RACHEL COLLEEN (1998) The 59 foot salmon seiner Rachel Colleen was consumed by fire and lost July 30, 1998 in Cordova Bay near Ketchikan. All six crewmembers made it to safety.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 54 56 N 132 38 W Chart 16016
Additional Information: 253479
Sources: 1. U S C G Shipwreck List (1989-2004), 2. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013)
RADIO (1964) The 13 ton 35 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Radio was consumed by fire October 22, 1964 at Hoonah.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 58 06 30 N 135 26 30 W Chart 17300
Additional Information: Tonnage 13 Gross 9 Net, Length 35.3, Breadth 10.4, Depth 5.7, Built 1925 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 144, SL WA9831, Owner Ernest O Rude, Registered Wrangell, ON 224708
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 569, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1173
RAINBOW (1932) The 8 ton 32 foot gas screw towing vessel Rainbow broke loose from her mooring and was lost at 8:00 p.m. Thursday May 5, 1932. The vessel was operated locally around Ketchikan and had no one aboard at the time of the tragedy. The following are statements taken from the casualty report:
“5 ½ miles W Totem Bay, Kupreanof Is.” “Stormy weather” “Stranded” “Force 7, stormy, sea rough, dark” “No knowledge of casualty until vessel found stranded” “Vessel broke free moorings in high sea and stormy weather, and washed ashore; vessel totally demolished on rocky shore”
The Rainbow was valued at $1,000 and had no cargo and no insurance.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 56 28 N 133 23 W Chart 17360
Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 6 Net, Length 32, Breadth 9.7, Depth 4.1, Built 1910 Port Townsend WA, Horsepower 20, Registered Ketchikan, ON 207837, Master Alex Miller, Owners Antone Carlson and W G Haugen of Ketchikan
Sources: 1. U S C G Report of Casualty June 24, 1932 at Ketchikan by Alex Miller, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1931) Pgs 472-3
RAINBOW (1939) The 6 ton 30 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Rainbow was consumed by fire August 8, 1939 off the north side of South Indian Island. The only person aboard the vessel was able to get to safety.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 58 22 15 N 134 42 W Chart 17315
Additional Information: Tonnage 6 Gross 5 Net, Length 29.8, Breadth 8.6, Depth 3.9, Built 1919 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 9, Owner Ova Rommen, Registered Seattle, ON 218743
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1941) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 511, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1939) Pg 254
RAINER II (1982) The cabin cruiser Rainer II exploded, burned and sank February 20, 1982 in Carroll Inlet approximately 20 miles out of Ketchikan.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 17 N 131 30 W Chart 17420
Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
RAINIER (1903) The 179 ton 81 foot wooden fishing steamer Rainier stranded and was lost in Icy Strait at 3:45 p.m. Sunday October 25, 1903. The vessel departed Juneau October 24th bound for Icy Straits and the fishing grounds. There were 25 crewmen aboard. The following are excerpts from the wreck report:
“1 ½ miles NW by W ½ W of Spasskaia Island, Alaska” “Striking unknown rock while fishing” “Strong breeze, cloudy, sea smooth” “Jettisoned coal and bait” “…chartered str. Cornelia Cook and secured divers and borrowed from U S revenue cutter Rush one 6” Manilla hawser, 125 fathoms, and one jack screw and provisions” “Oct. 26, 1903, chartered str. Cornelia Cook and proceeded with divers and scows to wreck, but owing to short tides and strong gale from NE vessel broke up to such extent and was impossible to remove vessel from rock”
The Rainier was valued at $7,000 and was a total loss. There was no insurance on the vessel. The crewmen all survived the disaster.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 58 06 15 N 135 17 20 W Chart 17316
Comment: Modern name Spasski Island. WG
Additional Information: Tonnage 179 Gross 109 Net, Length 81.4, Breadth 20.9, Depth 9.7, Built 1887 at Seattle WA, Registered Fairhaven WA, ON 110748, Master Herbert Churchill of Seattle, Owner Chlopek Fish Co of Seattle
Sources: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report November 4, 1903 by Herbert Churchill, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1902) Pg 293
RAINIER II (1954) The 8 ton 28 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Rainier II foundered September 16, 1954 at Point Stenord in Clarence Strait.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Unknown
Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 6 Net, Length 28.4, Breadth 9.4, Depth 3.8, Built 1934 at Ketchikan, Horsepower 16, Owner Wallace Berger, Registered Ketchikan, ON 233083
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1957) Pg 438, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1958) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 779
RAMONA (1911) The 1,061 ton 195 foot wooden passenger steamer Ramona stranded and was lost in Christian Sound at 8:37 p.m. Sunday September 10, 1911. The vessel was travelling from Hunter Bay to Seattle with 23 passengers and 52 crewmen on board. She was carrying 405 tons of salmon and general cargo, valued at $165,000. The conditions at the time of the wreck were “light wind, swell, foggy, at night”. The cause is listed as “misplaced position in fog”. The Ramona stranded “on an unknown reef off Middle Spanish Island, Christian Sound, Alaska.”
