South Central Alaska Shipwrecks ( U-V-W )

U F 21 (1966)     The 17 ton 34 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel U F 21 was consumed by fire December 11, 1966 at Port Lions.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 52 N 152 53 W   Chart 16580

Additional Information: Tonnage 17 Gross 15 Net, Length 34.2, Breadth 12.1, Depth 5, Built 1961 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 141, Owner Fred Sullivan, Registered Juneau, ON 261410

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 712, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1176

 

U F 22 (1977)     Remains of the 34 foot oil screw fishing vessel UF 22 were found by the fishing vessel Columbia on Aiaktalik Beach near the south end of Kodiak Island March 2, 1978.  The vessel and her two person crew went missing October 22, 1977.  The U F 22 was owned by Charles and R L Taylor.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   56 42 N 154 03 W   Chart 16580

Source: Unofficial Wreck List

 

U F NO 2 (1964)     The 9 ton 30 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel U F No 2 was destroyed by a tidal wave March 27, 1964 at Kodiak.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 9 Gross 6 Net, Length 30.1, Breadth 11, Depth 3.9, Built 1944 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 100, Owner Moses Malutin, Registered Juneau, ON 245741

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) Pg 686, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1006

 

U-S-1 (1948)     The 91 ton 71 foot wooden scow U-S-1 foundered at Naknek anchorage in Bristol Bay on June 9, 1948.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 91 Gross and Net, Length 71.6, Breadth 24.5, Depth 5.8, Built 1946 at Seattle WA, Owner Alaska Packers Association, Registered Juneau, ON 176653

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1949) Pg 559, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1950) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 928

 

UGASHIK THREE (1955)     The 33 ton 49 foot steel gas screw fishing vessel Ugashik Three burned July 20, 1955 on the Ugashik River near Ugashik.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 30 45 N 157 23 45 W   Chart 16006

Additional Information: Tonnage 33 Gross 22 Net, Length 49.1, Breadth 14, Depth 5.6, Built 1944 at Newport FL, Former Name LCM-3-C-49099 (U S N), Horsepower 105, Owner L G Wingard Packing Company, Registered Juneau, ON 263927

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1955) Pg 531, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1956) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 745

 

UNCLE JOHN (1926)     The 26 ton 46 foot wooden gas screw Uncle John stranded and was lost in Dry Bay at 10 p.m. Saturday April 3, 1926.  The vessel departed Petersburg April 29, 1926 bound for Cordova with four crewmen aboard.  She was carrying eight tons of cannery supplies valued at $1,100.  The following are statements from the casualty report filed by Ludvig Torgersen, master of the Uncle John:

“Sand Bar at entrance of Dry Bay, Alaska”  “Stranding”  “Heavy weather on outside, making for shelter of Dry Bay”  “Pitch dark, sand storm due to off shore wind from Dry Bay”  “Reversed engine and made repeated attempts to get free from bar.  This proved impossible on account of heavy seas and high wind.  The vessel soon began to founder”  “Heavy weather at sea made it compulsory that we seek shelter.  We were approaching the entrance of Dry Bay and in attempt to reach the entrance drew too close in to shore and struck on the bar”

The Uncle John had a value of $5,000 and was a total loss, as was her cargo.  The vessel was insured for $4,800 and her cargo $1,100.  There was no loss of life.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 08 N 138 25 W   Chart 16760

Additional Information: Tonnage 26 Gross 18 Net, Length 46.5, Breadth 13.6, Depth 6, Built 1914 at Anacortes WA, HP 40, Registered Seattle, Service freight, ON 211925, Master Ludvig Torgersen of Seattle, Owner Moore Packing Company of Portland OR

Sources: 1. U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty April 20, 1926 at Cordova, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1925) Pgs 522-3

UNCLE SAM (1912)     The 24 ton 45 foot gas steam screw Uncle Sam stranded and was lost in Seward Harbor December 7, 1912.  There was no one aboard at the time of the stranding and no lives were lost.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 06 30 N 149 26 30 W   Chart 16682

Additional Information: Tonnage 24 Gross 16 Net, Length 45, Breadth 13, Depth 4.6, Built 1882 at Seattle, Home Port Kodiak, ON 201189

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1914) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 430, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1913) Pg 312

UNCLE SAM (1958)     The 25 ton 43 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Uncle Sam foundered July 14, 1958 at the north end of Kalgin Island in Cook Inlet.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 28 N 151 55 W   Chart 16660

Additional Information: Tonnage 25 Gross 21 Net, Length 43.6, Breadth 13.3, Depth 4.1, Built 1942 at Seattle WA, Former Name C-B330 (U S N), Horsepower 285, SL WB4040, Owner Paul Whiteman, Registered Juneau, ON 253527

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1958) Pg 560, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1959) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 803

 

UNDAUNTED (1894)     The 68 ton 61 foot wooden schooner Undaunted stranded and was lost off Kayak Island at 1:30 a.m. Wednesday March 7, 1894.  The Undaunted departed Kodiak February 22, 1894 on a seal hunting trip with 15 persons aboard.  The vessel became entrapped in the ice off Kayak Island and crushed to bits.  The crew was forced to abandon the Undaunted and seek shelter on an ice floe where they survived for 28 days.  They managed to escape the ice on a small boat patched together from the wreckage of the Undaunted.  They made their way to Port Etches in Prince William Sound where they were taken aboard the steamer Kodiak on April 4, 1894 and transported to Kodiak Village.  No lives were lost.  The Undaunted had a value of $3,000 and had a burden of 40 tons including ballast.  Her cargo was a hunting outfit worth $1,500.  The vessel was a total loss as was most of the hunting outfit.  The vessel was insured for $2,000 and the cargo had no insurance.

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

Comment: The wreck report gives the location as “60 08 12 N south end of Kayak Island Cove ESE” which makes the wreck likely off the village of Kayak between Wingham Island and Kayak Island.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 68.18 Gross 64.8 Net, Length 61, Breadth 22.4, Depth 7.0, Built 1873 at Davenport Landing CA, Registered Kodiak, ON 25201, Master H B Larsen of Kodiak, Owner H B Larsen and H C Cope of Kodiak

Sources: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1893) Pg251, 3. Victoria Daily Colonist (May 19, 1894) “On a Sea of Ice” Pg 5

UNGA (1999)     The 37 foot wooden longline halibut fishing vessel Unga was consumed by an engine room fire May 13, 1999 near Sand Point.  The only person on board made it to safety.

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

Additional Information: ON 291272, Built 1963

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

 

UNIMAK (1988)     The 56 foot longline fishing vessel Unimak capsized and sank April 16, 1988 in Icy Bay.  The four persons aboard escaped to a life raft and were rescued six hours later. The Unimak was rolled over by a large wave which did not allow time to place a distress call. Fortunately the EPIRB self deployed and the U S Coast Guard received a signal. An urgent marine broadcast was issued and a nearby fishing vessel was able to locate the life raft of the Unimak and rescue owner operator Patrick Sulfridge of Seattle, Pam Kirchoff of Bozeman Montana, Steve Petersen of Bellevue Washington and Steve Girard of Port Lions. All four were taken to a nearby beach, picked up by a U S Coast Guard helicopter and taken to Yakutat.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 55 N 141 33 W   Chart 16013

Sources: 1. Unofficial Shipwreck List (Kodiak), 2. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 3. Daily Sitka Sentinel (April 18, 1988) “Fishing Boat Sinks; Crew O.K.”

