 23, 1930 while laid up on the grid-iron in Odiak Slough near Cordova.  The vessel was destroyed by the wind, heavy seas and extreme high tides during a southeasterly storm.  No one was aboard the Eagle at the time; she had been on the grid since July.  The Eagle was valued at $3,000 at the time of the loss and had insurance for only $1,500.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 32 30 N 145 46 W   Chart 16709

Additional Information: Tonnage 14 Gross 10 Net, Age 29 years, Registered Cordova and Seattle, ON 156857, Owner Northern Products Corp of Seattle

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty November 28, 1930 at Cordova

EAGLE (1932)     The small two masted schooner Eagle was lost in 1932 off of Cape Nord.

Mapping and Location: West central Alaska   63 12 N 162 50 W   Chart 16006

Comment: Point Romanof was called Cap Nord and is where I charted this.  Also the same name vessel in 1922 at Cape North warrants further research.  WG

Source:  The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 419

EAGLE (1955)     The 30 ton 50 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Eagle stranded and was lost May 9, 1955 at Yakutat.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 33 N 139 44 W   Chart 16016

Additional Information: Tonnage 30 Gross 20 Net, Length 50.3, Breadth 14.2, Depth 6.4, Built 1914 at Tacoma WA, Horsepower 90, SL WC2075, Owner Resurrection Bay Company, Registered Juneau, ON 212037

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1955) Pg 146, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1956) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 743

 

EAGLE (1965)     The 10 ton wooden gas screw fishing vessel Eagle exploded, burned and sank July 31, 1965 at Sitka.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 03 N 135 20 W   Chart 17320

Additional Information: Tonnage 10 Gross 7 Net, Length 32.3, Breadth 9.8, Depth 5.2, Built 1915 at Astoria OR, Horsepower 75, Owner John Osbakken, Registered Sitka, ON 232081

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 198, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1166

 

EAGLE (1974)     The 37 foot oil screw Eagle burned and sank August 8, 1974 approximately 18 miles southeast of Yakutat.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 33 N 139 44 W   Chart 16016

Sources: 1. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 2. Unofficial Wreck List

 

EAGLE (1977)     The fishing vessel Eagle sank October 26, 1977 in Icy Strait near Dundas Bay.  Only one of the two persons on board survived.  Nancy Zaid survived floating  in a survival suit for eight to ten hours and after making shore walked more than 60 miles before being rescued by a U S Coast Guard Helicopter.  Lost was Rick Nelson of Petersburg.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 19 N 136 14 W   Chart 17300

Sources: 1. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 2. The Plain Dealer (November 7, 1977) “Woman survives sinking off Alaska” Pg 6 A

 

EAGLE (1980)     The 92 foot steel crab fishing vessel Eagle capsized and sank during the night of October 31 / November 1, 1980 approximately 40 miles off of the Pribilof Islands.  The vessel was in route to the crab grounds when it developed a starboard list and capsized.  The crewmen were able to put on survival suits before the vessel rolled over completely.  They were rescued by the fishing vessel Calista Sea.

Mapping and Location: Southwest Alaska   57 N 170 W   Chart 16011

Comment: The skipper of the Eagle commented later he thought it notable that an orange and black vessel would sink Halloween night. WG

Sources: 1. Unofficial Wreck List (Kodiak), 2. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 3. Alaskashipwreck.com/shipwrecks-a-z/ (June 9, 2014) Comment from the captain of the Eagle

 

EAGLE (1983)     The 130 foot tug Eagle capsized in heavy seas and was lost October 27, 1983 in the Gulf of Alaska 70 miles southeast of Yakutat.  Robert Ray of Puyallup, Washington was the only survivor of the nine man crew.  He was plucked from the 35 foot seas by a U S Coast Guard Helicopter and treated for mid stage hypothermia.  Lost were eight Washington men including skipper Jim Jerome of Seattle, first mate Karl Thorby of Arlington, second mate Steven Neff of Bothell, oiler Kenneth Blanchard of Seattle, deckhand Albert Spromberg of Seattle, cook Joe Terricone of Seattle, William Lambert of Okanogan and John Mitchell of Seattle.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 33 N 139 44 W   Chart 16016

Sources: 1. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 2. The Morning Union (October 29, 1983) “One crew member rescued as tug sinks” Pg 24, 3. The Seattle Times (October 28, 1983) “Search resumes for eight from capsized tug” Pg B-1

 

EAGLE (1994)     The 72 foot trawler Eagle flooded and sank February 9, 1994 approximately 17 miles southeast of Cape Chiniak.  The vessel was trawling for Pollack when the disaster occurred.  All four crewmembers were rescued; three by U S Coast Guard Helicopter and one by the fishing vessel Cap’N Art.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 37 N 152 10 W   Chart 16580

Additional Information: ON 508600

Sources: 1. Unofficial Shipwreck List (Alaska), 2. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 3. USCG MISLE Case # 850585

 

EAGLE MARCH (1949)     The 13 ton 32 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Eagle March was lost near Kake in September of 1949.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 58 30 N 133 56 30 W   Chart 17360

Additional Information: Tonnage 13 Gross 11 Net, Length 32, Breadth 12.1, Depth 3.2, Built 1918 at Hoonah, Horsepower 16, Owner Johnnie Jackson, Registered Juneau, ON 216073

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1950) Pg 146, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1951) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 937

 

EARL M (1966)     The 10 ton wooden gas screw Earl M foundered September 12, 1966 at Swanson Harbor.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 11 30 N 135 05 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 10 Gross, Built 1918, ON 217010

Source: Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1166

 

EASTERN SEA (1982)     The 82 foot fishing vessel Eastern Sea developed a port list and foundered December 12, 1982 approximately 13 miles off of Cape Chiniak near Kodiak.  The four crewmen aboard were picked up by the fishing vessel Mar Del Norte.  The Eastern Sea had grounded earlier that year at the end of herring season near Togiak when a line tangled in her wheel.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 37 N 152 10 W   Chart 16580

Sources: 1. Unofficial Shipwreck List (Kodiak), 2. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

EASY RIDER (1991)     The 31 foot shrimp fishing vessel Easy Rider burned to the waterline and sank November 21, 1991 off of Rugged Island in Strawberry Channel.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 24 N 146 03 W

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

ECHO (1970)     The oil screw Echo burned September 1, 1970 at Ketchikan.

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

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

ECHO (2006)     The 64 foot fishing vessel Echo flooded and sank August 3, 2006 outside of Uyak Bay on Kodiak Island. The vessel was transiting Shelikof Strait in heavy weather when water coming over the bow began flooding her through an open hatch cover.  All three crewmembers were able to escape to a skiff.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 48 N 154 04 W   Chart 16580

Additional Information: ON 629675

Sources: 1. U S Coast Guard Enforcement Report (August 3, 2006), 2. USCG MISLE Case # 305689

 

ECLIPSE (1807)     The 343 ton American ship Eclipse ran into a reef and sank in three fathoms of water near Sanak Island September 10, 1807 with 28 crewmembers, a Russian America Company steward and several passengers on board.  The vessel was on her maiden voyage out of Boston on charter with the Russian American Company and captained by Joseph O’Cain. 21 crewmembers and the Russian America Company steward perished in the disaster.  Much of the cargo aboard, which came from China and Kamchatka, was salvaged along with bits and pieces of the ship.  Several of the crewmembers fashioned a small sloop out of the longboat salvaged from the Eclipse and sailed to Kodiak for help. They made it to Kodiak but wrecked on their return voyage. Captain O’Cain and several other survivors on Sanak Island began constructing a small schooner from the wreckage of the Eclipse with the help of local tribesmen. The new vessel was completed in February of 1809 and set sail with the remaining crew and passengers including O’Cain, his Hawaiian girlfriend, his escort Ivan Bubnov, two sailors, a number of promyshlennik and group of Aleut tribesman who had been assisting in the construction of the new schooner Eclipse. The new schooner wrecked on Unalaska Island and O’Cain, his girlfriend and two sailors drowned attempting to reach shore on floating ice. Ivan Bubnov, one promyshlennik and nine of the local tribesmen survived.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   54 25 N 162 40 W   Chart 16006

Sources: 1. Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992), 2. A Voyage Round the World from 1806-1812 (1817) by Archibald Campbell, 3. Russian America: A Biographical Dictionary (Kingston, Ont., 1990), 78, 4. Russian America in the unpublished notes of K. T. Khlebnikov (Leningrad, 1979) Pg 143

ECLIPSE (1900)     The 120 foot wood schooner Eclipse stranded on a reef and was lost June 4, 1900.  The following are excerpts from the wreck report filed by Jos. S Greene president of Owner LaConner Trading and Transportation Co of Seattle:

“Light wind, about 4 p.m. daylight.”  “Collided with ice and filled with water.”  “Vessel stranded caused by ice and wind.  Also waterlogged.”  “Lat 61 40 north Long 166 30 W Near Cape..Romanzof.  Vessel ashore on reef or shoal.” “The Am. Schr. Eclipse is now a total loss and is abandoned as stated above.”

The Eclipse was valued at $8,000 and had 200 tons or $4,000 worth of lumber and general merchandise aboard bound for Nome from Seattle.  The crew of eight survived the wreck but the Eclipse and her cargo were lost.  The vessel was not insured but the cargo had a $2,500 policy.

Mapping and Location: West central Alaska   61 40 N 166 30 W   Chart 16006

Additional Information: Length 120, Breadth 29.3, Depth 9.3, Built 1852 New York, Tonnage 221 Net, Registered Seattle, ON 7991, Master Carl Koos of Seattle, Last Port Seattle April 29, 1900, Destination Cape Nome

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report filed July 25, 1900 by Greene

EDCO (1973)     The oil screw Edco stranded and was lost September 4, 1973 in Auke Bay, Juneau.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 11 N 134 34 W   Chart 17300

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

EDISON (1916)     A strong gale building strength just west of Sitka caused the wreck of the 26 ton gasoline powered halibut schooner Edison at Cape Decision January 16, 1916. All five crewmembers aboard the Tacoma vessel were lost. Wreckage of the Edison and her two dories were found on the beach by the schooner Alamera. A license board inscribed with W2439 was also found in the area verifying the identity of the Edison. The entire halibut fleet was forced away from the fishing grounds of the Gulf of Alaska by the building storm and frigid temperatures.