The passengers and crew reached safety, assisted by the steamers Grand, Northwestern and Delhi. 75% of the cargo was salvaged, but the Ramona was a total loss. Ten days after the Ramona sank, divers were able to locate and recover a strongbox containing $150,000 in gold bullion.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 57 N 134 07 W Chart 17400
Additional Information: Tonnage 1,061, Length 195, Breadth 32, Depth 15.7, IHP 90, SL KRWP, Built 1902 at Alameda CA, Master M J Taaffe of Seattle, Owner P C Co of New York, Vessel Insurance $95,000, Cargo Insurance unknown
Sources: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report September 28, 1911 by H M Noble, Supt. P C SS, 2. Riverside Daily Press (September 22, 1911) “Bullion Recovered From Alaska Wreck” Pg 1
RANGER (1987) The 55 foot longline fishing vessel Ranger capsized and sank April 28, 1987 approximately 30 miles northwest of Sitka. All three crewmembers were picked up from their life raft by the U S Coast Guard.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 57 03 N 135 20 W Chart 17320
Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
RASCAL (2009) The 36 foot wooden fishing vessel Rascal stranded and was lost October 11, 2009 on Saint Lazaria Island west of Sitka. The vessel had been at anchor and the master asleep when the grounding took place. The skipper, who was the only person aboard, abandoned ship as the vessel sank. He was in the water for an hour and a half before being rescued by a U S Coast Guard Helicopter and transported to Sitka.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 56 59 15 N 135 42 W Chart 17320
Additional Information: Tonnage 13 Gross 11 Net, Length 36.2, Breadth 12.0, Depth 3.7, Built 1949 Bellingham WA, ON 257776, Call Sign WC3621, Former Name Hazel
Sources: 1. U S C G News Release (October 12, 2009) “Coast Guard, state agencies respond to sunken Rascal in Southeast Alaska”, 2. USCG District 17 Enforcement Report (October 11, 2009), 3. USCG MISLE Case # 477913, 4. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1979) Pg 620
RAVEN (1940) The 12 ton 39 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Raven was consumed by fire July 14, 1940 on the cannery dock at Hoonah. The one person aboard made it to safety.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 58 06 30 N 135 26 30 W Chart 17300
Additional Information: Tonnage 12 Gross 8 Net, Length 39.6, Breadth 11.3, Depth 3.8, Built 1922 at Hoonah, Horsepower 25 (Brake), Owner Mark Williams, Home Port Juneau, ON 222557
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1941) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 511, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1939) Pg 256
RAVEN (2000) The 37 foot fiberglass trawler Raven capsized and sank while being towed March 23, 2000 in Sitka Sound, 12 miles from Sitka. The vessel had been holed by a stabilizer while hauling gear. The U S Coast Guard had dropped dewatering pumps to the vessel and the fishing vessel Seattle was enlisted to tow the vessel in to Sitka. The Raven capsized and sank on the trip in and the only person on board was rescued.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 57 03 N 135 20 W Chart 17320
Additional Information: ON AK4297E
Sources: 1. U S C G Shipwreck List (1989-2004), 2. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013)
REBEL (1973) The fishing vessel Rebel foundered and was lost November 6, 1973 in Frederick Sound off of the northeast coast of Kupreanof Island abeam of Big Creek and Cape Fanshaw.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 57 11 N 133 33 W Chart 17360
Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
REDOUBT (1957) The 13 ton 39 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Redoubt burned August 11, 1957 at Chatham.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 57 30 50 N 134 55 30 W Chart 17320
Additional Information: Tonnage 13 Gross 10 Net, Length 39.8, Breadth 11.8, Depth 3.7, Built 1920 at Juneau, Horsepower 110, SL WD7605, Owner Jimmie Johnson, Registered Juneau, ON 220233
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1958) Pg 454, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1959) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 802
REDWING (1954) The 6 ton 39 foot wooden gas screw Redwing was consumed by fire March 18, 1954 at Juneau.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 58 18 15 N 134 24 30 W Chart 17360
Additional Information: Tonnage 6 Gross and Net, Length 39.8, Breadth 8.2, Depth 1.7, Built 1949 at Juneau, Service passenger, Horsepower 130, Owner Royal O’Reilly, Registered Juneau, ON 257170
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1952) Pg 468, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1955) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 740
REFORM (1956) The 9 ton 34 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Reform foundered June 30, 1956 between Beacon Point and Twelve Mile Point in Frederick Sound.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 56 56 15 N 132 59 30 W Chart 17360
Additional Information: Tonnage 9 Gross 6 Net, Length 34, Breadth 10.8, Depth 3.9, Built 1917 at Scow Bay, Horsepower 140, Owner William Dugaqua, Registered Wrangell, ON 225897
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1956) Pg 435, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1957) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 758
REGIS (1955) The 29 ton 52 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Regis stranded and was lost October 21, 1955 on Sullivan Island.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 58 53 N 135 19 W Chart 17300
Additional Information: Tonnage 29 Gross 24 Net, Length 52.7, Breadth 14.2, Depth 5.7, Built 1917 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 100, SL WA9982, Owner Coastal Glacier Sea Foods, Registered Juneau, ON 214977