 

UNION (1913)     The 8 ton 38 foot gas screw Union departed Lituya Bay for Dixon Harbor December 28, 1913 and hasn’t been heard from since.  The trip should have taken 5 hours.  The vessel was on the mail run between Juneau and Yakutat.  Captain W B Germain and William Stratton were lost with the Union.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   58 20 15 N 136 52 W   Chart 16760

Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 5 Net, Length 38, Breadth 8, Depth 3.5, Built 1902 at Juneau, Registered Juneau, ON 25356

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1915) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 425, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1914) Pg 314, 3. BOEMRE Shipwreck List (2011)

UNIVERSE (1923)     The 39 ton 59 foot gas screw fishing vessel Universe stranded and was lost at Kanak Island at 7:20 a.m. Sunday December 9, 1923.  The vessel departed Cordova December 8^th at 11:45 a.m. bound for Seattle, Washington with a crew of 7 men.  There was no cargo aboard.  The following are excerpts from the casualty report filed by Pete Lubetich, owner of the Universe:

“Sand bar west side Kanak Island”  “Stranding”  “Went ashore in snow storm and heavy sea”  “Master says strong wind”  “Master says attempted to anchor and back out of sand”  “The owner was not on boat, but received statement from master”  “Total loss from present advice”

The Universe had a value of $10,000 and was reported a total loss.  The vessel had $10,000 in insurance.  No lives were lost.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 08 N 144 21 W   Chart 16723

Comment: This vessel was salvaged, put back into service and lost again in 1927.  Evidence of this wreck may still be on site and of interest.  The 50 foot vessel San Marco was lost with the Universe.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 39 Gross 30 Net, Length 59.2, Breadth 14.6, Depth 7, IHP 65, Built 1920 at Port Orchard WA, Registered Seattle, ON 220225, Master Timothy Collins of Cordova, Owner Pete Lubetich of Seattle

Sources: 1. U S C G Report of Casualty January 5, 1924 at Seattle, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1923) Pg 292

UNIVERSE (1927)     The 39 ton 59 foot gas screw fishing vessel Universe stranded and was lost on Chirikof Island at 11 p.m. November 19, 1927.  The vessel departed Kodiak November 11^th bound for Chirikof Island with 4 crewmen aboard.  She had 10 tons of general merchandise cargo on board valued at $2,000.  The following are excerpts from the casualty report:

“East side Chirikof Island”  “Blown ashore”  “Stranding”  “Gale, iced down”  “Hove to under lee of island for three days before being blown ashore”  “S S Starr picked crew up”  “TOTAL LOSS”

The Universe had a value of $10,000 at the time of the disaster and was a total loss along with her cargo.  The vessel was insured for $8,000 and the cargo was fully insured.  There was no loss of life.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 39 Gross 30 Net, Length 59.2, Breadth 14.6, Depth 7, IHP 65, Built 1920 at Port Orchard WA, Registered Seward, ON 220225, Master Roy Lynch of Kodiak, Owner Irving W Bonbright of New York City

Sources: 1. U S C G Report of Casualty March 23, 1928 at Seward by Karl Armstrong, Managing Owner, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1927) Pgs 512-513

UNKNOWN RUSSIAN VESSEL (1803)     Wreckage from an unknown possibly Russian vessel washed up on the shores of Montague Island April 10, 1803.

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

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

UNKNOWN RUSSIAN BAIDARA (1830)     A Russian baidara was wrecked in heavy weather near Kodiak Island, February 10, 1830.  The vessel was travelling from Kodiak to Alexandrovsk Redoubt.  20 persons were lost in the disaster. Wreckage washed ashore near Crane Bay (Duck Bay?).

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   Unknown

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

UNKNOWN SCHOONER (1869)     An unknown schooner was lost on Barren Island in 1869.

Mapping and Location: South Central or Southeast Alaska Unknown

Comment: This is possibly the schooner Luella.  WG

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

UNKNOWN VESSEL (1888)     “…at the end of the season (1888) over 100 cases of salmon labeled Kodiak Packing Company washed ashore at the south end of Alitak Bay interspersed with pieces of a vessel.”

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   56 50 N 154 17 W   Chart 16580

Source: Salmon from Kodiak (1986) Pg 143

UNKNOWN STEAM BARGE (1898)     An unknown steam barge was lost with all hands near Cape Sarichef.  Wreckage was found on a beach nearby.  The steamer Garonne found a life ring on a voyage from Saint Michael.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   54 35 50 N 164 55 30 W   Chart 16011

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

UNKNOWN SCHOONER (1898)     An unknown capsized schooner was spotted by the schooner Victoria between Kodiak and the Shumagin Islands in 1898.  The vessel was drifting; all hands presumed lost.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   Unknown

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

UNKNOWN BARGE (1898)     An unknown barge was lost in the Bering Sea in 1898.

Mapping and Location: South Central or West Central Unknown

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

UNKNOWN SLOOP (1898)     An unknown sloop was lost near Sunrise City in September of 1898.  The vessel was travelling to points in Cook Inlet and was heavily loaded with passengers and freight.  The sloop was swamped in a tidal bore.  Seven Copper River Miners and two crewmen were lost in the disaster.  The only survivor was the captain’s dog.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 53 30 N 149 25 30 W   Chart 16660

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

UNKNOWN NAME HOUSE SCOW (1908)    A house scow was crushed by ice at the mouth of the Alsek River in March of 1908.  Lost with the vessel were provisions and personal gear.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 08 N 138 25 W   Chart 16016

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

UNKNOWN SCOW (1909)     An unknown scow went adrift from Hinchinbrook Lighthouse and wrecked on Montague Island in September of 1909.  The vessel was salvaged by Natives.

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

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

UNKNOWN POWER LAUNCH (1915)     An unknown named power launch was lost on Glacier Island December 7, 1915.  The vessel had come from College Fjord and was on her way to Valdez when she grounded on the rocks.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 53 N 147 11 W   Chart 16700

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

UNKNOWN MAIL BOAT (1928)     An unknown gas screw mail boat was lost in 1928 at the mouth of Shoup Bay.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   61 07 15 N 146 35 30 W   Chart 16700

Comment: This may be the Marylee, lost at the mouth of Shoup Bay late in 1927.  WG

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

URAL (1994)     The 41 foot fishing vessel Ural flooded, capsized and was lost September 14, 1994 at Kennedy Entrance.  Two crewmembers were picked up by another fishing vessel and a third by a U S Coast Guard rescue swimmer.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 N 151 50 W   Chart 16013

Additional Information: ON 585905

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

 

URANIA (1876)     The 80 ton schooner Urania departed Kodiak December 29, 1875 bound for San Francisco and was never seen again.  13 persons and a load of furs were lost along with the vessel.  On board were Captain Thomas K Lee, his Wife and 2 year old son, passengers Luke Sheerar, R L Williams, C Haretonoff, D Shirpser, Emil Shirpser and a crew of six.