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

Sources: 1. Daily Alaska Dispatch (January 23, 1916) “Schooner Edison is Thought to be Total Loss” Pg 8, 2. Salt Lake Telegram (February 2, 1916) “Eleven perish in storm off Alaska” Pg 6, 3. Seattle Daily Times (January 20, 1916) “Southeast Alaska Hit by Worst Storm in Years” Pg 1, 4. Oregonian (January 20, 1916) “Alaskan Coast Storm Swept” Pg 16

 

EDITH (1915)     The 2,369 ton 276 foot iron steam freighter Edith was lost August 29, 1915 off Cape Saint Elias near Kayak Island.  At the time, the Edith was the 2nd largest freighter in northern routes.  The Edith had taken on a cargo of copper concentrates at LaTouch valued at $150,000.  She was outbound for Tacoma when large seas and heavy weather caused her cargo to shift and the vessel to nearly capsize.  The crew abandoned the Edith in this condition and all were soon picked up by the steamer Mariposa.  The Mariposa attempted to put the Edith in tow without success.  The Edith eventually drifted ashore and broke up.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 56 N 144 23 W   Chart 16723

Additional Information: Tonnage 2,369 Gross 1,495 Net, Length 276.4, Breadth 37.3, Depth 27.4, IHP 1,000, Built 1882 at Sunderland England, Registered Port Townsend WA, SL KQNL, ON 136858

Sources: 1. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 256, 2. Alaska Steam (1984) Pg 62, 3. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1916) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 419, 4. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1914) Pg 155

EDITH (1926)     The 245 ton 120 foot freight barge Edith stranded and was lost May 13, 1926 at Big Port Walter.  There was no one aboard at the time of the casualty and no lives were lost.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 23 N 134 43 W   Chart 17333

Additional Information: Tonnage 245 Gross 235 Net, Length 120, Breadth 24, Depth 9, Built 1882 at San Francisco CA, Registered San Francisco, ON 135621

Sources: 1. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 375, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1930) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 920, 3. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1926) Pgs 656-7

EDITH (1965)     The 9 ton 28 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Edith was consumed by fire August 15, 1965 at Naknek.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   58 43 40 N 157 00 45 W   Chart 16006

Additional Information: Tonnage 9 Gross 7 Net, Length 28.7, Breadth 10.7, Depth 4.4, Built 1961 at Tacoma WA, Horsepower 165, SL WS2139, Owner Arctic Maid Fisheries, Registered Seattle, ON 285055

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 201, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1166

 

EDITH G (1915)     A shift in the wind caused the small gas screw Edith G to drag anchor, strand and break up at 9:00 a.m. November 20, 1915 at the Chilcat Cannery in Lynn Canal.  The two person crew of the Edith G had taken the vessel into the sheltered area because of engine trouble.  The wind shifted from the north to the southeast with a heavy sea causing both anchors to drag and the 5 ton Edith G stranded.  The crew made it to safety but the vessel, valued at $1,000 with no insurance, was lost.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   59 12 25 N 135 26 20 W   Chart 17317

Additional Information: Tonnage 5 Net, Age 9 years, Registered Skagway, ON 204362, Master W C Wright of Skagway, Owner same, Last Port Juneau November 15, Destination Skagway

Comment: Story In H W McCurdy Pg 256

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed at Juneau November 22 by P C Cleveland, agent for owner.

EDITH THOMAS (1900)     The tug Edith Thomas was lost on the Nome beach in a violent storm that struck the lower Norton Sound area the second week of September 1900.  The U S Revenue Service Records have the tugs Edith Thomas and Islam both lost two days into the storm on the 14th of September.

Mapping and Location: West central Alaska   64 30 N 165 25 W   Chart 16006

Source: Alaska File of the U S Revenue Cutter Service 1867-1914

EDIZ LIGHT (1968)     The gas screw Ediz light burned August 3, 1968 at the Alitak Cannery at Alitak.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   56 56 40 N 154 10 W   Chart 16580

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

EDNA B (1979)     The crab fishing vessel Edna B was consumed by fire February 6, 1979 approximately 25 miles south of Seward.  All four crewmembers made it to shore and spent five days in a cabin in Driftwood Bay.  One of the four perished, but the other three were rescued by the U S Coast Guard cutter Jellison.  The radio signal of the crew had been picked up by a Washington State man and relayed to the Coast Guard in Alaska.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 56 N 149 13 W   Chart 16680

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

EDNA NO 2 (1935)     The 28 ton 46 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Edna No 2 burned at Ouzinkie June 22, 1935.  The five persons aboard made it to safety.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 55 30 N 152 29 50 W   Chart 16580

Additional Information: Tonnage 28 Gross 19 Net, Length 46.8, Breadth 13.6, Depth 6.4, Built 1915 at Bellingham WA, Horsepower 50, Owner A H Soeneke, Registered Seattle WA, ON 213400

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1936) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1033, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1935) Pgs 302-3

EDNA S (1946)     The 20 ton 42 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Edna S burned February 21, 1946 near Hoonah.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 20 Gross 13 Net, Length 42.4, Breadth 11.9, Depth 5.4, Built 1933 at Hoonah, Crew 5, Horsepower 40, Owner Jacob Pratt, Registered Juneau, ON 232266

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1952) Pg 154, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1953-1954) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 748

 

EDNA WATTS (1936)     The 20 ton wooden gas screw Edna Watts was lost at Unga July 2, 1936 to a gasoline explosion and fire.  Laurits Pedersen of Unga and his crew of three survived, but the Edna Watts, valued at $1,200 and $60 worth of salt were lost.  There was no insurance.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   55 11 N 160 30 10 W   Chart 16006

Additional Information: Tonnage 20 Gross 14 Net, Built 1898, Registered Juneau, ON 136688, Owner and master Laurits Pedersen, Last Port Baranoff Harbor July 1, 1936

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed at Unga

EDWARD E WEBSTER (1896)     The 83 foot wooden sealing schooner Edward E Webster disappeared after leaving Kodiak April 25, 1896 with 29 men aboard.  The vessel was last seen by the schooner Herman in the vicinity of the Trinity Islands where the schooner C G White was lost the year before.  A fierce snow squall separated the two vessels who had been hunting together.  Lost with the Webster were captain Frank Johnson, the captain’s brother hunter Magnus Johnson, first officer Gustave Weaver, hunter Andrew Simon, hunter William Blomquist, hunter Anton Cavalier, hunter Whitney and 22 crewmen.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   56 33 N 154 20 W   Chart 16580

Comment: September 26 is the date the Herman reported the loss of the Webster in San Francisco.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 98.8 Gross 93.8 Net, Length 83.5, Breadth 23.1, Depth 8.6, Built 1875 at Gloucester MA, Registered San Francisco CA, ON 135176

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1896) Pg 50, 2. The Philadelphia Inquirer (September 27, 1896) “The Ship Webster Lost” Pg 21, 3. Jackson Michigan Citizen (January 1, 1897) “1896 Casualties…September 26” Pg 6, 4. San Francisco Chronicle (September 26, 1896) “Webster’s Loss is a Certainty” Pg 14

 

EDWARD S WEBSTER (1889)     The 83 foot schooner Edward S Webster struck a submerged rock near the entrance to Coal Harbor on Unga Island at 8:00 p.m. June 28, 1889 and was lost.  The vessel had departed Port Townsend May 9 of that year on a fishing and sailing voyage with 12 crew aboard.  The following are excerpts from the wreck report filed at Port Townsend August 7, 1889 by William J Hudder managing owner:

“Fresh westerly breeze and daylight.  All sail set”  “On a sunken reef of rocks off entrance to Coal Harbor, Unga Island, Alaska…Stranded on a sunken rock.”

“There was no indication of danger.  The hidden rocks were not indicated on any chart on board the vessel, and she was bound to Coal Harbor for food and water.  The officers and crew of vessel did all that was possible to be done under the circumstances to get the vessel afloat, but without avail.”

“When the vessel was abandoned the crew all went to Sand Point, Popoff Island, where they proceeded to return to home port.”

There were no human casualties but the Edward S Webster, valued at $8,000 and her fishing and hunting outfit, valued at $5,000 were lost.  The vessel was insured for $6,000 and her cargo for $5,000.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   55 20 30 N 160 39 30 W Chart 16006

Comment: Reports indicate that this vessel was condemned and sold for $300, subsequently refloated and taken to San Francisco by the new owners.  WG

Additional Information: Length 83, Breadth 23, Depth 8, Tonnage 93.86 Net, Built 1875 Gloucester Mass, Registered Port Townsend Washington Territory, ON 37, Master Henry McAlmond of Port Townsend, Owner William Hudder

Sources: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report filed August 7, 1889, 2. Report of the Secretary of the Interior Volume III (1892) “Shipwrecks” Pgs 493-4

EDWARD SCHENK (1942)     The 18 ton 43 foot wooden oil screw tug  Edward Schenk foundered with all hands October 14, 1942 near Tree Point, between Ketchikan and Prince Rupert, British Columbia.  The vessel’s cook, Charles F Swanson’s body was the only one recovered.  He was reported to have made it to the beach five miles north of Tree Point but died of hypothermia.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   54 48 15 N 130 55 45 W   Chart 17420

Additional Information: Tonnage 18 Gross 11 Net, Length 43.3, Breadth 12, Depth 5, Built 1916 at Tacoma WA, Horsepower 120, SL KACZ, Owner Tongass Timber Company, Registered Wrangell, ON 213954

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1943) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 754, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1942) Pg 128, 3. Riverside Daily Press (November 24, 1942) “Body Of Cook Aboard Missing Tugboat Found” Pg 2

EFFORT (1919)     The 24 ton gas screw Effort caught fire at 1:00 p.m. Monday January 13, 1919 between Kasaan and Twelve Mile Arm.  The following are statements from the casualty report filed by part owner and master of the Effort, Willie Irvine:

“Caught fire…fire from engine.”  “I am unable to state what caused the fire as it happened before we knew it.”  “While proceeding to said Twelve Mile Arm, the boat suddenly caught fire.  We used fire extinguisher.”

“The Ga-s Andrew Z came to our assistance, and we attempted to get her ashore and sink her in shallow water, but could not control the fire.”  “Total loss.”

The two aboard the Effort escaped, but the vessel, valued at $6,000 was lost.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 32 N 132 31 W   Chart 17426

Additional Information: Tonnage 24 Gross 17 Net, Age 4 years, Registered Ketchikan, ON 212532, Owners Willie Irvine & Joseph Jones of Kasaan, Vessel Insurance $5,500, Cargo none

Source: U S Customs Report of Casualty January 14, 1919 at Ketchikan

EIDSVOLD (1938)     The 22 ton wooden gas screw fishing vessel Eidsvold was lost with all hands around midnight Tuesday August 23, 1938 off Cape Lookout, Dall Island in southeast Alaska.  The following are statements from the report of casualty filed by Lester O Fore, agent for surviving half owner Robert E Buschmann:

“Vessel was seen at 8:10 p.m. Aug 23, 1938, at Security Cove, Dall Island, Alaska, when she was proceeding northward towards Meares Passage with a load of seine fish in her hold.  Immediately after a heavy fog came in from the northwest and the vessel failing to arrive at Waterfall caused searching boats to be sent out. No trace of the vessel or any member of the crew could be found but the seine was found about 3 miles westerly of Cape Lookout; Later overturned skiff, salmon pough, caps, sweaters and other articles were found along the beach of Sea Otter Harbor.  Actual cause of foundering is unknown, but on account of heavy fog it is assumed that the vessel struck one of the out-lying rocks off the northwesterly shore of Dall Island while searching for the entrance of Meares Passage and immediately sunk.”

Lost with the Eidsvold were half owner and master Frederick Buschmann, John Budinich, J W Budinich, J R MacKie, Mike Pucinich, Edwin Fox and John Simicich.  The Eidsvold was valued at $5,000 at the time of the tragedy with $4,000 insured.  There was no insurance on the load of salmon.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 07 N 133 12 W   Chart 17400

Comment: H W McCurdy has this vessel spelled Erdswold Pg 467

Additional Information: Tonnage 22 Gross 15 Net, Age 25 years, Registered Ketchikan, ON 211137, Last Port Waterfall Alaska August 23, 1938, Destination Security Cove and return, Cargo Salmon

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed August 27, 1938 at Ketchikan

EKATERINI G (1965)     The Greek steamship (converted Liberty Ship) Ekaterini G stranded and was lost October 26, 1965 on Great Sitkin Island 18 miles from Adak Harbor.  The vessel had lost her propeller 500 miles south of Adak and been taken in tow by the tug Tawakoni.  The towline parted in 85 knot winds and the Ekaterini G washed ashore parallel to the beach.  One crewmember was lost.  The remaining crewmembers were rescued by Navy Helicopters.

Mapping and Location: Southwest Alaska   52 03 N 176 06 W   Chart 16012

Additional Information: ON 244322, Former names Josiah G Holland, Cygnet III and Batsi

Sources: 1. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1947) Pg 259, 3. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1950) Pg 121

 

EL DAN (1996)     The 61 foot crab fishing vessel El Dan lost her main engine and her anchor, capsized and sank December 5, 1996 in Portage Bay just west of Kanatak in the Shelikof Strait.  The El Dan had entered Portage Bay seeking shelter from high winds and whiteout conditions. The high winds caused the vessel to roll over to her port side and she did not recover. All five crewmembers abandoned ship in immersion suits to the life raft and were rescued.  The vessel had been crab fishing near Dutch Harbor and was on her way to Homer.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 34 05 N 156 02 15 W   Chart 16580

Additional Information: Length 61.3, ON 626786, Call Sign WYQ9509

Sources: 1. Unofficial Shipwreck List (Kodiak), 2. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 3. USCG MISLE Case # 846871

 

EL DORA (1973)     The troller gillnetter El Dora stranded on a reef and sank June 3, 1973 near Shuyak Island.  See ELL-DORA (1973) below.