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1959) Pg 466, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1960) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 825
RELIANCE (1926) The 11 ton 39 foot wooden gas screw Reliance sank in Taku Inlet at 12:15 p.m. Wednesday December 15, 1926. There were two crewmen on board. The vessel departed Juneau that day bound for Petersburg. The following are excerpts from the casualty report:
“Taku Inlet, opp. Pt. Bishop” “Strong wind, rough sea” “Overheated engine ignited gas fumes in cabin” “Wrecked (Explosion and sank)” “Launched skiff and drifted to Green Cove, Admiralty Island, Alaska from which place they were brought to Juneau on board Coast Guard Cutter Unalga”
The Reliance had a value of $3,000 and was a total loss. There was no cargo on board and no insurance.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 58 12 10 N 134 08 45 W Chart 17300
Additional Information: Tonnage 11 Gross 7 Net, Length 38.7, Breadth 10, Depth 4, Built 1908 at Port Madison WA, Horsepower 18, Registered Juneau, ON 205215, Master E Stage of Juneau, Owner H Vance of Juneau
Sources: 1. U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty December 16, 1926 by D H Vance at Juneau, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1926) Pgs 479-80
RELIANCE (1933) The 18 ton 40 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Reliance foundered off Tree Point March 15, 1933. The four crewmen aboard were lost with the Reliance.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 54 48 15 N 130 55 45 W Chart 17420
Comment: The 34 foot fishing vessel Castor burned at the same location two weeks later. WG
Additional Information: Tonnage 18 Gross 14 Net, Length 40, Breadth 12.2, Depth 5.5, Built 1918 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 30, Registered Ketchikan, ON 215943
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1933) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 990, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1932) Pgs 496-7
RELIANCE (1941) The 9 ton 31 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Reliance was consumed by fire at Ketchikan February 3, 1931. There was no one aboard at the time of the disaster.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 20 30 N 131 38 45 W Chart 17420
Additional Information: Tonnage 9 Gross 6 Net, Length 31.3, Breadth 11.3, Depth 3.4, Built 1910 at Howkan, Horsepower 20, Owner Oscar Brevik, Registered Ketchikan, ON 207538
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1942) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 512, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1941) Pg 255
RELIANCE NO 3 (1953) The 10 ton 32 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Reliance No 3 was consumed by fire October 14, 1953 off of Naked Island near Funter Bay in Lynn Canal.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 58 15 20 N 134 56 30 W Chart 17300
Additional Information: Tonnage 10 Gross 6 Net, Length 31.9, Breadth 8.5, Depth 4.9, Built 1914 at Samish WA, Horsepower 122, Owner W J Smith, Registered Wrangell, ON 211929
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1952) Pg 470, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1955) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 740
RESOLUTE (1935) The 82 ton 104 foot wooden gas screw Resolute was lost in Stephen’s Passage at 8:40 a.m. January 21, 1935. The vessel was travelling from Juneau to Stephen’s Passage with four crewmen aboard. The following are statements taken from the casualty report filed by Arthur J LaGasa, master and owner of the Resolute:
“Heavy gale, heavy seas” “1/2 mile from entrance to Oliver’s Inlet Stephen’s Passage SE Alaska” “Stranded” “Let vessel go on beach on purpose” “Sprung bad leak and had to be beached” “Equipment only will be saved. Vessel is high and dry on beach and not a menace to navigation” “U S Coast Guard Tallapoosa picked up crew next morning” “Total Loss”
The Resolute was valued at $1,500 at the time of the disaster. There was no cargo on board and no insurance. No lives were lost.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 58 08 30 N 134 19 45 W Chart 17300
Additional Information: Tonnage 82 Gross 56 Net, Length 104, Breadth 23.5, Depth 10.8, Built 1887 at Mill No 4 OR, Horsepower 85, Registered Juneau, ON 110747, Master and Owner Arthur J LaGasa of Juneau
Sources: 1. U S C G Report of Casualty Jan 28, 1935 at Juneau, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1934) Pgs 526-7
RESTLESS (1910) The 9 ton 31 foot wooden yawl Restless stranded and was lost near Prince of Wales Island at 11:00 p.m. Thursday February 10, 1910. The vessel departed Wrangel December 25, 1909 bound for Baranof Island “trapping”, with master and owner S E Mattison, and James Hansen, a seaman, aboard. S E Mattison was lost in the disaster. The following are excerpts from the wreck report filed by Hansen:
“Strong breeze from the SW, snowing and dark” “7 mile point between Shipley Bay and Shakan, Alaska (North end Prince of Wales Island” “Stranding” “Breaking of anchor chains” “Came to anchor in bight under 7 mi. Point, chain broke, and we were on the rocks before another anchor could be brought into service.. About six hours before loss of vessel Mattison was evacuating over the port side of vessel, which was running free before a strong breeze. I succeeded after several minutes effort in bringing vessel about, and making two tacks ran across locality where Mattison went over. I saw nothing of his body, and proceeded toward seven mile point, where the vessel went on the beach as above stated”
The Restless, valued at $500, was a total loss. There was no cargo on board.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 56 06 N 133 38 W Chart 17400