Mapping and Location: Unknown South Central Alaska

Comment: An 1877 article in the Japan Weekly Mail states the passengers and crewmembers of the Urania went missing in December of 1875 and were found on a remote south sea island in 1877.  WG

Sources: 1. Lewis and Dryden’s Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1961 reprint) Pg 246, 2. The Japan Weekly Mail (November 17, 1877) “Correspondence” Pg 1045, 3. The Daily Morning Call (San Francisco July 7, 1876) “The Missing Schooner Urania”, 4. The Weekly Bulletin (San Francisco June 14, 1877) “The Lost Schooner Urania”

UYAK (1909)     The 22 ton 55 foot wooden steam screw Uyak stranded and was lost on Kodiak Island the morning of September 13, 1909.  The vessel had departed Uyak Bay bound for Karluk with 2 persons aboard when the disaster occurred.  The following are excerpts from the wreck report:

“Walcott Rock, Kodiak Island, Alaska”  “Stranding”  “Misjudgment in distance offshore.  Extreme low tide, and tide carried her too close to shore”  “Early morning, S S Shelikof and lighters tried to assist her in getting off, but they were unsuccessful”  “Complete wreck”

The Uyak had a value of $10,000 and was a complete loss with no insurance.  She was not carrying cargo.  There was no loss of life.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 40 15 N 154 11 45 W   Chart 16598

Comment: Probably Wolcott Reef named for where the schooner Wolcott was lost January 31, 1900

Additional Information: Tonnage 22 Gross 12 Net, Length 55, Breadth 13, Depth 5.8, Service Tow, HP 80, Built 1901 at Alameda CA, Registered Seattle WA, ON 25336, Master Markin Olsen of Seattle, Owner Northwestern Fisheries Company of Seattle

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report November 15, 1909 at Seattle by C H Bushman, General Supt., Northwestern Fisheries Co.

UYAK (1981)     The 60 foot fishing vessel Uyak sank February 24, 1981 off of Humpback Rock in Chiniak Bay near Kodiak.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 42 30 N 152 15 W   Chart 16580

Source: Unofficial Wreck List (Kodiak)

 

UYAK II (1987)     The 112 foot trawler Uyak II foundered November 5, 1987 approximately 60 miles south of Kodiak off of Cape Barnabas.  Four of her six crewmembers were lost including Gregory D Klinkenburg (29) of Kodiak, Rogerio N Jamie (32) of Anchor Point, Donald Brand (44) of Tacoma WA and Hee K “Charlie” Im (37) of Gardena CA. The two survivors were rescued from the liferaft by the fishing vessel Gold Rush.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 20 N 153 22 W   Chart 16013

Additional Information: Tonnage 198 Gross 134 Net, Length 100.3, Breadth 26.1, Depth 12.8, Built 1981, Former Name Atlantic Pride, ON 632101

Sources: 1. Unofficial Shipwreck List (Kodiak), 2. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 3. USCG Maritime Information Exchange (2016), 4. NTSB Safety Recommendation (October 19, 1900), 5. Alaskashipwreck.com (2016) Post Responses

V O (1967)     The 126 foot crab fishing vessel V O disappeared January 9, 1967 while on a trip from Seattle to King Cove. Five crewmembers were lost including skipper and co‐owner Fred Hill (58) of Vancouver WA, co‐owner John Klebaum (44) of Seattle, his nephew Jon Symonds (22) of Seattle and Bjorne Andrew Osborne (49) of Cordova. The vessel sent out a May-Day that they were sinking and the crew was abandoning ship 15 miles northeast of Marmot Island. A U S Coast Guard training helicopter was in that vicinity but unable to locate the V O or any sign of the vessel. The Coast Guard Cutters Confidence and Storis along with three Navy planes also responded to the area where the V O reported they were sinking. Late January 11^th, two crewmembers bodies were found in a raft 26 miles east southeast of Marmot Island 50 miles northeast of Kodiak.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   58 13 N 151 50 W   Chart 16580

Additional Information: Tonnage 297 Gross 249 Net, Length 126, Built 1943, Former Names Pacific Prince (Canadian) and YMS118 (U S N), ON 504889

Sources: 1. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 2. Seattle Daily Times (January 12, 1967) “Bodies of 2 fishermen found on raft identified” Pg 13, 3. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) Pgs 845, 1056

 

VA-SEA-LEES (1990)     The 40 foot fiberglass longline halibut fishing vessel Va-Sea-Lees was consumed by an engine room fire and sank June 6, 1990 in Prince William Sound outside of Strawberry Channel.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 24 N 146 03 W   Chart 16700

Additional Information: ON 697713

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

VAGABOND (1964)     The 11 ton 40 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Vagabond was destroyed by a hurricane April 2, 1964 at Saint Paul Harbor.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 46 N 152 27 W   Chart 16580

Additional Information: Tonnage 11 Gross 7 Net, Length 39.9, Breadth 11.5, Depth 4, Built 1948 at Seldovia, Horsepower 83, SL WD3810, Owner Eugene McLeod, Registered Juneau, ON 258569

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) Pg 691, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1006

 

VAGABOND (1965)     The 8 ton 28 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Vagabond burned August 25, 1965 at Naknek.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 6 Net, Length 28.4, Breadth 10.3, Depth 4.1, Built 1961 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 165, SL WR4565, Owner Jean B Culmine, Registered Juneau, ON 284855

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 717, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1176

 

VALDEZ (1920)     The 12 ton 35 foot gas screw freight vessel Valdez stranded and was lost in Portage Bay near Kanatak February 22, 1920.  The four persons aboard survived, but the Valdez became a complete loss.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 34 05 N 156 02 15 W   Chart 16570

Additional Information: Tonnage 12 Gross 8 Net, Length 35.7, Breadth 10.9, Depth 4.1, Built 1908 at Valdez, Registered Juneau, ON 205500

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1919) Pg 335, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1920) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 449, 3. H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 313

VALDEZ (1967)     The 5,051 ton Hydro train barge Valdez was driven ashore in a storm while under tow of the tug Sea Witch and lost December 13, 1967 two miles west of the entrance to Yakutat Bay.  The barge and 42 rail cars aboard were a total loss.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 40 N 140 W   Chart 16016

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

VALVADERE (1929)     Fire destroyed the 10 ton 40 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Valvadere near the Cooper River at 9:10 a.m. June 3, 1929.  The vessel departed Cordova the day before bound for the Copper River Delta fishing grounds with 2 crewmen aboard.  The following are excerpts from the casualty report filed by H Lamereaux, master of the Valvadere:

“Light westerly wind”  “Grass Island, Copper River”  “Explosion of bilge gases”  “Possible backfire thru the carburetor.  Exact cause not determined”  “Bilge pumped at regular intervals of ½ hour”  “None (assistance) needed as vessel laid alongside scow”

The Valvadere was valued at $6,000 and was a total loss.  She had 7 tons of fresh salmon aboard worth $600 of which 20% was lost.  There was no insurance.  No lives were lost.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 15 N 145 17 W   Chart 16013

Comment: This vessel was salvaged and put back into service and founders in 1957.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 10 Gross 8 Net, Length 40.2, Breadth 10.7, Depth 2.8, Built 1920 at Philadelphia PA, Former Name No. 3152 (U S N), IHP 50, Registered Juneau, ON 225558, Master Mr. H Lameraux of Marietta WA, Owner New England Fish Co of Boston MA

Sources: 1. U S C G Report of Casualty July 7, 1929 at Cordova, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1929) Pgs 542-3