 

EL FIRMA (1964)     The 8 ton 31 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel El Firma foundered in December of 1964 at Cordova.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 33 N 145 45 W   Chart 16700

Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 6 Net, Length 31.3, Breadth 9, Depth 4.4, Built 1922 at Ellamar, Horsepower 16, Owner Andrew M Johnson, Registered Juneau, ON 224200

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 204, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1166

 

EL HURD (1930)     The 39 ton 60.3 foot wooden diesel schooner El Hurd stranded at Chichagof Bay 4:00 p.m. July 18, 1930. The crew of five fishermen escaped unharmed but the vessel did not fare as well.  The following is an accounting from the Report of Casualty filed at Seward August 10, 1930 by the Owner:

“Chichagof Bay, U S Coast Pilot Book, Page 182, Chart No. 8700.”

“Captain states that he was not a stranger, as he had gone in and out of this Bay number of times, but that he mistook one point for another.  He staid by the vessel until the 22nd, when they came over to Sand Point for help. I then got the agent for the Skinner & Eddy Co., Seattle, Wa., to give me their power launch, and I got about 30 gas drums and took over, and placed them in her hull, and as the water rose, she finally moved off the rock, but never righted up, so never knew how badly she was damaged.  Well, we put her on the mud flat, and took the drums out of her, and on high water turned her over and found the whole bottom was gone, and side up to the guard, all the ribs for about 20 feet, also keel broken clean off in two places on the starboard side, and all but for about thirty feet loosened on the port side, so had her surveyed by three passed men and condemned as a total loss.”

The El Hurd was valued at $18,000 at the time of the loss with $10,000 worth of insurance.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   55 39 N 160 14 W   Chart 16553

Additional Information: Tonnage 39 Gross 26 Net, Age 34 years, Registered Seward, ON 136596, Master Eugene Martin of San Francisco, Owner Andrew Grosvold of Sand Point, Last Port Sand Point, Destination Fishing

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty August 10, 1930

EL LOBO DEL MAR (1979)     The gas screw El Lobo Del Mar foundered November 14, 1979 off of Juneau.

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

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

EL PASO (1949)     The 33 ton 58 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel El Paso burned August 31, 1949 off Sylvester (Silvester) Point.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 25 15 N 133 24 40 W   Chart 17406

Additional Information: Tonnage 33 Gross 28 Net, Length 58.8, Breadth 13, Depth 5.2, Built 1913 at Seattle, Horsepower 143, Owner L J Moore, Registered Seattle WA, ON 211744

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1949) Pg 157, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1950) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 926

 

EL RANCHO (1985)     The 82 foot crab fishing vessel El Rancho capsized and sank February 7, 1985 approximately 35 miles west of Cape Alitak.  The five crewmen aboard were rescued by U S Coast Guard helicopter.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   56 50 40 N 154 18 W   Chart 16580

Sources: 1. Unofficial Wreck List (Kodiak), 2. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

EL SUENO (1903)     The 23 ton steamer El Sueno foundered off of Nome December 31, 1903 and became a total loss.

Mapping and Location: West central Alaska   64 39 N 165 25 W   Chart 16006

Sources: 1. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 94, 2. Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992)  

ELEANOR D (1959)     *See ELINOR D (1959)

 

ELECTRA (1863)     The 348 ton whaling ship Electra was lost July 14, 1863 on Nunivak Island.  She had departed New London August 5, 1862 for a whaling voyage in the arctic.  The 52 year old vessel was carrying her catch of whale oil and bone when lost.

Mapping and Location: West central Alaska   60 N 166 W   Chart 16006

Comment: Some reports have this vessel lost at Ugamak Island and others Unimak. WG

Sources: 1. Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992), 2. The BOEMRE Alaska Shipwreck table (2011)

ELECTRA (1982)     The 112 foot fish processor Electra caught fire and sank August 25, 1982 while anchored a half mile off of Dillingham in the Nushagak River.  The two crewmembers on board escaped uninjured.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 02 30 N 158 27 30 W   Chart 16006

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

ELEVERA (1917)     The wooden gas powered vessel Elevera stranded and was lost at Cape Cleare Montague Island Tuesday June 12, 1917 at 1:00 a.m.  The crew of two survived the loss of the vessel.  Owner and master of the Elevera, W S Pay reported the following:

“Calm fog… thick fog adverse current…going slow struck rock no chance to do anything.”

The Elevera was valued at $1,500 with no cargo and no insurance.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 47 N 147 54 W   Chart 16701

Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Net, Age 11 years, Registered Juneau, ON 136876, Last Port Latouche, Destination Montague Island

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed August 15, 1917

ELFIN II (1963)     The diesel screw Elfin II foundered July 1, 1963 in Sergius Narrows, Peril Strait.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 24 20 N 135 38 W   Chart 17320

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

ELI-YUK (1963)     The 35 ton steel oil screw Eli-Yuk foundered September 2, 1963 off of Point Wainwright in the Arctic Ocean.

Mapping and Location: Northern Alaska   70 38 15 N 160 01 45 W   Chart 16003

Additional Information: Tonnage 35 Gross, Built 1945, ON 292320

Source: Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 964

 

ELINA (1918)     The wooden gas screw Elina swamped April 3, 1918 at 10 a.m. two miles SW of South Vallenar Point.  The Elina and two scows were being towed by the launch Chomley from Chomly to Yes Bay when the bow stem pulled out of the Elina.  The towboat had slowed to half speed to try to get the Elina to Vallenar Bay.  When the Elina broke free the Chomley continued to Vallenar Bay and dropped off the two scows.  The Chomley was able to return to the Elina seven hours later but was only able to salvage the engine.  The Elina was effectively a total loss.  There was no crew or cargo aboard

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 25 35 N 131 51 W   Chart 17420

Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 5 Net, Built 1905, Registered Ketchikan, ON 202538, Master John Henry of Ketchikan, Owner Alaska Pacific Fisheries of Portland Oregon, Last Port Chomly April 3, Destination Yes Bay, Vessel Value $2,500, Insurance none

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed at Ketchikan July 8, 1918 By Ira W Kelly, superintendent Alaska Pacific Fisheries

ELINOR D (1959)     The 9 ton 29 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Elinor D was consumed by fire August 18, 1959 at Ketchikan.  Owner Bob Colette turned the key to the ignition and the boat exploded.

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

Comment: Some reports have this loss at Sitka.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 9 Gross 8 Net, Length 29, Breadth 9.2, Depth 4.6, Built 1919 at Anacortes WA, Horsepower 95, SL WJ4616, Owner Robert H Colette, Registered Sitka, ON 218045

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1959) Pg 165, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1960) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 823, 3. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013)

 

ELISIF (1929)     The Norwegian auxiliary schooner Elisif was caught in the ice and lost August of 1929 while on an Arctic trading expedition off the coast of Siberia.  The crew reached Little Diomede Island in two launches and were picked up by the U S Revenue Cutter Northland and taken to Nome.  The Elisif had departed Puget Sound in July of 1928 with Captain Edwin Larson at the helm and a crew of 20.  The vessel was owned by Swenson Trading Company of Seattle.

Mapping and Location: Siberia

Source:  The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 403

ELIZA (1890)     The 109 foot wooden bark Eliza stranded at Saint Lawrence Island Saturday October 11, 1890 at 11 p.m.  The following are excerpts from the wreck report filed in San Francisco by owner E H Hanson:

“Terrific gale wind NW at night 11 p.m., foggy and dark.  Stranded in strong gale during fog.  Nothing could be done whatever as no assistance was available.”  “steamer Belvedere picked up and saved lives of officers and crew eight days later.”  “Total wreck…no insurance.”

The Eliza had 50 tons of whale bone and oil worth $15,000 aboard, and the vessel was listed as worth the same amount, neither insured.  The Eliza had a compliment of 35 officers and crew and all survived.

Mapping and Location: West central Alaska   63 30 N 170 30 W   Chart 16006

Additional Information: Length 109, Breadth 27.2, Depth 16.2, Built 1856 Rochester Mass, Tonnage 296.51 Gross 281.71 Net, Registered San Francisco, ON 7536, Master Edmund Kelley of New York, Owner E H Hanson of San Francisco, Last Port San Francisco December 21, 1889

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report filed San Francisco October 10, 1892

ELIZA (1938)     The 12 ton gas screw Eliza foundered and was lost off of Point Hugh Light at 4:00 p.m. Friday October 28, 1938.  The following are statements taken from the report of casualty filed at Petersburg by Frank S James, owner and master of the Eliza:

“Gusty fairly high sea, getting dark.”  “Holding in fairly close to shore but started to head out just before reaching Pt Hugh Light.  At that time engine failed due to battery connection breaking because of heavy rolling.  Before repairs could be made ship foundered and went down.”  “Engine stopped due to broken battery connection.  High wind and sea carried her into rocks and she foundered.”

The Eliza had departed Juneau at 10:00 a.m. that morning with two aboard bound for Klawock. The vessel was valued at $2,000 and had 300# or $100 worth of machine parts on board.  The crew survived but all else was lost as the vessel had no insurance.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 34 10 N 133 48 30 W   Chart 17360

Additional Information: Tonnage 12 Gross 8 Net, Built 1928, Registration Wrangell, ON 228222

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed November 5, 1938

ELIZA ANDERSON (1898)     The 197 ton schooner rigged side wheel steamer Eliza Anderson drug anchor and stranded on the beach at Unalaska March 1, 1898 during a heavy gale.  There was only a watchman aboard at the time.  The Revenue Cutter Service reported that

“the boat was sent up full of miners who were defrauded into believing it was seaworthy, when it was in fact a heap.  They abandoned her in Unalaska in September of 1897.”

The vessel had departed Seattle August 10, 1897 bound for Saint Michael.  At the time of the casualty, she was valued at $10,000 and had no insurance.

Mapping and Location: Southwest Alaska   53 52 30 166 32 W   Chart 16006

Additional Information: Tonnage 197.49, Age 39 years, Registered Seattle, ON 7967, Master Thomas Powers of Seattle, Owner Yukon Transportation Company of Seattle

Sources: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report filed at Puget Sound, 2. File of the Revenue Cutter Service 1867-1914, 3. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 40

ELIZABETH (1871)     The wooden bark Elizabeth, valued at $60,000 was abandoned in the ice around Point Belcher September 14, 1871.  Her home port was New Bedford, Mass.

Mapping and Location: Northern Alaska   70 47 40 N 159 39 02 W   Chart 16003

Comment: See Elizabeth Swift

Source: Alaska File of the Revenue Cutter Service 1867-1914

ELIZABETH (1904)     The 327 ton wood scow Elizabeth foundered and was lost 270 miles NWW of Cape Cheerful at 6 a.m. Monday August 8, 1904.  She was under tow by the steamer Irene of Port Townsend, having left Unalaska August 4 bound for Saint Michael.  The Elizabeth was loaded with 190 tons of cargo including 40 tons of coal and 100 cords of wood, all valued at $500.  The only crewman of the Elizabeth was aboard the Irene at the time of the loss.  The cause was a strong gale and heavy seas. The Elizabeth was valued at $5,000 and was only two months old at the time of the casualty.