Additional Information: Tonnage 9 Tons Net and Gross, Length 31, Breadth 11.2, Depth 3.7, Built 1904 at Aberdeen WA, Registered Port Townsend WA, ON 200672
Source: U S Customs Wreck Report February 25, 1910 at Wrangel by James Hansen
REUBEN L RICHARDSON (1917) The 92 net ton schooner Reuben L Richardson was wrecked in Clarence Strait in 1917.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 54 45 N 131 42 W Chart 16016
Sources: 1. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 294, 2. Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992)
REVENGE II (2001) The 86 foot fish tender Revenge II flooded, capsized and sank August 24, 2001 approximately 70 miles south of Sitka, two and a half miles west of Cape Ommaney. The Revenge II was hauling fish processing supplies to Cape Armstrong when her lazarette flooded while rounding Cape Ommaney. No bilge alarms sounded. Attempts were made to dewater the vessel but waves breaking over the deck hindered that effort and the vessel soon began to capsize. Both crewmen aboard were able to abandon ship in survival suits. They were rescued by the fishing vessel Monarch. The vessel was reported to have taken a large wave over the stern which may have broken a seam.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 56 10 N 134 40 20 W Chart 17320
Additional Information: ON 928449, Built 1988
Sources: 1. ADEC Incident Report (August 24 & 27, 2001) “F/V Revenge II”, 2. USCG MISLE Case # 858133
REVIEW (1968) The gas screw Review was destroyed by a storm at Ketchikan November 28, 1968.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 20 30 N 131 38 45 W Chart 17420
Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
REWARD (1999) The 38 foot fiberglass salmon fishing vessel Reward capsized and was lost June 16, 1999 in Sumner Strait. Inadequate stability was listed as the cause. The only person on board was rescued in his survival suit by the fishing vessel Tammy Sue. The U S Coast Guard cutter Anacapa also responded.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 53 N 133 59 W Chart 16016
Additional Information: ON 564260
Sources: 1. U S C G Shipwreck List (1989-2004), 2. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013)
REX (1942) The 8 ton 29 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Rex foundered June 29, 1942 at Kruzof Island in Sitka Sound.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 57 10 N 135 40 W Chart 17320
Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 6 Net, Length 29.7, Breadth 9.6, Depth 3.7, Built 1920 at Tacoma WA, Horsepower 9, Owner Christ Wogen, Registered Sitka, ON 232089
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1943) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 757, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1942) Pg 256
REX (1987) The 40 foot troller Rex sank November 1, 1987 southwest of Sitka. The U S Coast Guard found debris and a life raft, but no sign of skipper John Fowler.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 57 03 N 135 20 W Chart 17320
Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
RICHMOND (1914) The 12 ton 34 foot wooden gas screw Richmond sank in Clarence Strait at 11 p.m. Tuesday December 1, 1914. The vessel departed Ketchikan November 29th bound for Wrangell with two crewmen aboard. The following are excerpts from the wreck report:
“Light breeze, fair weather, smooth sea, moonlight” “5 miles SE Lincoln Rock, Alaska” “Striking a sunken log, and foundering” “Men on watch, but owing to log being submerged did not observe it”
The Richmond had a value of $1,800 and became a total loss. There was no cargo on board and the crew made it to safety.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 56 03 25 N 132 41 50 W Chart 17382
Additional Information: Tonnage 12 Gross 8 Net, Length 34.4, Breadth 10.3, Depth 4.4, Service Towing, Horsepower 20, Built 1911 at Seattle WA, Registered Seattle, ON 208859, Master R D Merwin of Ketchikan, Owner P C Peterson of Seattle, Insurance unknown
Sources: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report December 3, 1914 by Merwin at Ketchikan, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1913) Pg 280
RIPTIDE (2002) The 30 foot gillnet fishing vessel Riptide collided with the 51 foot fish tender Ola Jean and sank at 2:30 a.m. July 24, 2002 in Lynn Canal 20 miles north of Juneau. The crewmembers of the Riptide were taken aboard the Ola Jean and transported to Haines.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 58 10 N 134 58 W Chart 17300
Additional Information: ON 553935
Source: U S C G News Release (July 24, 2002) “Coast Guard investigating vessel collision, sinking”
RO-32 (1942) The 700 ton 243 foot Japanese I-Class submarine RO-32 was sunk by a combined attack of Canadian and U S aircraft and U S C G Patrol vessels July 9, 1942 approximately 21 ½ miles southwest of Cape Addington.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 26 15 N 133 24 15 W Chart 17400
Comment: This casualty may not have been confirmed. WG
Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
ROALD (1946) The 8 ton 29 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Roald foundered January 18, 1946 in the vicinity of Horn Cliff at Lat. 56 ½ N Long. 133 W.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 56 47 40 N 132 40 W Chart 17360
Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 5 Net, Length 29.7, Breadth 11.5, Depth 4.3, Built 1913 at Tacoma WA, Horsepower 16, Owner John Hammer, Registered Wrangell, ON 233791
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1946) Pg 415, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1947) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 824
ROAMER (1951) The 57 ton 60 foot wooden oil screw Roamer stranded and was lost September 4, 1951 at Scraggy Point in Salisbury Sound.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 57 20 20 N 135 43 40 W Chart 17320