VALVADERE (1957)     The 10 ton 40 foot wooden gas screw Valvadere foundered January 21, 1957 at Kodiak.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 10 Gross 7 Net, Length 40.2, Breadth 10.7,  Depth 2.8, Built 1920 at Philadelphia PA, Former Name No. 3152 (U S N), Horsepower 110, Owner W A Ritter, Registered Juneau, ON 225558

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1959) Pg 577, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1960) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 826

VANDERBILT (1888)     The 92.87 ton 85 foot wooden schooner Vanderbilt stranded and was lost at Pirate Cove August 27, 1888.  The vessel departed San Francisco March 8, 1888 with 27 crewmen aboard bound for “fishing and hunting”.  A severe storm, rainy weather and heavy sea led to the disaster.  The entire crew survived, but the Vanderbilt, valued at $4,000 was a complete loss.  Ballast was the only cargo.  There was no insurance.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   55 21 40 N 160 21 25 W   Chart 16553

Additional Information: Tonnage 92.87, Length 85, Breadth 27, Depth 6.5, Built in 1867 at San Francisco CA, Registered San Francisco, ON 25704, Master R Turner of San Francisco, Owner William Brown MO of San Francisco

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report March 29, 1889 at San Francisco by William Brown, managing owner

VANGUARD (2001)     The 65 foot seiner Vanguard struck an iceberg, flooded and sank July 26, 2001 a half a mile from Glacier Island outside of Columbia Bay, 35 nautical miles southwest of Valdez.  All three crewmembers abandoned ship in survival suits and climbed into the life raft when it deployed.  They were rescued by Good Samaritan vessels nearby.  The Vanguard sank in 200 feet of water in less than two minutes.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 53 N 147 11 W   Chart 16700

Additional Information: ON 224641

Source: U S C G District 17 News Release (July 27, 2001) “Fishing vessel sinks near Columbia Bay after collision with ice”

 

VEGA (1964)     The 28 ton 48 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Vega 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

Additional Information: Tonnage 28 Gross 21 Net, Length 48, Breadth 14, Depth 5.3, Built 1950 at Anchorage, Horsepower 85, SL WJ9946, Owner Charles I Langlie, Registered Juneau, ON 275988

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 721, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1176

 

VEGA MARIE (1987)     The 85 foot fishing vessel Vega Marie sank August 13, 1987 approximately 50 miles south of Unimak Pass.  All crewmembers were rescued.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   54 20 N 164 50 W   Chart 16011

Source: Unofficial Shipwreck List (Kodiak)

 

VEHAR (2002)     The 39 foot crab fishing vessel Vehar struck a rock, flooded and sank at 2:56 a.m. February 9, 2002 near Cape Chiniak 13 nautical miles southeast of Kodiak.  All three crewmembers abandoned ship in survival suits and were rescued by a U S Coast Guard Helicopter.  Fishing vessels Ambition, Highliner and Bold Pacific also responded to the distress call.

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

Additional Information: ON 683315

Source: U S C G News Release (February 9, 2002) “Coast Guard rescues 3 after fishing boat sinks near Kodiak”

 

VELOCITY (2008)     The 39 foot fiberglass fishing vessel Velocity capsized February 9, 2008 only 200 yards from shore at Mill Bay Beach.  The Velocity was outbound for Afognak Island in heavy weather. The vessel was struck from the port side by a large wave and capsized to starboard. She washed up on the shore an hour and a half later where civilian and U S Coast Guard responders attempted to rescue the two crewmen trapped beneath the hull.  After cutting through the bottom of the fiberglass vessel with a chainsaw, Chuprov Berestov was rescued from an air pocket in the bilge of the Velocity.  Lost was George Reutov, the owner and operator of the Velocity.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 49 30 N 152 20 30 W   Chart 16594

Additional Information: Tonnage 32 Gross 26 Net, Length 37.9, ON 946536

Sources: 1. Unofficial Wreck List (Kodiak), 2. USCG News Release (February 10, 2008) “Fishing Vessel Capsizes Near Kodiak, One Survivor, One Dead”, 3. USCG MISLE Case # 391981

 

VENTURE (1948)     The 54 ton 63 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Venture foundered May 8, 1948 ten miles northwest of Tugidak Island in the Trinity Island Group.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   56 30 N 154 40 W   Chart 16580

Comment: A newspaper report from the period places this loss “on a reef on the north end of Trinity Island”

Additional Information: Tonnage 54 Gross 36 Net, Length 63, Breadth 16.4, Depth 7.9, Built 1927 at Seattle WA, Crew 7, Horsepower 90, SL ATME, Owner C J Ness, Registered Seattle, ON 226542

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1948) Pg 534, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1949) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 912, 3. San Diego Union (May 9, 1948) “Two Fishing Boats Send Calls for Help” Pg 7-B

 

VENTURE (1964)     The 9 ton 37 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Venture was destroyed by a tidal wave March 27, 1964 at Kodiak.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 9 Gross 6 Net, Length 37, Breadth 11.4, Depth 3.7, Built 1958 at Kodiak, Horsepower 75, Owner Kimball Poland, Registered Juneau, ON 278954

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 722, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1177

 

VENUS (1927)     The vessel Venus was stripped of her wheelhouse and deck gear, including dories, in a storm off of Kodiak in February of 1927.  The vessel made it to Kodiak with not much more than her hull and Bollinger engine.

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

Source: Juneau Empire (February 19, 1927) Pg 6 and (March 3, 1927) Pg 6

 

VENUS (1963)     The 8 ton 29 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Venus burned August 7, 1963 in Ivan Bay near Chignik.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   56 N 158 50 W   Chart 16561

Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 8 Net, Length 29.8, Breadth 11.1, Depth 3.3, Built 1950 at Seattle, Horsepower 110, SL WD3465, Owner Emmett Anderson, Registered Juneau, ON 261157

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) Pg 696, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1006

 

VENUS (1964)     The 19 ton 42 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Venus 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

Additional Information: Tonnage 19 Gross 13 Net, Length 42, Breadth 11.5, Depth 5, Built 1943 at Seattle WA, Former Name J-953 (U S A), Horsepower 75, SL WM5507, Owner George E Tuthill, Registered Juneau, ON 268781

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) Pg 696, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1006

 

VERDON (1964)     The 11 ton 32 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Verdon was destroyed by a tidal wave March 27, 1964 at Valdez.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 11 Gross 9 Net, Length 32.2, Breadth 11, Depth 4.6, Built 1950 at Everett WA, Horsepower 140, SL WC7674, Owner Paul Gregorioff, Registered Juneau, ON 259691

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) Pg 696, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1006

 

VERON MAO (1950)     The 10 ton 33 foot wooden gas screw pleasure vessel Veron Mao foundered October 11, 1950 in Cook Inlet.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 05 N 152 30 W   Chart 16013

Additional Information: Tonnage 10 Gross 8 Net, Length 33.5, Breadth 10.3, Depth 4.6, Built in 1942 at New Orleans LA, Horsepower 250, Owner Richard L Terry, Registered Juneau, ON 257307

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1952) Pg 405, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1953-1954) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 747

 

VERONA (1974)     The oil screw Verona stranded and was lost September 13, 1974 off of the east side of Kodiak Island.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 20 N 153 22 W   Chart 16013

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

VESTFJORD (1989)     The 97 foot crab fishing vessel Vestfjord was lost with all hands January 29, 1989 approximately 30 miles south of the Trinity Islands.  The Vestfjord was travelling from Seattle to Dutch Harbor when she encountered a storm with winds to 60 knots and seas to 30 feet.  She was able to get out a MAYDAY and communicate that severe icing was sinking the vessel.  The six persons lost with the Vestfjord were skipper Dick LaGary (40) of Port Angeles WA, crewmen Kevin Melnick (28), Ricky Kristovich (37), Doug Harding (35) of Seattle, Bill Hodgins (33) of Kodiak and passenger Danny McDonald.