Mapping and Location: Southwest Alaska   54 00 50 N 166 40 20 W   Chart 16006

Additional Information: Tonnage 327, Registered Port Townsend Washington, ON 162206, Master and Owner John D Anderson of Saint Michael, Insurance none

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report filed August 10, 1904 at Unalaska by Anderson

ELIZABETH (1974)     The 12 ton 35 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Elizabeth was consumed by fire July 13, 1974 at Tenakee Springs.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 46 50 N 135 13 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 12 Gross 8 Net, Length 35.8, Breadth 10.6, Depth 4.2, Built 1917 at Shakan, ON 230464

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 207, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1978) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 2117

 

ELIZABETH (1997)     The 47 foot dive boat Elizabeth sank November 12, 1997 near Metlakatla.  The cargo shifted causing the disaster.  All four persons on board made it to safety.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 07 45 N 131 34 30 W   Chart 17420

Additional Information: ON 593780

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

 

ELIZABETH MARY (1892)     The 49 foot wooden steamer Elizabeth Mary was lost at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday October 18, 1892 in Cook Inlet.  The vessel stranded in a strong gale with heavy seas.  The Elizabeth Mary had been taken apart and shipped on board the bark Alexander M Neil to Alaska.  Her last port is listed as San Francisco April 20, 1892 on the wreck report filed in San Francisco by manager W H Eastland of the Alaska Coal Company.  The value of the Elizabeth Mary at the time of the loss was posted as $1,500 with $1,000 insured.  The crew of three survived the loss and there was no cargo.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska  Unknown Cook Inlet

Additional Information: Length 49, Breadth 11.6, Depth 3.1, NHP 10, Built 1876 San Francisco, Tonnage 7.31, Registered San Francisco, ON 135258, Master George W Love of San Francisco, Owner California Dry Dock Company

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report filed February 7, 1894 in San Francisco

ELIZABETH SWIFT (1871)     The 327 ton whaling bark Elizabeth Swift was trapped in the ice and abandoned at Point Belcher near Wainwright Inlet September 14, 1871.  The bark had left her home port of New Bedford November 10, 1868 bound for whaling in the Arctic.  She was valued at $60,000 at the time of the loss including her cargo of whale oil and bone.

Mapping and Location: Northern Alaska   70 36 N 160 W Chart 16003

Sources: 1. Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992), 2. Alaska File of the Revenue Cutter Service 1867-1914

ELIZAVETA (1805)     The Russian vessel Elizaveta (Zakharii I Elizaveta) was wrecked between Kodiak and Sitka (New Archangel) December of 1805.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   Unknown

Source: Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992)  

 

ELL-DORA (1973)     The 17 ton39 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Ell-Dora stranded and was lost June 3, 1973 near Shuyak Island.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   58 31 N 152 30 W   Chart 16580

Additional Information: Tonnage 17 Gross 14 Net, Length 39, Breadth 10.3, Depth 7, Built 1956 at Anacortes WA, ON 271845

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 209, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1974) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1635

ELLA (1907)     The 120 foot wooden stern wheel steamer Ella foundered at Tolovana on the Tanana River July 17, 1907.  The vessel struck a submerged obstruction, thought to be a tree or limb, and sank in shallow water.  The machinery was salvaged and used to build another vessel, but the hull, valued at $12,000 was a total loss.  The vessel was in freight service with a crew of 20 on board.  Other than the hull, there were no casualties.

Mapping and Location: Central Alaska Tolovana, Tanana River

Additional Information: Length 120.3, Breadth 28, Depth 4.5, Built 1905 at Seattle, Tonnage 419 Gross 268 Net, IHP 150, Registered San Francisco, ON 202300

Source: Alaska Packers Association Records (1982) “Alaska Shipwrecks 1741-1939” Microfilm

ELLA J (1916)     Four crewmen were reported dead and another dying at Wrangell from carbon monoxide gas poisoning aboard the halibut boat Ella J, August 19, 1916.  Included among those lost was a Taku Chief.

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

Sources: 1. Daily Alaska Dispatch (August 19, 1916) Pg 1, 2. Seattle Daily Times (August 21, 1916) “Engine Gas Kills Three On Vessel” Pg 13

 

ELLA M (1926)     The 17 ton gas screw Ella M drug anchor in a heavy gale and broke up on shore at Afognak Beach Wednesday May 19, 1926.  There was no one aboard at the time of the casualty.  The Ella M was valued at $1,500 and had no insurance.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   58 00 30 N 152 46 W   Chart 16580

Additional Information: Tonnage 17, Age 17 years, Registered Seward, ON 224129, Master and Owner Robert VonSheele of Afognak

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed at Seward June 14, 1926 by VonSheele

ELLA ROHLFFS (1906)     The 76 foot steamer Ella Rohlffs stranded in a snow storm at the north end of Long Island about 10 miles north of Howkan about 7 p.m. December 7, 1906.  The vessel was traveling from Howkan to Ketchikan via Coppermount when the accident occurred. There were 12 crew and 10 passengers on board as well as a ten ton cargo of empty beer kegs, timbers and misc. boxes. The cause of the stranding that was listed was a heater that had been brought into the wheelhouse during the snow strorm which had put the compass off.  The following day all ten passengers were taken aboard the steamer Cordova to Coppermount.  The wreck report does not specify the amount of damage to the vessel or its cargo.  No lives were lost.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   54 58 15 N 132 51 45 W   Chart 17400

Additional Information: Length 75.5, Breadth 20, Depth 8, Service tow, IHP 80, Built 1889 at San Francisco, Tonnage 149 Gross, Registered Ketchikan, Master Captain Brown of Ketchikan, Owner Union Steamship Co of Ketchikan, Vessel Value $15,000, Cargo Value $100, Vessel Insurance $5,000, Cargo Insurance none

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report filed December 13, 1906 by Frank H Bold, Mgr.

ELLA ROHLFFS (1907)     The steamer Ella Rohlffs is reported lost in 1907 in San Alberto Bay near Craig

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 28 N 133 14 W Chart 17400

Source: Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992)

ELLEN J MCKINNON (1879)     The 70 ton trading schooner Ellen J McKinnon departed San Francisco March 20, 1879 on a 180 day trading voyage to Unalaska and the Arctic and disappeared. She was chartered by J.C. Merrill and Company and carrying 100 tons of merchandise with a crew of 10. On April 21, 1879 the ship Otaga spotted a wreck 500 miles northwest of San Francisco. Only one survivor, 46 year old seaman Victorino Lopes of Portugal was barely alive. The Ellen J McKinnon had keeled over and been severely damaged in a storm six days out of San Francisco. Some of the crew survived many days after the wreck, but Lopes was the only one left when the Otaga found the hulk 22 days later. Lost were mate and acting captain Thomas O’Brien, pilot H. Ravens, seamen Charles Manuel, seaman Robert Thomas, Peter Joseph, George Allen, John Curry, Pedro Lerina and John A. McLaughlin cabin boy.

Mapping and Location: Unknown North Pacific

Comment: The E J McKinnon was to have met the trading brig Timandra March 31, 1879 to split up a cargo of rum, fire arms and ammunition for the Arctic trade. The Timandra was wrecked at Nunivak Island May 20, 1879.

Additional Information: Tonnage 69.84, Built Port Ludlow Washington Territory 1874 at a cost of $11,000, Registered San Francisco, ON 135017, Construction wood flat bottomed schooner, Insurance $4,500

Sources: 1. Cincinnati Daily Enquirer (June 16, 1879) “Saved From the Sea” Pg 2, 2. Alaska Appeal of San Francisco (August 30, 1879) Pg. 5, 3. Alaska Appeal of San Francisco (May 6, 1879) Pg 6, 4. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1875) Pg 93

 

ELLIDA (1913)     The 19 ton wooden gas screw Ellida stranded and was lost at 3 a.m. October 17, 1913 on the NE side of Unga Island.  The following is an accounting taken from the wreck report filed by owner and master N H Johnson of Juneau:

“Hurricane, rough sea… dark”  “Broke loose from moorings 10 o’clock p.m. Set sail… beat off shore about 2 miles… hove too under reefed forsail.  Topmast broke about 2 o’clock a.m.  Engine too small to be of any use under the circumstances.” “Stranded…Dismasted…NE side Unga Island… Total Loss”

The crew of three survived the wreck, but the Ellida, valued at $2,000 was a total loss.  Some of the 20 tons of cargo worth $2,200 was salvaged.  The wreck report lists the cargo as salt, lumber and general merchandise of which only $600 worth was saved.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   55 15 N 160 40 W   Chart 16006

Additional Information: Tonnage 19 Gross 13 Net, Age 19 years, Registered Juneau, ON 136434, Last Port Juneau September 15, 1913, Destination Sand Point

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report filed January 2, 1914 by Johnson

ELLRINGON (1945)     The 22 ton 47 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Ellrington burned at Cordova March 17, 1945.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 33 N 145 45 W   Chart 16013

Additional Information: Tonnage 22 Gross 18 Net, Length 47.6, Breadth 13.1, Depth 5.8, Built 1918 at Seattle WA, Crew 4, Horsepower 30, Owner Lloyd White, Registered Juneau, ON 217451

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1946) Pg 142, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1947) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 823

ELLVIRA     The 12 ton 31 foot wooden gas screw Ellvira stranded and was lost on Montague Island June 12, 1916.  The four persons on board made it to safety.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 10 N 147 15 W   Chart 16700

Additional Information: Tonnage 12 Gross 8 Net, Length 31.5, Breadth 10.4, Depth 4.2, Built 1901 at Seattle WA, Registered Cordova, ON 136876

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1918) Pg 440, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1916) Pg 224

ELMIRA (1937)     The 14 ton gas screw Elmira broke her mooring chain in a 50 mile an hour wind with heavy sea and drifted ashore at Fanshaw Beach and broke up at 6:00 p.m. January 3, 1937.  The crew of two escaped the wreck, but the Elmira, valued at $2,000 was a total loss.  The vessel had neither cargo nor insurance.  The Elmira had departed Petersburg October 12, 1936 bound for Cleveland Passage.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 12 N 133 33 W Chart 17360

Additional Information: Tonnage 14 Gross 11 Net, Built 1913, Registered Ketchikan, ON 211163, Master Fred Miller of Fanshaw, Owners Fred and Alec Miller of Fanshaw

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty February 12, 1937 at Ketchikan

ELMIRA B (1965)     The 8 ton 28 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Elmira B foundered November 23, 1965 in Sumner Strait.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 32 N 132 36 W   Chart 16016

Comment: Coordinates are the NW end of Sumner Strait.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 5 Net, Length 28.4, Breadth 9.1, Depth 4.8, Built 1928 at Norfolk VA, Horsepower 42, SL WT7507, Owner Ruth E Bonner, Registered Seattle, ON 246210

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 210, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1166

 

ELMO II (1930)     The wooden gas screw Elmo II had her anchor line break Thursday October 2, 1930 at 3 p.m. and she drifted ashore at Comet.  The following are excerpts from the report of casualty filed by R J Frey, owner and master:

“Heavy wind from northwest, heavy seas.  Captain went ashore before accident leaving one crew aboard.  Anchor line parted, crewman attempted without success to start engine, vessel drifted ashore and vessel broke up completely.”