Additional Information: Tonnage 57 Gross 38 Net, Length 60.8, Breadth 20, Depth 7.7, Built 1914 at North Bend OR, Service freight, Horsepower 330, SL WA2363, Owner Richard Mutrux, Registered Seattle WA, ON 212233
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1955) Pg 439, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1956) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 745
ROBERT G SEYMOUR (1975) The oil screw Robert G Seymour burned January 6, 1975 at Angoon.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 57 30 N 134 35 W Chart 17320
Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
ROCKET (1978) The troller Rocket sank in heavy seas May 29, 1978 off of Cape Lynch on Prince of Wales Island.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 47 N 133 42 W Chart 17400
Comment: Probably Cape Lynch on Heceta Island near Prince of Wales Island. WG
Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
ROCKY PASS (2005) The 19 foot troller Rocky Pass disappeared March 15, 2005 on a trip from Kelp Bay to Angoon. The bodies of her two crewmen were found near Point Wilson on Admiralty Island. The two men had been commercial fishing for halibut near Kelp Bay when they were reported late for their return to Angoon. When found, one of the men was in an immersion suit but had been unable to zip it up because of corrosion on the zipper. The other crewmember had neither an immersion suit nor PFD. Lost were LeRoy H. Martin (47) and his son Frederick G. Martin (20), both from Angoon.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 57 08 05 N 134 38 W Chart 17320
Additional Information: ID# AK78891, Call Sign WAO4781J
Sources: 1. Unofficial Shipwreck List (Alaska), 2. USCG Press Release (March 16, 2005) “Coast Guard, others searching for missing fishing vessel”, 3. USCG MISLE Case # 223125
ROLFE (1924) The 14 ton 45 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Rolfe stranded and was lost in Sumner Strait at 9 p.m. Friday January 11, 1924. The vessel and her crew of five departed Ketchikan that day for deep sea fisheries. The following are excerpts from the casualty report:
“No wind, fair weather, dark and no sea” “Night and very dark and strong tide carried vessel off course” “Rock off Point Colpoys, Sumner Strait, Southeastern Alaska” “Stranding” “After stranding, an anchor was run out but vessel filled rapidly and crew were compelled to leave vessel. A small gas boat took crew to Petersburg, Alaska” “On January 13, 1924, Coast Guard cutter Smith came to the wreck but was unable to do anything. Crew was brought to Ketchikan, Alaska, on Smith” “total loss”
The Rolfe, valued at $3,000 was a total loss. She was carrying no cargo. There was no loss of life. The Rolfe was insured for $2,623.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 56 20 N 133 12 W Chart 17360
Comment: Merchant Vessels (1924) puts this loss in Clarence Strait. WG
Additional Information: Tonnage 14 Gross 10 Net, Length 45.4, Breadth 12.9, Depth 4.3, Built 1906 at Ballard WA, Registered Ketchikan, ON 203010, Master and Owner Andrew Nelson of Prince Rupert, BC
Sources: 1. U S C G Report of Casualty March 19, 1924 by Andrew Nelson at Ketchikan, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1924) Pg 438
ROLLING WAVE (1953) The 13 ton 36 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Rolling Wave was consumed by fire April 2, 1953 at the Thomas Basin Float near Ketchikan.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 20 20 N 131 38 30 W Chart 17430
Additional Information: Tonnage 13 Gross 9 Net, Length 36.2, Breadth 10.8, Depth 4.6, Built 1930 at Gig Harbor WA, Horsepower 110, Owner William Tatsuda, Registered Ketchikan, ON 230818
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1952) Pg 481, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1953-1954) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 750
ROMAN (1916) The 230 ton British fishing schooner Roman stranded on Key Reef rock at high tide November 18, 1916 and was lost. The vessel struck the reef a few miles south of the south end of Zarembo Island in Clarence Strait near Wrangell and soon after sank in 20 fathoms of water nearby. The vessel was owned by a subsidiary of the British Columbia Packing Company of Vancouver and was on her way to the fishing banks at Snow Pass. She had five passengers on board and carried a crew of 30. She was on her way from Vancouver to sea fisheries and was carrying 25 tons of bait, 700 barrels of oil, 20 tons of coal, 100 skates of fishing tackle, 40 tons of ice and subsistence supplies for 36 people for a month. The value of the Roman was said to be $75,000 to $90,000. The schooner San Juan rescued the passengers and fishermen from the Roman and transferred them to the steam ship Admiral Evans. The blinker on Key Reef rock was said to be out of order which may have contributed to the loss.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 56 09 N 132 49 W Chart 17360
Additional Information: Built at Hull England, Last Port Vancouver November 14, Cargo Value $10,000
Sources: 1. Vancouver Daily World (November 20, 1916) “Local Fishing Vessel Is Lost” Pg 2, 2. Daily Alaska Dispatch (November 19, 1916) “British Boat Is Wrecked” Pg 1
ROMANCE (1990) The 36 foot troller Romance rolled and sank February 27, 1990 in Wrangell Harbor. All four persons aboard, including two children, were rescued by another fishing vessel. None of those on board the Romance had survival suits or floatation devices.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 56 28 N 132 23 W Chart 17360
Additional Information: ON 218020
Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
RONALD (1940) The 10 ton wooden gas screw Ronald was consumed by fire December 27, 1940 one quarter mile off Point Highfield. The two persons aboard made it to safety.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 56 29 15 N 132 23 15 W Chart 17360