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

Comment: Part owner of the Vestfjord Jens O. Jenson was killed October 29, 1981 when a rogue wave struck the vessel north of Dutch Harbor.

Additional Information: ON 523393

Sources: 1. Unofficial Shipwreck List (Kodiak), 2. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 3. Plain Dealer (Cleveland OH January 30, 1989), “Missing crabber hunted” Pg 5 A

 

VETER (2001)     The 37 foot longline cod fishing vessel Veter stranded and sank January 30, 2001 within 200 yards of Evans Point in Prince William Sound.  The operator of the vessel struck an object, began taking on water and was forced to run her aground to prevent further sinking.  An Urgent Marine Broadcast drew the attention of the fishing vessel Hellion who rescued the crew of three from the beach.  Salvage was under consideration.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 08 N 147 54 45 W   Chart 16700

Sources: 1. U S C G News Release (January 31, 2001) “Coast Guard responds to sinking vessel, Good Sam recovers survivors”, 2. ADEC Situation Report (January 31, 2001) “F/V Veter”

 

VICKY LYNN (1984)     The 31 foot seiner Vicky Lynn foundered near Cape Chiniak August 5, 1984 when a swell washed over her open deck.  The four crewmen escaped to a skiff and were picked up by the U S Coast Guard.

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)

 

VICTOR (2002)     The 99 foot wooden fish tender Victor was consumed by flames July 23, 2002 in the Shelikof Strait 18 miles east of Cape Kuliak.  The vessel was on her way from Bristol Bay to Prince William Sound to tender salmon.  While attempting to extinguish the blaze, an explosion in the engine room injured the master of the vessel.  All four crewmembers abandoned ship and were rescued by U S Coast Guard Helicopter and taken to Kodiak.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 48 10 N 153 55 W   Chart 16580

Comment: The MISLE puts this wreck in Kennedy Entrance which is in conflict with the News Release. WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 199 Gross 160 Net, Length 99.2, Breadth 30, Depth 9, ON 276682, Call Sign WUV9607, Built 1943 San Francisco CA, Former Name Thistle

Sources: 1.USCG News Release (July 23, 2002) “Four rescued from life raft after fishing boat fire in Shelikof Strait”, 2. USCG MISLE Case # 984942, 3. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1979) Pgs 1597 & 2008

 

VICTORIA ANN (1997)     The 42 foot salmon seiner Victoria Ann ran aground and sank after a hull plank gave way September 24, 1997 in Hidden Basin, Ugak Bay.  The only person aboard made it to safety in a skiff.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 30 30 N 152 56 W   Chart 16593

Additional Information: ON 257756

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

 

VICTORY MAID (1964)     The 67 ton 62 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Victory Maid 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 67 Gross 46 Net, Length 62.1, Breadth 18.2, Depth 8.5, Built 1943 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 190, SL WB4170, Owner Ira L Olson, Registered Seattle, ON 244015

Sources: 1. Unofficial Wreck List, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) Pg 699

 

VIGILANT (2009)     The 58 foot fish tender Vigilant stranded and was lost August 15, 2009 near the southwest entrance to Chugach Bay in Chugach Passage.  The operator of the vessel left the bridge to check an engine room alarm and found the vessel in shallow water on his return.  Attempts to refloat the vessel at the time of the stranding failed and the two crewmembers were transferred to the fishing vessel North Star and transported to Homer.  The vessel was carrying 114,000 pounds of pink salmon at the time of the disaster.  Salvage efforts were intended.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 11 N 151 34 W   Chart 16640

Additional Information: Length 50.2, ON 633732, Call Sign WDD2770, Built 1981

Sources: 1. U S C G District 17 Enforcement Report (August 15, 2009), 2. ADEC Situation Report (September 2, 2009) “F/V Vigilant Sinking”, 3. USCG MISLE Case # 468920

 

VIKING (1902)     The 146 ton 108 foot schooner Viking was lost off of Unga at 10:00 a.m. Sunday April 20, 1902.  The vessel departed San Francisco March 10, 1902 bound for Unga with 7 crewmen aboard.  She had a 220 ton cargo of salt, lumber and provisions valued at $2,500.  The following are excerpts from the wreck report:

“Popoff Island Point, Unga, Alaska”  “Stranding”  “Vessels anchors not holding in heavy swell, vessel drifted ashore”  “NE gale, snowing and rough sea, dark”  “Total loss to owners.”  “Master called survey, sold vessel and cargo for $650.  Have since learned that vessel has been floated by new owner and will be repaired and saved”

The Viking and her cargo were reported as total losses.  The vessel was valued at $6,000 and insured for $4,200.  The cargo was valued at $2,500 and was fully insured.  No lives were lost.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   55 11 N 160 30 10 W   Chart 16553

Comment: Evidence of this wreck may still be on site and of interest.  The Viking was repaired, put back into service and wrecked again in 1904 near Cape Prince of Wales.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 146 Gross 139 Net, Length 108, Breadth 30, Depth 8.2, Built 1882 at Marshfield OR, Registered San Francisco, ON 161510, SL JWVD, Master J T Mortenson of San Francisco, Managing Owner William Olsen of San Francisco

Sources: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report July 25, 1902 at San Francisco by C D Bunter, part owner and agent, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1901) Pg 188

VIKING (1923)     The 27 ton 47 foot wooden gas screw Viking washed up on Sitkinak Island and was lost at 10:00 a.m. December 6, 1923.  The vessel departed Port Wrangell December 2, 1923 bound for Kodiak with a cargo of 10 tons of empty coal oil drums.  The following are excerpts from the casualty report filed by Andrew Grosvold, owner of the Viking:

“Vessel left Sand Point on Nov. 2^nd with a hunting party on board.  On Dec. 2^nd being in need of fuel and provisions, dropped into Kanatak, while crew and hunters were ashore getting same, gale suddenly sprung up, making it impossible to return to ship and at about 6:00 a.m. morning of the 3^rd, anchor chain parted about 10 ft. from the hawse pipe, allowing the vessel to drift out of the harbor”  “Vessel anchored in 3 fathoms of water with 250 lb. anchor and 45 fathoms of ¾ inch chain”  “Blew out of Kanatak, Alaska, morning of Dec. 3^rd, 1923 while master and crew were ashore, leaving only the cook on board.”  “N.W. gale suddenly sprung up, making it impossible for master and crew to get on board”  “Sitkinak Island off the South end of Kodiak Island”  “Total loss”

The Viking had a value of $6,500 and her cargo $375 which were both lost.  Neither the vessel nor her cargo was insured.  There was no loss of life.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   56 33 N 154 10 W   Chart 16580