The crewman escaped injury, but the Elmo II, valued at $1,000 was a total loss and had no insurance.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 52 05 N 135 08 25 W   Chart 17317

Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 5 Net, Built 1914, Registered Juneau, ON 227528, Master and Owner R J Frey of Juneau

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty October 6, 1930 at Juneau

ELNA (1943)     The 1,434 ton 240 foot U S Army steam transport ship Elna stranded and was lost in the Shelikof Strait near Wide Bay December 27, 1943. Parts of the wreck are still visible at low tide.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 22 N 156 11 W   Chart 16568

Comment: This is probably the wreck marked as “mast” just below Imuya Bay

Additional Information: Tonnage 1,434 Gross 791 Net, Length 240, Breadth 40, Depth 15, Built 1920 at Brunswick GA, Service freight, Crew 29, Horsepower 1,400, Owner Johannes Ramselius, SL KJHM, Registered San Francisco, ON 220793

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1945) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 775, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1944) Pg 27, 3. AWOIS Wreck Record #50101

ELNA (1966)     The 8 ton 29 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Elna burned June 27, 1966 at South Point (possibly South Vallenar Point), Gravina Island.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 22 50 N 131 52 40 W   Chart 17420

Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 7 Net, Length 29.6, Breadth 9.4, Depth 3.7, Built 1928 at Gig Harbor WA, Horsepower 20, Registered Ketchikan, ON 232083

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 210, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1166

 

ELSIE (1898)     The 68 foot wooden schooner Elsie ran ashore at 2 a.m. on the NE side of Chirikof Island Sunday April 25, 1898.  The Elsie had departed Seattle March 25, 1898 bound for Unalaska and was carrying 24 miners and 80,000 lbs of lumber and miners supplies.  Explanations of the wreck were listed as “wrong reckoning…moderate sailing breeze…no moon or starlight…casualty unexpected.”  The vessel was valued at $3,600 and her cargo at $15,000.  The vessel is cited as a total loss and her cargo was estimated at 75% lost.  All of the 24 miners and 5 crewmembers survived.  The Elsie had no insurance.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   55 50 N 155 37 W   Chart 16580

Comment: H W McCurdy has the Elsie’s destination as Kotzebue Sound (Pg 40)

Additional Information: Length 67.7, Breadth 26.6, Depth 7.5, Built 1894 at Port Townsend Washington, Tonnage 59.87, Registered Seattle, ON 136486, Master L M Larson of Seattle, Owner L W Stetson of Seattle

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report filed June 9, 1898 by Stetson

ELSIE (1910)     The 159 ton wood steamer Elsie sank while at anchor December 31, 1910 in Valdez Bay.  The watchman of the vessel was temporarily absent when a strong wind, heavy snow and ice caused the vessel to lay over and fill with water.  She was valued at $20,000 and had no insurance.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   61 07 N 146 16 W   Chart 16700

Additional Information: Tonnage 159 Gross 101 Net, Age 21 years, Built Portland Oregon, Registered Juneau, ON 136031, Master D C Morris of Cordova, Last Port Cordova, Destination Valdez, Owner Hugh Murray of Valdez

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report filed by Viola Murray Sullivan, administratrix of Hugh Murray estate on September 17, 1911

ELSIE (1950)     The 33 foot gasoline powered wooden fishing vessel Elsie disappeared March 17, 1950 on a trip from Seattle to Alaska with two persons aboard.  Lost with the Elsie were the vessel owner William Barrett and Thomas Selph.  The Elsie was home ported in Sitka.

Mapping and Location: Alaska Unknown

Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 6 Net, Length 33.5, Breadth 9.3, Depth 4.3, Built 1919 at Seattle WA, Owner W A Barrett, Registered Sitka, ON 218122

Sources: 1. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1949) Pg 158

 

ELSIE III (1951)     The 9 ton 32 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Elsie III foundered October 7, 1951 at Rocky Bay.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska Unknown

Comment: Multiple Rocky Bays.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 9 Gross 7 Net, Length 32.6, Breadth 9.5, Depth 4.5, Horsepower 30, Owner Lars M Larson, Registered Ketchikan, ON 227191

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1951) Pg 162, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1952) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 955

 

ELUSIVE (1981)     The 86 foot fishing vessel Elusive caught fire and sank October 22, 1981 near Cape Ikolik.  The fishing vessels Alert and Gerry D were on hand to assist and the five crewmen from the Elusive were taken aboard the Gerry D.  The fire originated in the engine room.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 17 15 N 154 47 W   Chart 16580

Sources: 1. Unofficial Shipwreck List (Kodiak), 2. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

ELVA V (1973)     The 45 foot wooden crabber Elva V struck a rock near Kodiak and was lost September 27, 1973.  The three crewmembers, owner Mitch Sutton, Jim Brisco and Robin Reed escaped to a skiff and were able to paddle to a nearby beach, land and build a fire.  They were subsequently rescued by a passing Dungeness crab boat owned by Tim Longrich.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 47 20 N 152 24 10 W   Chart 16580

Additional Information: Tonnage 38 Gross 21 Net, Length 45.1, Breadth 16.4, Depth 5.2, Built 1961 at Eureka CA, HP 200, ON 286404

Sources: 1. Alaskashipwreck.com/shipwrecks-A-Z (June 9, 2014) Comment from Elva V crewmember, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) Pg 249, 3. Communication with crewmember Jim Brisco (June 9, 2014) WG

 

ELVEKEMA (1973)     The oil screw Elvekema foundered and was lost October 11, 1973 at Cordova.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 33 N 145 45 W   Chart 16700

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

ELVIN A THOMPSON (1900)     The steamer Elvin A Thompson wrecked near Cape Newenham August 14, 1900.  The vessel was valued at $1,400 with cargo at the time of the loss.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   58 39 N 162 10 30 W   Chart 16006

Sources: 1. Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992), 2. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 63

ELVIRA (1913)     The wooden gas screw Arctic trading vessel Elvira got caught in the ice, capsized and foundered five miles off shore from Humphrey Point at 6 a.m. September 23, 1913.  The crew of 20 escaped but the Elvira, valued at $12,500 and her cargo of 25 tons of furs and ships stores valued at $22,000 was lost.  The 60 mile gale and heavy ice was listed as the main cause.  C N Pederson of San Francisco was master of the vessel and filed a wreck report at Cordova November 29, 1913.

Mapping and Location: Northern Alaska   69 58 45 N 142 31 30 W   Chart 16003

Additional Information: Tonnage 60 Net, Age 15 years, Registered Unalaska, ON 208039, C N Pederson of San Francisco, Owner Arctic Trading and Whaling Co, Last Port San Francisco May 26, 1912, Vessel Insurance believed to be $10,000, Cargo insurance believed to be $15,000

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report filed at Cordova November 29, 1913

ELWOOD (1895)     The schooner Elwood stranded on the reef and was lost on Gardner Point at 2:00 a.m. December 14, 1895.  The vessel departed Seattle September 1, 1895 bound for Kodiak and Cook Inlet.  Adrian F Gorton, a Swedish sailor, was lost attempting to make shore.  Captain E E Wyman and the rest of the crew managed to reach land clinging to the wreckage of the Elwood.  They made their way to Murder Cove and eventually Killisnoo where they were rescued by the USS Wolcott and taken to Sitka.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 01 N 134 37 W   Chart 17320

Comment: One news account says the seaman lost was N. F. Gastrom of San Francisco. WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 97.27 Gross 92.44 Net, Length 84, Breadth 23, Depth 8, SL QVTN, Built 1873 at Kennebunk ME, Former name USCGS Yukon, ON 135436

Sources: 1. Oregonian (January 2, 1896) “Fate of the Elwood” Pg 4, 2. San Francisco Call (January 2, 1896) “Wrecked on a Reef” Front page, 3. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1892) “Yukon” Pg 445, 4. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1894) “Elwood” Pg 109

 

EMA MARIE (1964)     The 7 ton 31 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Ema Marie foundered August 8, 1964 at Iliamna Bay.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 37 N 153 33 W   Chart 16640

Additional Information: Tonnage 7 Gross 5 Net, Length 31.5, Breadth 11.9, Depth 3.2, Built 1948 at Seldovia, Horsepower 115, SL WD6463, Owner Seldovia-Port Graham Consolidation Inc., Registered Juneau, ON 258665

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) Pg 202, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1003

 

EMELINE (1868)     The whaling schooner Emiline was lost while whaling in the Arctic in 1868.

Mapping and Location: Northern Alaska Unknown Location

Source: Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992)

EMERALD COVE (1991)     The 31 foot salmon seiner Emerald Cove was consumed by fire and sank October 22, 1991 near Cordova.  The fire was attributed to soot buildup causing a stack fire.  The sole person aboard made it to safety.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 33 N 145 45 W   Chart 16700

Additional Information: ON 520916

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

 

EMERALD PACIFIC (1992)     The 107 foot wooden fishing vessel Emerald Pacific burned near Valdez October 12, 1992. The fire was extinguished by the Valdez Star and the Liberty Service but not before the superstructure was burned down to the main deck level and the vessel became a total loss. The two persons on board were rescued from a liferaft.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   61 07 N 146 16 W   Chart 16700

Additional Information: Tonnage 137 Gross 93 Net, Length 107.5, Breadth 17.9, Depth 9.3, Built 1943 at Sturgeon Bay WI, ON 253987, Former Name Robin, Call Sign WF3408

Sources : 1. USCG MISLE Case # 857176, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1979) Pgs 474 & 1895

 

EMERALD SEA (1988)     The 52 foot fiberglass power gurdy troller and longliner Emerald Sea disappeared after leaving Yakutat April 7, 1988.  The hull of the vessel was found washed up on the beach at Icy Bay three days later.  Five crewmembers were lost in the disaster including skipper Greg VonSchweinit of Coos Bay OR, Mark VonSchweinit of Coos Bay OR, Danny Lamons of Puyallup WA, Eric Myrman of Ashland OR and Greg Lamons of Coos Bay OR.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 55 N 141 33 W   Chart 16016

Additional Information: Tonnage 47 Gross 35 Net, Length 48.5, Breadth 15.8, Depth 8.7, Built 1978 Hoquiam WA, ON 590789, Call Sign WYD2250

Sources: 1.BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 2. Daily Sitka Sentinel (April 13, 1988) “3 Fishermen Still Missing” Pg 1

 

EMERSON (1936)     See EMMIRSON (1936)

EMILY (1943)     The 11 ton 47 foot wooden gas screw Emily stranded and was lost at Juneau January 26, 1943.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 11 Gross 7 Net, Length 47, Breadth 10.3, Depth 3.3, Built 1907 at Saint Michael, Service freight, Horsepower 8, Owner Fred F Jorgenson, Registered Juneau, ON 204379

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1944) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 754, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1943) Pg 138

EMILY BROOKE (1998)     The 36 foot sea cucumber urchin dive boat Emily Brooke was consumed by a galley stove fire December 26, 1998 in Bar Harbor, Ketchikan.  No one was aboard at the time of the disaster.

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

Additional Information: ON CF1655EB

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

 

EMILY F WHITMAN (1912)     The schooner Emily F Whitman was lost at Nushagak in 1912.

Mapping and Location: West central Alaska   58 57 N 158 29 W   Chart 16006

Source: The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 211

EMILY MORGAN (1871)     The 365 ton wooden whaling bark Emily Morgan was abandoned in the ice around Point Belcher September 14, 1871.  The Emily Morgan had her home port in New Bedford, Mass.

Mapping and Location: Northern Alaska   70 47 40 N 159 39 02 W   Chart 16003

Source: Harpers Weekly (December 2, 1871) “Destruction of the Arctic Whaling Fleet”

EMILY SCHROEDER (1893)     The whaling and trading schooner Emily Schroeder out of San Francisco dragged anchor and was driven ashore in a storm October 13, 1893 and became a total loss at Maryat Inlet, Point Hope Lagoon.  The vessel was still seen hard aground as late as 1896.