Additional Information: Tonnage 10 Gross, Built 1940
Source: Merchant Vessels of the U S (1941) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 511
ROSA (1985) The fishing vessel Rosa was surrounded by ice and sank February 5, 1985 in Marguerite Bay near Ketchikan.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 43 N 131 38 W Chart 17422
Comment: Marguerite Bay opens from the southern shore of Traitors Cove. WG
Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
ROSALEE (1932) The 11 ton 33 foot gas screw fishing vessel Rosalee stranded and burned near Point Hilda at 6:00 a.m. Sunday December 4, 1932. The vessel departed Juneau November 29th bound for Tenakee with two persons aboard. The following are excerpts from the casualty report:
“Near Point Hilda, Alaska” “Strong Southwest wind” “Engine stopped and wind blew vessel on beach. Fire in stove ignited gasoline and vessel burned up ½ hour after beaching” “Anchor was thrown out but parted” “Stranded and burned”
The Rosalee was valued at $800 and became a total loss, no cargo. The crew escaped to safety. The Rosalee had no insurance.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 58 13 N 134 30 10 W Chart 17300
Additional Information: Tonnage 11 Gross 7 Net, Length 32.8, Breadth 10.4, Depth 5, Built 1931 at Wrangell, Registered Juneau, ON 230847, Master Jos. M Adamson of Juneau, Owners Adamson & Cruden of Juneau
Sources: 1. U S C G Report of Casualty by W J Cruden at Juneau, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1932) Pgs 502-3
ROSARIO (1922) The 24 ton 40 foot wooden fishing vessel Rosario drug anchor in a severe storm in Katlian Bay, stranded and was lost at 4:00 a.m. March 12, 1922. The vessel departed Ketchikan February 27, 1922 on a halibut fishing trip with five crewmen aboard. The following are excerpts from the casualty report:
“Entrance Katlian Bay, Kruzof Isld., near Sitka” “Strong Northwest wind, seas rough, snowing” “Anchored, severe storm came up parting chains; vessel blown ashore before could get under way” “Stranding” “Soon as anchor chains parted started engine, but rudder hit rocks, broke off, vessel went ashore” “Lost rudder, propeller, shaft log, keel, and considerable planking” “Indications total loss”
The Rosario was carrying 2,000 pounds of fresh halibut at the time of the disaster. The vessel and her cargo were total losses. The crew made it to safety. The Rosario was valued at $3,500 and her cargo at $160. The vessel was insured for $3,000 but had no cargo insurance.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 57 09 N 135 23 W Chart 17324
Comment: Katlian Bay is opposite Kruzof Island near Sitka. WG
Additional Information: Tonnage 24 Gross 16 Net, Length 40.6, Breadth 12.9, Depth 7.6, Built 1914 at Seattle WA, IHP 25, Registered Seattle, ON 212158, Master and part owner John Sater of Seattle, 2nd Owner Pacific Fishing & Trading Company of Seattle
Sources: 1. U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty March 23, 1922 at Sitka by John Sater, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1922) Pg 318
ROSE (1882) The 46 ton 65 foot wooden gas screw steamer Rose ran onto a rock near Sitka at 2:00 Tuesday September 26, 1882. The vessel had departed Sitka September 24th on a prospecting cruise. There was a charter party of two passengers and five crewmen aboard. The following are excerpts from the wreck report filed by A T Whitford, master of the Rose:
“Moderate gale, heavy swell” “Between Error Island and Bridarlin Island, 4 ½ miles So. of Sitka” “Running on a rock and bilging” “Rock not laid down on chart” “Commander Pearson, U S S Wachusett, getting vessel off Rock and brought her into harbor.”
The Rose was valued at $5,000 and damage to her was $5,000. There was no cargo and no insurance. No lives were lost.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 57 00 35 N 135 19 10 W Chart 17326
Comment: This vessel may have been salvaged as it is show in service in 1885. Evidence of the wreck may still be on site and of interest. WG
Additional Information: Tonnage 45.85 Gross 23.29 Net, Length 65, Breadth 14.7, Depth 6.9, IHP 40, Built 1867 at Sitka, Registered Sitka, ON 110234, Master and part owner A T Whitford, Owners A T Whitford, John Parker and T C Doran all of Sitka
Sources: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report October 4, 1882 at Sitka by A T Whitford, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1885) Pg 367
ROSE (1977) The tug Rose sank while moored at the Petersburg Boat Harbor June 1, 1977. The vessel ended up on Kupreanof Beach where she was abandoned.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 56 48 10 N 132 58 W Chart 17375
Comment: Wreck likely across Wrangell Narrows from Petersburg. WG
Source : BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
ROSE MARIE (1929) The 22 ton 42 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Rose Marie caught fire and was lost near the Porcupine Islands at 4:30 a.m. Saturday July 13, 1929. The crew of two departed Ketchikan June 18, 1929 for the fishing grounds. There were 600 pounds of salmon aboard worth $100 at the time of the disaster. The following are excerpts from the casualty report filed by Otto Olsen, master of the Rose Marie:
“Outside Porcupine Islands, S E Alaska” “Fire” “Cause of fire unknown” “Martin Tenneson one of the crew was asleep in pilot house at the time of the fire, escaped uninjured” “Troller T860 and Virginia III (assisted) crew picked up and taken to …po(?)” “Total loss…burned up, sank”
The Rose Marie, valued at $8,100, and her cargo of salmon were total losses. The vessel was fully insured but the cargo was not covered. No lives were lost.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 57 48 N 136 23 W Chart 17321