Comment: The Viking was wrecked more than 70 miles southeast of where she parted her anchor chain.  It must have been a troubling voyage for George Johansen, the cook that was along for the ride.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 27 Gross 18 Net, Length 47, Breadth 16, Depth 4.6, Service freight, IHP 10, Built 1916 at Sand Point, Registered Unalaska, ON 214355, Master Johan Olsen of Sand Point, Owner Andrew Grosvold of Sand Point

Sources: 1. U S C G Report of Casualty March 1, 1924 at Unalaska, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1923) Pg 295, 3. San Diego Evening Tribune (January 23, 1923) “Ship Vanishes Beneath Sea, One Aboard”

VIKING (1935)     The 15 ton 46 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Viking was lost off of Icy Bay at 6:00 a.m. Sunday August 25, 1935.  The vessel departed Wingham Island, Prince William Sound, under tow bound for Petersburg.  The following are excerpts from the casualty report filed by Harold Hofstad, master of the Viking:

“Heavy wind and big seas”  “Was being towed by New Rustler and heavy blow came up and had to cut Viking adrift about 35 miles off Icy Bay, Gulf of Alaska”  “Probably is a total loss”  “Could do nothing but cut Viking adrift from the gas screw New Rustler”  “Viking was being towed by New Rustler to save gas and also because there was not a sufficient crew to man the two boats”

The Viking had a value of $1,500 and was not carrying cargo.  She was a total loss with no insurance.  There was no loss of life.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 15 Gross 12 Net, Length 46.4, Breadth 8.9, Depth 4.4, Built 1908 at Seattle WA, HP 70, Registered Seattle, ON 232578, Master Harold Hofstad of Petersburg, Owner Jack Coble of Petersburg

Sources: 1. U S C G Report of Casualty September 6, 1935 at Juneau, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1935) Pgs 618-9

VINDICATOR (1955)     The 253 ton 126 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Vindicator struck a submerged reef and was lost July 8, 1955 at Cape Saint Elias. The seven man crew was rescued by the U S Coast Guard and transported aboard the cutter Klamath to Kodiak. Attempts were made by the crew of the Klamath to salvage the Vindicator or the 30 foot vessel lashed to her deck but were unsuccessful. Rescued from the Vindicator were master Will P. Lowman of Anacortes, Franklin Wright, Douglas Gourd, and Richard Knudson of Anacortes and Duane Wilson, Howard Fayette and Jack Nanney of Snohomish.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 54 N 144 36 W   Chart 16013

Additional Information: Tonnage 253 Gross 172 Net, Length 126.1, Breadth 25, Depth 11.3, Built 1942 at Tacoma WA, Former Name YMS-127 (U S N), Horsepower 400, SL WB 4209, Owner W P Loman, Registered Seattle, ON 250346

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1955) Pg 540, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1956) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 745, 3. Daily Sitka Sentinel (July 13, 1955) “AP Alaska Briefs” Pg 2, 3. Fairbanks News Miner (July 12, 1955) “Coast Guard Saves Crew of Wrecked Fishing Vessel” Pg 6

 

VIOLET (1964)     The 11 ton 31 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Violet was consumed by fire August 2, 1964 in Anchorage Bay near Chignik.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   56 19 N 158 23 W   Chart 16013

Additional Information: Tonnage 11 Gross 8 Net, Length 31.7, Breadth 12, Depth 4.2, Built 1957 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 150, SL WJ2841, Owner McAlister Equipment Leasing Company, Registered Juneau, ON 274045

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) Pg 700, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1006

 

VIRGINIA (1964)     The 10 ton 29 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Virginia foundered July 10, 1964 in Cook Inlet.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 05 N 153 30 W   Chart 16013

Additional Information: Tonnage 10 Gross 8 Net, Length 29.7, Breadth 9.2, Depth 5.6, Built 1960 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 141, SL WR7755, Owner Edward J Martel, Registered Bellingham WA, ON 280522

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) Pg 701, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1006

 

VIRGINIA E (1964)     The 70 ton 68 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Virginia E burned November 23, 1964 at King Cove.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   55 03 20 N 162 19 W   Chart 16540

Additional Information: Tonnage 70 Gross 42 Net, Length 68.7, Breadth 17.3, Depth 8, Built 1926 at Dockton WA, Horsepower 180, SL WB4229, Owner Pacific American Fisheries Inc., Registered Bellingham WA, ON 225567

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) Pg 702, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1006

 

VIRGINIAN (1989)     The 38 foot salmon fishing vessel Virginian was consumed by fire June 16, 1989 at Grass Island in the Gulf of Alaska.  Both crewmembers were rescued.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 17 30 N 145 11 30 W   Chart 16013

Additional Information: Built 1979, ON 605200

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

VIRGINIUS (1925)     The 35 ton 56 foot wooden gas screw fishing schooner Viriginius broke loose from her tow and foundered at 10 a.m. Monday June 15, 1925.  The vessel departed Port Moller June 14^th in tow of the vessel Katherine D and was bound for Ketchikan.  There was no one aboard the Virginius and no cargo.  The vessel is reported to have broken loose and foundered at 54 55 00 N 165 50 W.  There was a strong SW wind with heavy seas and no shelter nearby.  The Virginius had a value of $3,000 and was a total loss.  No lives were lost.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   54 55 N 165 50 W   Chart 16006

Additional Information: Tonnage 35 Gross 23 Net, Length56.4, Breadth 15, Depth 6.3, Built 1912 at Tacoma WA, IHP 50, Registered Seattle WA, ON 209649, Master none, Owner Pacific American Fisheries, Vessel Insurance $3,000

Sources: 1. U S C G Report of Casualty June 25, 1925 at Bellingham WA by Archie W Shields for Pacific American Fisheries, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1924) Pg 293

VITA (1970)     The crab fishing vessel Vita burned and was abandoned March 9, 1970 near Seward.  Two crewmembers were rescued from a raft by the U S Coast Guard.

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

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

VOLCANO (1895)     The 39.8 foot wooden trading sloop Volcano was caught in a vicious gale April 20, 1895 and dashed upon the rocks at Pauloff Harbor, Sanak Island and lost. The crew was able to escape to the beach through the surf.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   54 27 45 N 162 41 30 W   Chart 16520

Comment: Pauloff Harbor is on the west shore of Pavlof Harbor on the north central coast of Sanak Island. WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 14.08 Gross 13.38 Net. Length 39.8, Breadth 13.7, Depth 4.4, Built 1889 at Pescada Landing CA, ON 161603, Registered Sand Point

Sources: 1. San Francisco Chronicle (May 19, 1895) “Wrecked in the North” Pg 26, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1895) Pg 200

 

VOSTOK (1989)     The fishing vessel Vostok sank near Middleton Island June 13, 1989

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 26 N 146 20 W   Chart 16013

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

VOYAGER (1988)     The 81 foot fishing vessel Voyager rolled over and sank November 17, 1988 while at anchor in a cove in Ugak Bay.  The crew of five escaped in survival suits.  Three were picked up from the beach and two 200 yards off of Gull Point.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 25 N 152 35 W   Chart 16580