Mapping and Location: Northern Alaska   68 20 20 N 1666 50 40 W   Chart 16003

Source: Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992)

EMMA (1940)     The 7 ton 32 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Emma was consumed by fire September 8, 1940 in Tiedeman Slough.  The one person aboard made it to safety.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 25 N 145 28 W   Chart 16013

Additional Information: Tonnage 7 Gross 6 Net, Length 32.6, Breadth 10.2, Depth 4, Built 1921 at Katalla, Owner Walter Hansen, Registered Cordova, ON 221704

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1941) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 510, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1939) Pg 142

EMMA & LOUISA (1900)     The 83 foot wooden schooner Emma & Louisa grounded 1/8th mile from Hope City on an ebb tide Friday October 12, 1900 at 1 p.m. and broke in two when the tide went out.  The vessel departed Seattle September 15, 1900 bound for Cook Inlet with a crew of six and 110 tons of lumber, coal and general merchandise.  When the Emma & Louisa grounded the crew and some men from shore attempted to free her by discharging her deck load.  In the end only some of her cargo was salvaged.  The vessel, valued at $4,000 became a total loss, as did most of her cargo worth $9,500.  The crew made it to safety.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 55 15 N 149 38 30 W Chart 16013

Comment: H W McCurdy lists this vessel as Emma Louise (Pg 63)

Additional Information: Length 83, Breadth 26, Depth 7.1, Built 1874 Little River, California, Tonnage 84, Registered Seattle, ON 135066, Master Sam’l L Waltz of Seattle, Owner J G Pacy, Vessel Insurance $3,000, Cargo Insurance $7,700

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report filed November 28, 1900 at Seattle by Waltz

EMMA ARLINE (1998)     The 38 foot salmon troller Emma Arline grounded and was lost February 16, 1998 approximately 10 nautical miles north of Petersburg.  Both persons on board made it to safety.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 48 10 N 132 58 W   Chart 17360

Additional Information: ON AK2221H

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

 

EMMIRSON (1936)     The 17 ton 37 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Emmirson foundered near Chignik August 4, 1936.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   56 22 N 158 W   Chart 16006

Additional Information: Tonnage 17 Gross 11 Net, Length 37.4, Breadth 10.5, Depth 5.9, Built 1929 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 20, Owner Charles H Sharp of Seldovia, Registered Seward, ON 228425

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1937) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 527, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1936) Pgs 310-11, 3. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 449

EMMONAK (1974)     The fish processing barge Emmonak broke away from her moorings and sank July 29, 1974 approximately 25 miles off of the coast near Savoonga.

Mapping and Location: West central Alaska   63 42 N 170 29 W   Chart 16006

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

EMPRESS (1922)     It was 1:30 in the morning July 27, 1922 when the 23 ton wooden gas screw Empress collided with the 25 ton gas screw Vega off Angle Point, Bold Island.  The Vega, captained by Mike Ukropane was headed from Ketchikan to Smeaton Bay and the fishing grounds with four crew.  The Empress captained by F H Simonds had been fishing in Smeaton Bay and had 20 tons of fresh fish aboard and one crewman and was headed back to Ketchikan. The following are the two accounts of the accident from the two captains taken from the wreck reports filed by each in Ketchikan the day of the accident.

Captain Simonds of the Empress :  “Pilot on Empress saw Ga. S. Vega coming head-on and in an endeavor to keep green to green threw his wheel hard over but could not clear, and the Vega hit the Empress astern cutting the stern off and sinking the Empress within two minutes.  The crew of the Vega brought the crew of the Empress to Ketchikan.  As soon as the two vessels came together, a line was bent on the Vega in an effort to hold the Empress but the weight was too great and the vessel sank.”

Captain Ukropane of the Vega :  “Was keeping the Empress on port all of the time with plenty of room for clearance, when suddenly the Empress cut across our bow and it was impossible to miss the vessel although I threw the wheel hard over.  We got a line on the Empress but could not hold her and she sank in about two minutes after the accident.”

The Vega accident report has the Vega’s damage at $10.  The Empress, valued at $5,000 and her cargo of fresh fish valued at $500 were both completely lost.  The Empress had no insurance.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 14 20 N 131 25 30 W   Chart 17420

Additional Information: Tonnage 23 Gross 15 Net, Age 8 years, Registered Seattle, ON 211839, Owner Annette Island Packing Co of Seattle, Last Port Ketchikan July 25th, Destination Smeaton Bay for fish

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed at Ketchikan July 27, 1922    

EMPRESS (1941)     The 20 ton 45 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Empress was consumed by fire July 20, 1941 at the entrance to Traitors Cove in Behm Canal.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 42 N 131 39 W   Chart 17420

Additional Information: Tonnage 20 Gross 13 Net, Length 45.4, Breadth 12.9, Depth 5.5, Built 1935 at Metlakatla, Horsepower 60, Owner Ben Ridley, Registered Ketchikan, ON 234207

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1948) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 861, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1947) Pg 151

EMPRESS (1962)     The 71 ton 78 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Empress burned May 15, 1962 near Pleasant Island in Icy Strait.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 71 Gross 58 Net, Length 78.8, Breadth 17.6, Depth 7.6, Built 1912 at Eliza Island WA, Horsepower 120, SL WA4694, Owner William F Smith, Registered Juneau, ON 209679

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

 

ENDEAVOR (1983)     The 92 foot crab fishing vessel Endeavor capsized and sank September 23, 1983 approximately 25 miles northeast of Sand Point in the Shumagin Islands.  There were no survivors.  Lost were captain John Bartee of Port Angeles WA, Marshal Patrick of Anchorage, Pat Gillen of Lynwood WA and Jeff Rhodes.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   55 20 15 N 160 30 W   Chart 16553

Sources: 1. Unofficial Shipwreck List (Kodiak), 2. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

ENOS (1955)     The 25 ton 45 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Enos stranded and was lost August 14, 1955 at Lazarita Island.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 35 05 N 133 14 40 W   Chart 17404

Comment: Probably Larzatita Island.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 25 Gross 21 Net, Length 45, Breadth 13.3, Depth 5.8, Built 1912 at Poulsbo WA, SL WE4395, Horsepower 110, Owner Wesley Morrison, Registered Ketchikan, ON 209704

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1956) Pg 163, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1957) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 756

EPC 22 (1992)     The 28 foot fishing vessel EPC 22 suffered an engine failure during a storm, blew ashore and sank September 3, 1992 in Bristol Bay.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 N 162 W   Chart 16006

Additional Information: ON 265466

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

 

EPIC (1978)     The 137 ton 72 foot steel oil screw crab fishing vessel Epic rolled over and sank off the south end of Kodiak Island the evening of November 4, 1978.  Four of five crewmembers of the Epic were lost.  Among the four lost were captain Reid Hiner of Kodiak, Gene Roberts of Cutter CA, Matt Gravinski of Dixon CA and Bob Waage of Kodiak.  The sole survivor was Richard Majdic of Kodiak who was found clinging to the overturned hull of the Epic.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska    56 30 N 154 50 W   Chart 16580

Additional Information: Tonnage 137 Gross 105 Net, Length 72.7, Breadth 22.4, Depth 11.6, Built 1970 at Mobile AL, Horsepower 365, SL WY8844, Registered Juneau, ON 525715

Sources: 1. Unofficial Wreck List (Kodiak), 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1976) Pg 405, 3. Kodiak Daily Mirror (November 6, 1978) “Four Still Reported Missing” Front Page

 

EQUALIZER (1999)     The 32 foot fiberglass salmon fishing vessel Equalizer was consumed by fire from an engine explosion and lost July 13, 1999 in Bristol Bay.  All three crewmembers were rescued by the fishing vessel Butterfly.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 N 162 W   Chart 16006

Additional Information: ON 909395

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

 

EQUINOX (1983)     The crab fishing vessel Equinox capsized and sank March 13, 1983 in Lynn Canal two miles east of Haines.

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

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

EQUITY (2012)     The 42 foot troller Equity struck a rock and sank December 14, 2012 southwest of Heceta Island. The crew issued a distress call over VHF Channel 16 and abandoned ship in survival suits to a life raft. Good Samaritan fishing vessel High Pockets responded to the radio call and recovered the three crewmembers of the Equity and transported them to Klawock.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 45 N 133 30 W   Chart 17400

Additional Information: Tonnage 25 Gross 5 Net, Length 42, Reg. # AK4241AK, Call Sign WDG3610

Sources: 1. USCG News Release (December 14, 2012), 2. 17th Coast Guard District Enforcement Report (Dec 2012-Mar 2013), 3. USCG Marine Information Exchange

 

ERDSWOLD (1938) See EIDSVOLD (SE)

ERIN (1963)     The 10 ton 31 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Erin burned July 4, 1963 at the New England Fish Company Cannery at Orca.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 39 50 N 145 43 W   Chart 16700

Additional Information: Tonnage 10 Gross 8 Net, Length 31, Breadth 10.7, Depth 4.2, Built 1947 at Valdez, Horsepower 85, Owner New England Fish Company, Registered Juneau, ON 262014

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1963) Pg 198, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 964

 

ERMAK (2000)     The 35 foot fiberglass trawler Ermak flooded her lazarette and sank January 29, 2000 approximately 40 miles south of Seward.  All three crewmembers were rescued by the fishing vessel Helios.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 06 30 N 149 26 30 W   Chart 16680

Additional Information: ON 697219

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

 

ESKIMO (1956)     The 61 ton 75 foot wooden oil screw cannery tender Eskimo stranded and was lost July 31, 1956 four miles south of Cape Barnabas on Sitkalikdak Island, near Kodiak Island.  All four persons aboard and a dog named Lady were rescued.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   53 09 N 152 53 W   Chart 16580

Additional Information: Tonnage 61 Gross 41 Net, Length 75.1, Breadth 20.4, Depth 7.3, Built 1890 at Benicia CA, Former Names Pacific and Puffin , Service Freight, Horsepower 200, SL WA4752, Owner Washington Fish & Oyster Company, Registered Ketchikan, ON 150482

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1956) Pg 164, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1957) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 756, 3. Seattle Daily Times (August 3, 1956) “Seagoing Dog Reported Safe In Kodiak” Pg 14

 

ESSU (1925)     The 9 ton 32 foot wooden gas screw Essu caught fire at was destroyed at the wharf at Port Alexander at 4:00 p.m. June 7, 1925.  The following are comments found on the report of casualty filed at Ketchikan by the master of the Essu, Maude Mezich:

“Calm, warm, smooth sea….Wharf Port Alexander, Alaska.”  “Vessel was filling oil, no fire in stove and no one smoking, very warm day, but cause of fire and how it started not known.”  “Crew of Am. Ga. S. Lief II used fire extinguishers and sand and sunk vessel.”

There was no loss of life, but the Essu, valued at $3,000 was a total loss with no insurance.  She was later salvaged, put back into service and burned again in 1946 at Wrangell.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 15 N 133 38 40 W   Chart 17320

Additional Information: Tonnage 9 Gross 7 Net, Age 7 years, Registered Seattle, ON 216534, Master Maude Mezich of Ketchikan, Owner John K Peterson of Portland Oregon

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty June 18, 1925

ESSU (1946)     The 9 ton 32 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Essu was consumed by fire in the small boat harbor at Wrangell on March 27, 1946.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 9 Gross 7 Net, Length 32.5, Breadth 10.9, Depth 3.8, Built 1918 at Seattle, Horsepower 60, Owner Leeman S Ellis, Registered Wrangell, ON 216534

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1946) Pg 151, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1947) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 823

ESTEBETH (1948)     The 70 ton 55 foot wooden oil screw Estebeth was destroyed by fire March 31, 1948 off of Point Couverden, 55 miles from Juneau.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 11 25 N 135 03 10 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 70 Gross 47 Net, Length 55.1, Breadth 17.8, Depth 9.7, Built 1918 at Tacoma WA, Service passenger, Horsepower 100, Owner James V Davis, Registered Ketchikan, ON 216559

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1957) Pg 168, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1958) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 777

 

ESTELLA (1939)     An engine backfire caused an explosion and fire which destroyed the 13 ton gas screw Estella at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday August 22, 1939.  Owner and master Claude Yeisley of Ketchikan and his only crewman, Charles Kennedy were thrown from the cabin of the Estella when the blast occurred and were able to escape the vessel.  The Estella, valued at $3,500 burned where she sat in a small cove immediately north of Wards Cove.  There was no cargo and the Estella was insured for $2,000.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 24 30 N 131 43 30 W   Chart 17430

Additional Information: Tonnage 13 Gross 9 Net, Age 35 years, Registration Ketchikan, ON 201127, Last Port Ketchikan August 21, 1939, Destination Wards Cove