Additional Information: Tonnage 22 Gross 15 Net, Length 41.7, Breadth 12.1, Depth 6.1, Built 1928 at Poulsbo WA, Horsepower 30, Registered Ketchikan, ON 227471, Master Otto Olsen of Ketchikan, Owner Nordby Supply Co of Alaska
Sources: 1. U S C G Report of Casualty July 19, 1929 at Ketchikan, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1929) Pgs 492-3
ROUGH DRAFT (1979) The fishing vessel Rough Draft wrecked December 19, 1979 in the vicinity of Inian Island near Elfin Cove. Both crewmembers were lost with the vessel. Lost were David Michael Kennedy and a second crewmember named Kennedy.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 58 15 N 136 19 W Chart 1717300
Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
ROUGHNECK (1986) The tug Roughneck rolled over and sank in Sergius Narrows April 10, 1986. Clyde Watson (55) of LaPine OR and Fred Davis (32) of Sitka were lost. The Roughneck was towing the barge Annahootz when the two jackknifed in the strong current forcing the Roughneck on to her side and sinking her. Captain Larry Holmes of Seattle, mate Bob Travinski of Vancouver and deckhand Brian Chinnel of Sitka were able to escape the sinking tug. The same tug and barge had been involved in another incident two days prior in Wrangell Narrows spilling a small amount of fuel. The Annahootz was carrying 460,000 gallons of diesel, gasoline and aviation fuel.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 57 24 20 N 135 38 W Chart 17320
Sources: 1. Sitka Daily Sentinel (April 8, 1986) “Barge Leaks Fuel Near Petersburg” Pg 8, 2. Sitka Daily Sentinel (April 11, 1986) “Two Missing After Tug Sinks” Pg 1
ROYAL (1943) The 7 ton 30 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Royal was consumed by fire in Fish Bay on November 7, 1943.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 57 23 N 135 37 W Chart 17320
Additional Information: Tonnage 7 Gross 5 Net, Length 30.8, Breadth 9.4, Depth 3.5, Built 1929 at Tacoma WA, Horsepower 90, Owner Robert Shonwald, Registered Sitka, ON 232060
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1946) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 806, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1945) Pg 31
ROYAL CHARLIE (1865) The well know Victoria trading vessel Royal Charlie was seized by the Kake Indians about 200 miles north of the Stikine River in September of 1865. On board were Captain Thomas Goin, crewmen James Habut and John Cashman, trader Thomas Crowley and two Stikine Indian boys. All aboard were attacked and killed by the Kake Indians except the two Stikine Indian boys. Some records indicate the Saginaw Bay Indians near Kake were the culprits. The following is an excerpt from the 1883 Coast Pilot referencing Halleck Bay in Saginaw Bay:
“This harbor was selected by Major General Halleck as the site of a military post, but subsequently abandoned for Kootsnahoo. (Commander R W) Meade anchored here February 14, 1869 and destroyed five of the six houses that constituted the settlement as a punishment for murders committed by these Indians”
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 56 55 N 134 13 W Chart 17320
Comment: I have charted this wreck in Halleck Bay for lack of a better place. WG
Sources: 1. Lewis and Dryden’s Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1895) Pg 144, 2. Pacific Coast Pilot Alaska Part 1 (1883) Pg 124 (footnote)
RUBY (1917) The 12 ton 35 foot gas screw fishing vessel Ruby foundered November 1, 1917 at Wrangell. There was no one aboard at the time of the loss.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 56 28 N 132 22 40 W Chart 17360
Additional Information: Tonnage 12 Gross 8 Net, Length 35, Breadth 12.8, Depth 4.3, IHP 12, Built 1915 at Juneau, Registered Juneau, ON 213562
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1918) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 441, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1916) Pg 300
RUBY (1954) The 14 ton 48 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Ruby burned July 3, 1954 offshore in Tongass Narrows near Ketchikan.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 20 30 N 131 38 45 W Chart 17420
Additional Information: Tonnage 14 Gross 9 Net, Length 47.9, Breadth 11.9, Depth 4.3, Built 1907 at Ballard WA, Horsepower 165, Owner Fred Wallace, Registered Ketchikan, ON 204117
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1955) Pg 447, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1956) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 745
RUBY (1996) The 34 foot fishing vessel Ruby was consumed by fire and lost May 25, 1996 in Tongass Narrows. There was no loss of life.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 22 N 131 43 W Chart 17420
Additional Information: ON AK4045E
Sources: 1. U S C G Shipwreck List (1989-2004), 2. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013)
RUBY S (1961) The 8 ton 31 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Ruby S foundered October 27, 1961 near Duke Island.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 54 55 N 131 20 W Chart 17420
Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 5 Net, Length 31.8, Breadth 9.2, Depth 4.7, Built 1919 at Portland OR, Horsepower 103, Owner Frank Marx, Registered Ketchikan, ON 240539
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1962) Pg 535, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1963) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 932
RUSTLER (1939) The 11 ton 38 foot gas screw fishing vessel Rustler swamped and was lost in Sumner Strait at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday August 29, 1939. The vessel was out of Wrangell, fishing with four crewmen on board. There were 30,000 pounds of fresh fish as cargo when the disaster occurred. The following are excerpts from the casualty report filed by Charlie George, Master of the Rustler:
“Calm, calm sea” “3/4 of a mile South of Port Protection Point Sumner Strait, SE Alaska” “Swamped” “Stern filled with water between hold and after timbers” “Kept pumps going, but water was not in hold; hence unable to pump it out” “Rowed in skiff over to Point Baker where crew was brought in by ARB 8”
The Rustler had a value of $2,500 and her cargo of fish, $350. Both were complete losses. There was no loss of life. The Rustler was insured for $1,000 with no coverage for her cargo.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 56 19 20 N 133 36 35 W Chart 17378
Additional Information: Tonnage 11 Gross 7 Net, Length 38.6, Breadth 10.6, Depth 3.8, Horsepower 12, Built 1905 at Wrangell, Registered Wrangell, ON 229525, Master Charlie George of Wrangell, Owner Wrangell Packing Company
Sources: 1. U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty August 30, 1939 at Wrangell, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1939) Pg 264
RUTH (1945) The 6 ton 29 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Ruth stranded and was lost in Wrangell Narrows August 13, 1945.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 56 31 N 132 55 W Chart 17360
Additional Information: Tonnage 6 Gross 5 Net, Length 29.2, Breadth 8.8, Depth 3.5, Built 1920 at Wrangell, Horsepower 14, Owner Marvin Gadd, Registered Wrangell, ON 233065
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1946) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 806, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1945) Pg 303
RUTH (1951) The 13 ton 32 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Ruth was lost September 13, 1951 after a collision with the gas screw Salome between Hoggatt and Red Bluff Bay.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 56 50 30 N 134 42 W Chart 17320
Comment: A vessel called the Salome is reported sinking across Chatham Strait at Tyee the same day, which is probably as a result of this wreck. WG
Additional Information: Tonnage 13 Gross 12 Net, Length 32.1, Breadth 10.3, Depth 5.3, Built 1938 at Everett WA, Horsepower 70, Owner E M McGerry, Registered Seattle, ON 237535
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1951) Pg 483, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1952) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 958
RUTH (1955) The 30 foot Hydaburg troller Ruth exploded and burned September 9, 1955 near San Juan Bautista Island between Craig and Hydaburg. Only Paul Deeds of the vessels five crewmembers was rescued. Three others were killed in the explosion including Duke Helmer (63), Al Lehman and Raymond Haldane (39). Owner Chester Bull (59) went missing and was presumed lost when he attempted to swim to shore. The explosion was caused by a dislodged gas line to the vessel’s engine leaking near the galley stove.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 26 N 133 16 W Chart 17400
Sources: 1. Ketchikan Chronicle (September 8, 1955) “Troller Ruth of Hydaburg burns, One Still Alive”, 2. Ketchikan Chronicle (September 10, 1955) “Bodies still aboard burned boat”, 3. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
RUTH (1959) The 32 foot fishing vessel Ruth burned March 21, 1959 off of Blank Island in Nichols Passage.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 16 20 N 131 38 30 W Chart 17420
Source: Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013)
RUTH A (1978) The gas screw Ruth A foundered November 8, 1978 in Alaska Native Brotherhood Harbor at Sitka.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 57 03 N 135 20 W Chart 17320
Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
RUTH ANN (1959) The 135 ton 107 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Ruth Ann foundered October 22, 1959 at Wornoski (Woronkofski) Island.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 56 23 N 132 30 W Chart 17360
Additional Information: Tonnage 135 Gross 86 Net, Length 107.3, Breadth 18, Depth 9.3, Built Leesburg NJ, Former Name SC-702 (U S N), Horsepower 550, SL WB8462, Owner William C Schlothan, Registered Ketchikan, ON 256466
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1959) Pg 482, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1960) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 826
RUTH MAE (1970) The gas screw Ruth Mae was consumed by fire July 15, 1970 at the Port Protection fuel dock.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 56 19 20 N 133 36 35 W Chart 17360
Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
RUTH MAY (1929) The 19 ton 41 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Ruth May struck a submerged object and sank near Ryus Bay at 7:30 p.m. Monday October 14, 1929. The vessel departed Ketchikan that day bound for Ryus Bay with only master and part owner, Mike Mathison, aboard. The following are excerpts from the casualty report filed by Mathison:
“Light SE wind and sea, dark and rainy” “About 2 mi. N Ryus Bay” “Collided with some object, filled and sank” “Evidently some floating or submerged object punched hole in hull” “Shifted everything possible from port to starboard to get hole above water line without avail”
The Ruth May had a value of $7,000 and was a total loss. There was no cargo on board. No lives were lost. The vessel had insurance for $6,700.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 54 58 N 131 25 W Chart 17434
Additional Information: Tonnage 19 Gross 13 Net, Length 41, Breadth 11.3, Depth 5.8, Built 1927 at Port Blakely WA, IHP 20, Registered Seattle, ON 226680, Master and part owner Mike Mathison of Port Blakely WA, Owners Mike Mathison and William Schell of Seattle
Sources: 1. U S C G Report of Casualty October 28, 1929 at Ketchikan, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1929) Pgs496