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

W B FLINT (1918)     The Alaska Packers Association barque W B Flint was reported crushed in the ice and lost in Bristol Bay between May 5 and May 20, 1918. All 250 persons aboard were safely evacuated. Later reports indicate that the vessel had only lost her rudder and damage was less that initially thought. The vessel was loaded with salmon and towed to Dutch Harbor by a cannery tender. From there she was towed south by the Rolph tug Hercules.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   Salvaged

Sources: 1. Vancouver World (May 20, 1918) “American Barque Flint Lost in Bristol Bay” Pg 15, 2. Oakland Tribune (October 25, 1918) “Tug Hercules Goes For Long Voyage” Pg 14

 

W H DIMOND (1914)     The 390 ton 155 foot wooden cod fishing schooner W H Dimond stranded and was lost in the Shumagin Islands at 11:00 a.m. February 3, 1914.  The vessel departed San Francisco January 8, 1914 bound for Unga, Alaska with 10 crewmen and 12 fishermen aboard.  She was carrying a 500 ton cargo of general merchandise, coal and salt.  She also had a 26 foot gas screw boat on her deck.  The following are excerpts from wreck reports filed at Seward and San Francisco:

“Stranded”  “Foggy weather”  “Light SE wind, medium sea running and dusk, dropped two anchors”  “Vessel anchored off Bird Island, 60 miles from Unga, Shumagin Island Group, Alaska”  “Wind increased to a hurricane, chains parted and vessel thrown against rocks.  Next morning nothing left but wood and pieces of timber and provisions that were washed ashore”

The W H Dimond had a value of $12,000 and her cargo was worth between $9,000 and $12,000.  Both the vessel and her cargo were total losses.  The vessel was insured for $10,000 and her cargo $7,500.  There was no loss of life.  The 1938 U S Coast Pilot Alaska mentions:

“An anchorage is reported in the bight on the east side of Bird Island, just inside of Point Welcome…The wreck of a schooner is at the head of the bight.”

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   54 49 N 159 46 W   Chart 16011

Comment: The masters wreck report has only 10 crewmen aboard at the time of the casualty and the owners wreck report says there were 22 persons aboard.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 390 Gross 376 Net, Length 155, Breadth 35.5, Depth 11.7, Built 1881 at San Francisco, SL JVDN, Registered San Francisco CA, ON 80803, Master Charles W Prellberg of Redwood City CA, Owner Alaska Codfish Company

Sources: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report March 21, 1914 at Seward by Charles Prellberg, 2. U S Customs Wreck Report April 6, 1924 at San Francisco by C D Bunker, Attorney-in-fact for Alaska Codfish Company, 3. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1913) Pg 95

W H WOOD (1879)     The schooner W H Wood was driven ashore near Unga and became a total loss October 30, 1879.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   55 11 N 160 30 10 W   Chart 16011

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

WAFICO NO 2 (1952)     The 7 ton 30 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Wafico No 2 stranded and was lost December 18, 1952 in Monashka Bay.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 50 N 152 25 W   Chart 16580

Additional Information: Tonnage 7 Gross 5 Net, Length 30.6, Breadth 9.3, Depth 4.1, Built 1940 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 85, Owner Washington Fish and Oyster Company, Registered Juneau, ON 239468

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1952) Pg 591, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1953-1954) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 750

 

WAFICO NO 8 (1946)     The 8 ton 31 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Waifco No 8 was consumed by fire June 18, 1946 in Halibut Bay on the southwest end of Kodiak Island.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 23 N 154 43 W   Chart 16580

Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 5 Net, Length 30.9, Breadth 10, Depth 3.7, Built 1942 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 92, Owner Washington Fish & Oyster Company, Registered Juneau, ON 241643

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1946) Pg 507, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1947) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 824

 

WAFICO NO 9 (1964)     The 8 ton 31 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Wafico No 9 was destroyed by a tidal wave March 27, 1964 at Ouzinkie.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 5 Net, Length 31, Breadth 10, Depth 3.8, Built 1942 at Seattle, Horsepower 92, Owner William M Boskofski, Registered Juneau, ON 241644

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 733, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1177

 

WAFICO NO 12 (1964)     The 9 ton 30 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Wafico No 12 was reported missing out of Port William in the Good Friday earthquake of March 27, 1964.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   58 29 30 N 152 35 W   Chart 16604

Comment: This same vessel is reported burned in Bluefox Bay on Afognak Island August 12, 1966. WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 9 Gross 6 Net, Length 30, Breadth 11, Depth 3.9, Built 1944 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 115, SL WF4932, Owner William C Golley, Registered Juneau, ON 245553

Sources: 1.Unofficial Wreck List, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) Pg 706, 3. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) Pg 902

 

WAFICO NO 16 (1965)     The 30 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Wafico No 16 foundered in Kukak Bay August 9, 1965.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   58 19 N 154 06 W   Chart 16580

Additional Information: Tonnage 11 Gross 10 Net, Length 30.4, Breadth 11.1, Depth 4.6, Built 1954 Seattle WA, SL WF9867, ON 267548

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) Pg 902, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1963) Pg 684

WAFICO NO 22 (1956)     The 16 ton 35 foot steel gas screw fishing vessel Wafico No 22 foundered May 20, 1956 near Cape Saint Elias.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 54 N 144 36 W   Chart 16013

Additional Information: Tonnage 16 Gross 13 Net, Length 34.9, Breadth 12, Depth 5.2, Built 1949 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 141, Owner Washington Fish & Oyster Company, Registered Seattle, ON 258596

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1956) Pg 551, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1957) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 758

 

WAIF (1924)     The 25 ton 56 foot wooden gas screw Waif foundered in Cordova Bay at 6 a.m. November 3, 1924.  The vessel had departed out of Cordova to pick up coal from the Shinkoku Maru, and was on a return trip with two persons aboard.  The following are excerpts from the casualty report:

“Salmo Point, Cordova Bay”  “Hit rocky point, foundered”  “Vessel proper a total loss, part of machinery and equipment salvaged.  Hull now in state of decay on beach, a total loss”

The value of the Waif was estimated at $7,500 and her cargo of coal $150.  Both were total losses.  Insurance was not mentioned on the casualty report.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 37 N 145 46 W   Chart 16700

Additional Information: Tonnage 25 Gross 17 Net, Length 56, Breadth 12.6, Depth 6.4, Built 1909 at Seattle WA, IHP 37, Registered Juneau, ON 206519, Master and owner Charles A Matthews

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty at Cordova

WALTER A EARLE (1895)     The 71 ton Canadian sealing schooner Walter A Earle was lost with all hands off of Cape Saint Elias during the Great Easter Gale of 1895 that occurred on April 14^th.  The vessel was out of Victoria, British Columbia and hunting seals off of Icy Bay.  The Earle attempted to weather the storm along with the schooners Favorite and Libby, but lost her rudder and capsized.  32 men perished in the disaster, including captain Louis Magnuson, mate Henry Buhrm, seamen William J Douglas, W H Wyman, and Adolf E Shute, cook B Berner, and 26 Native Americans, twelve of whom were Songhees from Victoria, five from Sooke, six from Beecher Bay, two from Metchosin and one from Cowichan.  The rudderless overturned hull of the Walter A Earle drifted into Afognak Bay several weeks later.  Many of the deceased crewmen were found within the hull and buried at Kodiak.  The sealing schooner C G White was lost in the same storm along with 11 crewmen.  The survivors of that disaster, off of the south end of Kodiak, were brought to Woody Island near Kodiak and cared for.