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed at Ketchikan August 22, 1939 by Yeisley

ESTELLA (1996)     The 58 foot fishing vessel Estella ran aground and sank July 25, 1996 in Sukoi Inlet.  All six on board made it to safety.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 14 N 135 36 W   Chart 17320

Additional Information: ON 232995

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

 

ESTER (1958)     The 9 ton 34 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Ester burned September 5, 1958 at Camp Coogan Bay near Sitka.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 00 30 N 135 14 W   Chart 17320

Additional Information: Tonnage 9 Gross 6 Net, Length 34, Breadth 9.3, Depth 4.7, Built 1928 at Poulsbo WA, Horsepower 115, SL WD2803, Owner George Q Rohrer, Registered Sitka, ON 227489

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1959) Pg 175, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1960) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 823

 

ESTHER (1933)     The salmon canning vessel and historic schooner Esther sank at her moorings in Uganik Bay in 1933.  The Esther was originally the wooden brig Harriet G which capsized off Cape Flattery with a load of lumber.  The Harriet G was re-rigged as a 3-Master and re-named Esther. She was later purchased by fishing businessman Ottar Hofstad who had been active in the fisheries since 1905.  He first used the Esther to pack salt herring.  In 1927 he established the North Pacific Packing Company and converted the Esther to a salmon canning concern off Amook Island where he purchased salmon directly from local fishermen.  Holstad eventually went bankrupt and the Esther fell into disrepair, sinking in 1933 in Uganik Bay.  The engine was reported salvaged in 1934

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 50 N 153 32 W   Chart 16580

Source: Salmon from Kodiak (1986) Pgs 75-76

ESTHER D (1951)     The 16 ton 45 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Esther D foundered November 17, 1951 on the northwest side of Kumlik Island.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   56 38 N 157 24 W   Chart 16566

Additional Information: Tonnage 16 Gross 11 Net, Length 45.5, Breadth 13.2, Depth 4, Built 1942 at Algonac MI, Former Name LOP (R) C-100012 (U S N), Horsepower 105, SL WA 4779, Owner Oren A Diamond, Registered Juneau, ON 253503

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1952) Pg 172, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1953-1954) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 744

 

ESTRELLA (1952)     The 7 ton 38 foot wooden gas screw Estrella burned May 20, 1952 at Clover Pass.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 28 20 N 131 47 30 W   Chart 17420

Additional Information: Tonnage 7 Gross 5 Net, Length 38.8, Breadth 7.8, Depth ?, Built Seattle WA, Service misc., Horsepower 80, Owner Stanley Oaksmith Jr, Registered Ketchikan, ON 218392

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1952) Pg 173, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1953-1954) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 744

 

ETHEL D (1983)     The 60 foot crab fishing vessel Ethel D caught fire in her engine room and sank August 2, 1983 one mile off of Cape Chiniak east of Kodiak.  The crew was rescued by U S Coast Guard HH-52.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 37 N 152 10 W   Chart 16580

Comment: Some conflicting reports have this vessel towed to dry dock.  WG

Sources: 1. Unofficial Shipwreck List (Kodiak), 2. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

ETOLIN (1933)     The 17 ton 43 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Etolin foundered in Kasaan Bay August 4, 1933.  The five crewmen aboard made it to safety.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 17 Gross 14 Net, Length 43, Breadth 13, Depth 5, Horsepower 30, Built 1912 at Seattle WA, Owner R P Young of Kasaan, Registered Ketchikan, ON 209587

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1934) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1007, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1933) Pgs 312-313

ETOLIN (1938)     The 24 ton 53 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Etolin was destroyed by fire at 11 a.m. Saturday October 22, 1938 in Red Bay, southeast Alaska. The vessel was outbound from Wrangell with 12 tons of oil in drums, ice and groceries headed for Keku Island.  When the fire occurred, the two aboard were able to escape.  Manuel Loftas, master of the Etolin made the following statements in his casualty report filed at Wrangell:

“Red Bay, SE Alaska…SW light breeze, sea fairly calm.”  “Backfire from engine….fire”  “Put Pyrene on it; broke small bulb extinguisher in engine room; had life boat towing behind.  Ga. S. Caesar alongside about hour later.  Guns were borrowed to shoot holes thru hull to sink vessel to prevent further burning.  Tried to pull vessel over by putting line around mast, but unable to do so; drum exploded aft at this time.  Brought to Snow Pass by Caesar to await further transportation to town.”

According to the casualty report, the Etolin was valued at $2,500 and her cargo at $50.  Insurance on the vessel, which was a total loss, was $1,000.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 20 N 133 18 W   Chart 17360

Additional Information: Tonnage 24 Gross 16 Net, Built 1912 at Astoria OR, Registered Wrangell, ON 209947, Owner C B Wyatt of Wrangell

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed October 26, 1938 at Wrangell

ETTA (1966)     The 17 ton 41 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Etta was lost on September 11, 1966, after a collision with the My Laddie approximately 5000 feet off shore from Beacon Point.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 56 15 N 132 59 30 W   Chart 17360

Additional Information: Tonnage 17 Gross 12 Net, Length 41.6, Breadth 11.6, Depth 6.1, Built 1948, Horsepower 96, SL WD3993, Registered Seattle, ON 254704

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 219, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1167

 

EUDORA (1962)     The 143 ton 100 foot wooden oil screw pleasure vessel Eudora stranded and was lost August 26, 1962 at Cape Devine on Korovin Island.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   55 22 45 N 160 09 W   Chart 16553

Additional Information: Tonnage 143 Gross 97 Net, Length 100.6, Breadth 19.4, Depth 10.2, Built 1944 at Brownsville TX, Former Name P-755 (U S A), Horsepower 360, SL WC6408, Owner Harriet G Hiney, Registered Seattle, ON 254405

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1962) Pg 195, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1963) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 930

 

EUGENIA (1871)     The 315 ton wooden bark Eugenia was abandoned in the ice around Point Belcher September 14, 1871.  Her estimated value at the time of the disaster was $56,000.  She was out of New Bedford, Mass. on a whaling voyage.

Mapping and Location: Northern Alaska   70 47 40 N 159 39 02 W   Chart 16003

Source: Harper’s Weekly (December 2, 1871) “Destruction of the Arctic Whaling Fleet”

EUKOYOSHI MARU 85 (1987)

 

EUNICE (1932)     The 42 ton wooden oil screw Eunice stranded and was lost at 11 p.m. August 4, 1932 on the east side of Carlisle Island.  She had a crew of four aboard and had left Unalaska August 2, 1932 bound for Atka and way ports.  Her cargo was 30 short tons of general merchandise worth $3,100.  The crew survived the casualty and her master, Andrew Nelson of Unalaska made the following statements in the casualty report:

“No wind but very dark and a heavy fog.”  “Man was on lookout continuously but owing to heavy fog nothing could be seen.”  “Poor visibility and compass out of order…stranding on beach…on Carlisle Island, on east side.”  “After vessel had stranded it was discovered that nothing could be done to save her, and an examination of the compass showed that instrument was badly out of order.”

The casualty reports the value of the Eunice at $17,500 and her insurance $13,500.  The cargo was fully insured as well.

Mapping and Location: Southwest Alaska   52 53 30 N 170 03 30 W   Chart 16501

Comment: H W McCurdy (Pg 419) has the diesel powered fishing vessel Sunrise lost at Carlisle Island the same year.

Additional Information: Tonnage 42 Gross 34 Net, Built 1917, Registered Juneau, ON 215117, Owner Alaska Commercial Co of San Francisco

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed August 13, 1932 at Unalaska

EUNICE (1962)     The 34 ton 55 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Eunice was consumed by fire March 11, 1962 at Homer.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 38 40 N 151 33 W   Chart 16640

Additional Information: Tonnage 34 Gross 23 Net, Length 55.2, Breadth 14.2, Depth 5.1, Built 1912 at Petersburg, Horsepower 275, SL WA4820, Owner Karl Sullivan, Registered Ketchikan, ON 210578

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1963) Pg 203, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 964

 

EUNICE H (1956)     The 9 ton 32 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Eunice H foundered August 15, 1956 in Prince William Sound.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 45 N 147 W   Chart 16013

Additional Information: Tonnage 9 Gross 6 Net, Length 32.4, Breadth 9.8, Depth 3.8, Built 1932 at Cordova, Horsepower 110, Owner Elmer Sandstrom, Registered Juneau, ON 237365

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1957) Pg 170, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1958) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 777

 

EUPHORIA (1984)     The crab fishing vessel Euphoria capsized August 3, 1984 approximately 100 miles southeast of Yakutat.  All three crewmembers were rescued.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 33 N 139 44 W   Chart 16016

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

EURUS (1927)     The 18 ton oil screw Eurus was lost in Dixon Harbor at 12:05 p.m. Friday November 4, 1927 after a collision with the USCG Cutter Unalga.  The Unalga had towed the Eurus into safety after the Eurus broke down in Cross Sound near Cape Spencer.  The tow line parted in Dixon Harbor and while attempting to get another aboard the Eurus, the Unalga punched a hole into the Eurus which sank in 20 minutes.  The crew of two from the Eurus was taken aboard the Unalga.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 20 15 N 136 52 W   Chart 17301

Additional Information: Tonnage 15 Gross 10 Net, Built 1902, Registered Juneau, ON 156995, Master P Kegel of Juneau, Owner same, Last Port Cordova October 28, 1927, Destination Juneau, Cargo none, Vessel Value $9,000, Insurance $2,000, Weather moderate SW breeze, considerable swell

Source:  U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed by Kegel November 5, 1927 at Juneau

 

EVANGELINE (1998)     The 46 foot longline cod fishing vessel Evangeline struck the rocks and capsized in the surf while trying to anchor February 15, 1998 near southwest Montague Island.  All three crewmembers made it to safety.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 10 N 147 15 W   Chart 16700

Additional Information: ON 223329

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

 

EVANICK (1989)     The 34 foot longline halibut fishing vessel Evanick flooded and sank June 13, 1989 off of Cape Chiniak near Kodiak.  All five persons on board were rescued by a U S Coast Guard Helicopter.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 37 N 152 10 W   Chart 16580

Additional Information: ON 592878

Sources: 1. Unofficial Shipwreck List (Kodiak), 2. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

EVANICK (1998)     The 50 foot herring fishing vessel Evanick capsized and was lost April 26, 1998 south of the Shelikof Strait near the Alaska Peninsula. The disaster was thought to have been caused when a large seine skiff shifted on deck.  All four crewmembers were lost including owner and operator Carl VanValkenberg, Robert Richie, Harry Modesette and Shawn R Gibson, all from Kodiak. The vessel was traveling from Kodiak on her way to Togiak for the herring opening. First knowledge of a problem was indicated when the 406 EPIRB from the vessel began emitting a signal. U S Coast Guard Helo 6023 located the overturned hull of the Evanick 17 miles ESE of Cape Providence south of the Shelikof Strait. Responding vessels Captain Kidd and Invincible made way to the overturned hull and launched a skiff at the scene. After tapping the hull with no response, divers were called in to search for the crew. The vessel’s life raft and survival suits were still onboard. None of the crew of the Evanick was ever found and the vessel sank in 102 fathoms of water.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   54 47 N 156 17 W   Chart 16013

Additional Information: Tonnage 36 Gross 29 Net, Length 50, Breadth 15.5, Depth 7, ON 956903, Call Sign WAR3519

Sources: 1. Unofficial Shipwreck List (Kodiak), 2. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 3. USCG MISLE Case # 822968

 

EVELYN (1964)     The diesel screw Evelyn was destroyed by a tidal wave March 27, 1964 at Seward.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 06 30 N 149 26 30 W   Chart 16680

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

EVELYN (1984)     The fishing vessel Evelyn sank August 24, 1984 near Chugach Island.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 07 N 151 40 W   Chart 16640

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

EVELYN G (1921)     The 13 ton wooden gas screw Evelyn G stranded and was lost at Point Arden, Stephens Passage 7:00 p.m. Sunday November 20, 1921.  According to the casualty report filed by owner and master Paul Kegel of Douglas, “water in gas froze and cut off fuel supply.” “Endeavored to start engine, lost rudder and vessel drifted ashore.”  Kegel and one other crewman were on their way from Petersburg to Juneau with no cargo.  The crew survived but the Evelyn G was a total loss.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 09 30 N 134 10 30 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 13 Gross 11 Net, Age 9 years, Registered Juneau, ON 213724, Vessel Value $2,000, Insurance none

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed at Juneau November 28, 1921

 

EVELYN MARY LOUISE (1996)     The 32 foot fiberglass fishing vessel Evelyn Mary Louise burned and sank March 29, 1996 at Metlakatla.  There was no loss of life.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 07 45 N 131 34 30 W   Chart 17420

Additional Information: ON 593247

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

 

EVELYN S (2001)     The 70 foot fish tender Evelyn S flooded and sank August 27, 2001 in the Gulf of Alaska 52 nautical miles south of Yakutat.  A leaking shaft seal flooding the engine room precipitated the disaster.  All three crewmen abandoned ship and were rescued with the aid of the U S Coast Guard and fishing vessel Gandil.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   59 33 N 139 44 W   Chart 16013

Additional Information: ON 220014

Sources: 1. U S C G News Release (August 28, 2001) “Coast Guard responds to sinking fishing boat”, 2. A D E C Incident Report (August 28, 2001) “F/V Evelyn S

 

EVENING STAR (2012)     The 50 foot purse seine fishing vessel Evening Star capsized and sank in Slocum Arm August 2, 2012. The crew had just hauled a large set of pink salmon over the starboard rail when she capsized and sank. Four crewmembers were deposited into the water and retrieved by the fifth crewman who was operating the vessel’s seine skiff. All five were rescued by the fishing vessel El Dorado who was working nearby. As a result of the pollution potential caused by the sinking of the Evening Star, the pink salmon fishery in Slocum Arm was closed down for three days.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 34 N 136 03 W   Chart 17320

Additional Information: Tonnage 35 Gross 4 Net, Built 1960, AK Reg. AK6682AM

Sources: 1. 17th Coast Guard District Enforcement Report (Jun-Sep 2012), 2. USCG MISLE Case # 606705, 3. USCG Marine Information Exchange

 

EVERETT (1942)     The Puget Sound Bridge & Dredging Company dredge Everett was lost September 24, 1942 at Cape Pankof.  The vessel was engaged in the construction of naval air bases.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   54 40 N 163 04 W   Chart 16011

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

EVERETT HAYES (1927)     The 39 ton oil screw steamer Everett Hayes stranded and was lost at 3 p.m. May 10, 1927 at Nikolski on Umnak Island.  The crew of seven, with A C Goss of Unalaska at the helm had departed Unalaska April 18, 1927 with a $6,000 cargo of “tins and canneries” aboard.  The voyage was to be round trip with Yunaska as a main stop.  The crew made it to safety but the Everett Hayes, valued at $15,000 is listed as a total loss along with the cargo.  There was a blanket insurance policy on the cargo and $10,000 on the vessel.  Weather at the time of the loss was “half gale, heavy seas.”

Mapping and Location: Southwest Alaska   52 56 23 N 168 51 35 W   Chart 16500

Additional Information: Tonnage 39 Gross 30 Net, Built 1892, Registered Unalaska, Owner Clara Goss of Unalaska

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed June 17, 1927 at Juneau by A C Goss

EVIE (1968)     The gas screw Evie foundered and was lost October 5, 1968 off of Point Stanhope.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 00 50 N 132 36 10 W   Chart 17360

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

EXCELIA (1929)     The 9 ton wooden gas screw Excelia stranded on a sand bar and was lost at 7 a.m. Monday October 7, 1929.  The Excelia departed Golovin October 3, 1929 with two crewmen on a mail and passenger run to and from Haycock.  She had two passengers aboard bound for Elim and a cargo of 5 tons of merchandise and U S Mail valued at $2,300.  The following is an accounting taken from the casualty report filed by owner and master of the Excelia, Simon Sagonick of Shaktelik:

“Seven miles south of mouth of Koyuk…gentle breeze, at night; starlight.”  “Struck mud bar.”  “Tide came very slow, not enough to float her, steady stream of thin Ice cutting her side, so had to leave for shore first chance.”  “At the time it happened could not get assistance to unload her.  No one wanted to take the chance.  For that night when struck the sand bar it was freezing fast, and when I saw there was no chance of trying to save the boat and the cargo, I was forced to take to life boat and break the thin ice to get to the shore which took four hours to make the two miles, and doing that the life boat was nearly out.  The fresh water ice was only one half inch thick.  The next day no one dared to go out with me to get the boat, on account of the strong north wind coming up and freezing the same time, with the exception of one man, so it took us 23 hrs. to get the mail.”

Mapping and Location: West central Alaska   64 50 N 161 15 W   Chart 16200

Additional Information: Tonnage 9 Gross 6 Net, Age 10 years, Registered Nome, ON 222885, Vessel Value $1,600, Vessel Insurance none, Cargo Insurance none

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed at Nome November 15, 1929 by Sagonick

EXCELSIOR (1906)     The 138 foot three masted schooner Excelsior stranded on a bar and was lost in NE side channel Nelsons Lagoon at 7 p.m. August 30, 1906.  The vessel left San Francisco April 15th with a crew of 19 and 301 tons of cargo for Nelsons Lagoon.  When the Excelsior stranded she was reported to be carrying 2105 barrels of salt salmon.  The following are excerpts from the Wreck Report filed October 31, 1906 in San Francisco by managing owner Z B Frisbie of Alameda:

“Moderate breeze, but daylight, heavy swell…Sudden changing of wind to head.”  “When wind changed endeavored to return to Lagoon with sail and towboat.”  Driven ashore in NE side channel Nelsons Lagoon (Cape Rodgnof)..stranded on bar.”  “ No further particulars, save that the cargo was lightered ashore and stored under cover, except 240 barrels under tarpaulin.”

The wreck report has the Excelcior, valued at $5,000 and her cargo, valued at $18,000 listed as total losses.  At the time of the report the insurance was unknown.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   56 N 161 W   Chart 16011

Comment:  Nelson Lagoon and Cape Rozhnof.  WG

Additional Information: Length 138, Breadth 32.5, Depth 11, Built 1876 at Fairhaven California, Tonnage 348 Gross 330 Net, Registered San Francisco, ON 135245, Master J Christiansen of San Francisco, Casualties none

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report filed October 31, 1906

EXCITER (2001)     The 40 foot gillnet fishing vessel Exciter stranded in rough seas and was lost at 4:33 a.m. July 6, 2001 approximately 35 miles northeast of Port Moller.  The two crewmembers were rescued with the help of the fishing vessel Finner and a U S Coast Guard Helicopter.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   55 59 30 N 160 34 30 W   Chart 16006

Additional Information: ON 971837

Source: U S C G District 17 News Release (July 7, 2001) “Two rescued after fishing vessel runs aground in surf near Port Moller.

 

EXCURSION (1956)     The 46 ton 65 foot wooden oil screw Excursion stranded and was lost August 20, 1956 in Cordova Bay.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 33 N 145 45 W   Chart 16700

Additional Information: Tonnage 46 Gross 31 Net, Length 65, Breadth 14.7, Depth 6.5, Built 1912 at Astoria OR, Service freight, Horsepower 100, SL WA4873, Owner Howard Tonnesen, Registered Seattle, ON 209645

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1956) Pg 171, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1957) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 756

 

EXCURSION (2001)     The 70 foot wooden fish tender Excursion was consumed by fire and sank July 26, 2001 in Bristol Bay 80 miles northeast of Cold Bay near Port Moller.  All four crewmembers abandoned ship to a life raft after issuing a May-Day.  The crew was rescued by a U S C G Helicopter from Kodiak Air Station.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   55 59 30 N 160 34 30 W   Chart 16006

Additional Information: ON 240507

Source: U S C G District 17 News Release (July 26, 2001)

 

EXHIBIT (1961)     The 21 ton 40 foot wooden oil screw Exhibit was consumed by fire August 18, 1961 at Hydaburg.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 12 20 N 132 49 28 W   Chart 17400

Additional Information: Tonnage 21 Gross 14 Net, Length 40.8, Breadth 12.9, Depth 5.8, Built 1949 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 165, Service freight, SL WJ6073, Owner Duncan Cogo, Registered Ketchikan, ON 257648

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 223, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1167

 

EXODUS (1988)     The 86 foot crab fishing vessel Exodus caught fire and burned January 17, 1988 approximately 60 miles north of Dutch Harbor.  The processor Geng Hai Bajk rushed to the scene to assist.

Mapping and Location: Southwest Alaska   53 54 N 166 31 W   Chart 16011

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

EXPLORA (1929)     The 10 ton wooden gas screw Explora caught fire and was lost at 9 p.m. Tuesday November 5, 1929 at Herring Creek on the east side of Wrangell Island.  The two person crew survived, but the Explora, valued at $1,500 was a total loss with no insurance.

Mapping and Location:  Southeast Alaska  Unknown

Comment: Probably Herring Cove east of Ketchikan.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 10 Gross, 8 Net, Age 16 years, Registered Ketchikan and Seattle, ON 218191, Master Carl Helm of Ketchikan, Owner Charles Eltman of Ketchikan, Last Port November 4, 1929, Destination Herring Creek

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed November 12, 1929 at Ketchikan

EXPLORER (1906)     The 15 ton 50 foot wooden stern wheel steamer Explorer foundered at Russian Mission on the Yukon River May 3, 1906.

Mapping and Location: Central Alaska   61 47 N 161 19 W

Additional Information: Length 50, Breadth 12, Depth 2.5, Built Mare Island California 1885, Home Port Saint Michael, ON 136583

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1909) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 391, 2. Alaska Packers Association Records Microfilm (1982)  

EXPLORER (1964)     The 13 ton 36 foot wooden gas screw vessel Explorer 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 13 Gross 12 Net, Length 36, Breadth 10.9, Depth 3.9, Built 1947 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 250, Service passenger, SL WK5247, Owner Alf Madsen, Registered Juneau, ON 276960

Sources: 1. Unofficial Wreck List, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) Pg 213

EXXON VALDEZ (1989)     The 209,200 ton supertanker Exxon Valdez stranded on Bligh Reef in Prince William Sound March 24, 1989.  The vessel was outbound from the port of Valdez with full tanks of crude oil.  Over 11 million gallons of oil spilled into the pristine Alaskan waters creating the worst oil spill in United States history at that time.  The Exxon Valdez was eventually refloated and returned to service as the Exxon Mediterranean.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 50 30 N 146 52 30 W   Chart 16700

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

4 Replies to “Alaska Shipwrecks (E)”

  1. Hello, I was stationed on Adak Island for a year from 1972 to 1973 with the US Navel Security Group. In the EM club there was a wooden sign that had EKATERINI G painted on one side and CYGNET II carved into the opposite side. In reviewing your notes, it was a Greek steamship that was stranded and lost in 1965 18 miles from Adak. While it was being towed, the towline broke and it washed ashore. The sign hangs in my man cave. I assume it came from this ship. Just wondering if there may be other details regarding it along with what may have happened to it once it ran aground.

    1. What a fun piece to have. I will look around a little and see if I can find some information. I subscribe to a couple newspaper and document archives so I may be able to find you something and will email it.

  2. I had the privilege to spend time on the Evelyn S in the late 80’s as a salmon tender in the Puget Sound. I have very fond memories of her and still have a few pics I took anchored outside of Boston Harbor and Dabob Bay.
    She was beautiful. Saddened to know she went down.

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