Mapping and Location:  South Central Alaska   58 02 30 N 152 45 W   Chart 16580

Comment: I have charted this wreck at Afognak Bay, as that was the final resting place of the hull.  Evidence of the disaster may be found anywhere from Pamplona Spur outside of Icy Bay, where the vessel overturned, to Afognak Bay where her drift ended.  WG

Sources: 1. Lewis and Dryden’s Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1895) Pg 451, 2. Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992)

 

WALYANA (2001)     The 28 foot gillnet vessel Walyana took a rogue wave, capsized and sank May 15, 2001 near the Copper River Delta.  All three crewmembers made it to shore and were rescued by a U S Coast Guard Helicopter.

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

Source: U S C G District 17 News Release (May 16, 2001) “Coast Guard rescues three Homer fishermen”

 

WANDA (1939)     Fire destroyed the 14 ton wooden gas screw fishing vessel Wanda at 2:00 p.m. August 21, 1939.  The vessel was tied at the dock at Dayville, Alaska when the disaster occurred.  The only one aboard was a mechanic working on the engine.  The following are excerpts from the casualty report filed by A S Day, master and owner of the Wanda:

“Dock at Dayville, Alaska”  “Vessel caught fire from engine”  “Spark ignited gasoline in bilge”  “Attempts made by several persons to extinguish the blaze”  “Mechanic went aboard to test engine.  Spark from starting switch ignited gasoline, burning him somewhat about the face.  Vessel cast loose from other boats and then towed to beach across from cannery where it burned completely”  “Complete loss”

The Wanda had a value of $5,000 and was a complete loss.  She was not carrying  cargo.  Insurance was in the amount of $3,000.  There was no loss of life.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 05 N 146 21 W   Chart 16707

Comment: Dayville now called Fort Liscum.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 14 Gross, Length 38, Breadth 11.9, Depth 4.1, Built 1938 at Dayville, Registered Cordova, ON 237728

Sources: 1. U S C G Report of Casualty April 23, 1940 at Cordova, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1939) Pg 305

WANDA (1970)     The 33 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Wanda stranded and was lost at Gull Point Uyak Bay September 23, 1970.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 23 N 152 06 W   Chart 16580

Additional Information: Tonnage 10 Gross 8 Net, Length 33, Breadth 10.8, Depth 4, Built Algonac MI, 50 HP, SL WX6562, ON 504110

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1974) Pg 1261, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) Pg 865

 

WASHINGTON (1870-71)     The bark Washington was blown ashore and lost at Kasilof in Cook Inlet in 1870 or 1871.  The vessel was out of Sydney, Australia and had a value of $50,000 with cargo at the time of the loss.  She had come to the area to catch and salt fish.  Timbers were salvaged from the wreck and a large whaleboat was constructed to continue fishing.  A hired craft was used to take the catch to market.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 23 15 N 151 17 45 W   Chart 16662

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

WASHINGTON (1915)     The 708 ton 180 foot wooden sloop barge Washington stranded and was lost off Kayak Island at 3:30 p.m. October 10, 1915.  The vessel departed Port Townsend, Washington loaded with 100,000 feet of lumber bound for Cordova.  She was being towed by the tug Pioneer.  There were 6 crewmen and one stowaway aboard the barge.  The following are excerpts from the casualty report filed by O Beaton, master of the tug Pioneer:

“Fresh southeast, sea rough”  “144’10” Long.W. 59’48” Lat. N.”  “Waterlogged”  “Pumping by crew of barge”  “Was in tow of tug Pioneer.  Barge stranded on west side of Kayak Island, two miles north of Cape St Elias and is breaking up”  “Total loss”

The Washington was valued at $5,000 and her cargo $10,350.  Both were reported total losses.  There was no loss of life.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 48 N 144 10 W   Chart 16723

Comment: Probably stranded on the south side of Sea Ranger Reef.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 708 Gross 674 Net, Length 180, Breadth 42, Depth 14, Built 1898 at Portland OR, Registered Tacoma WA, ON 203793, Owner Alaska Barge Company of Tacoma, Insurance unknown

Sources: 1. U S C G Report of Casualty October 21, 1915 at Juneau, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1915) Pg 80

WASHINGTON (1922)     The 36 ton 54 foot wooden gas screw fishing schooner Washington stranded and was lost near Cape Suckling at 3:50 a.m. November 11, 1922.  The vessel departed Ketchikan October 24^th bound for sea fisheries with 7 crewmen aboard.  The following are excerpts from the casualty report filed by Oswald Olsen, master of the Washington:

“18 miles east of Cape Suckling, Alaska”  “Gale of NW wind, dark night”  “Stranded”  “Total loss”

The Washington was valued at $10,000 and was a complete loss.  She was loaded with 25,000 pounds of fresh halibut worth $4,000 which was also lost.  The vessel was insured for $3,000.  There was no insurance on the cargo.  No lives were lost in the disaster.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 59 30 N 143 53 W   Chart 16016

Additional Information: Tonnage 36 Gross 24 Net, Length 54, Breadth 16.2, Depth 7.4, IHP 50, Built 1910 at Seattle, Registered Seattle WA, ON 208111, Master Oswald Olsen of Seattle, Owner Erling Olsen of Poulsbo WA

Sources: 1. U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty December 8, 1922, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1922) Pg 349

WASHINGTON MAIL (1956)     The 7,943 ton 468 foot steel steam ship Washington Mail broke in two and sank in a storm March 3, 1956 in the Gulf of Alaska.  There were 57 crewmen and 9 passengers aboard travelling from Seattle to the Orient.  No lives were lost. Pictures taken by the passengers and the story can be found in the March 26, 1956 issue of Life Magazine.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska

Comment: This ship was severely damaged in the area where she broke in two (No. Three Hold double bottoms) during a grounding in February of 1949 off the north end of Marrowstone Island.

Additional Information: Tonnage 7,943 Gross 4,672 Net, Length 468.5, Breadth 69.6, Depth 29.5, Built 1945 at Pascagoula MS, Former Name Sea Tarpon, Service freight, Horsepower 8,500, SL KTST, Owner American Mail Line, Registered Seattle WA, ON 247323

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1956) Pg 554, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1957) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 758, 3. Life Magazine (March 26, 1956) “A Ship’s Violent End” Pgs 47-50, 4. Seattle Times (March 14, 1956) “Washington Mail Damaged In 1949 Grounding, Says Skipper” Pg16

 

WASMUTH (1942)     The 314 foot Navy minesweeper Wasmuth (DMS-15/DD-338) sank after two of the ships depth charges broke loose in a gale, fell overboard and exploded beneath the ship’s fantail December 29, 1942 approximately 35 miles off of Scotch Cap.  All 122 officers and enlisted men as well as two passengers were saved by the tanker Ramapo (AO-12).

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   54 24 15 N 164 47 30 W   Chart 16011

Sources: 1. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 2. Wikipedia.org (2013) “USS Wasmuth DD-338”

 

WAYWARD WIND (1988)     The 86 foot crab fishing vessel Wayward Wind flooded and foundered January 18, 1988 approximately 9 miles south of Tugidak Island.  Four of her six crewmen were lost including owner operator William “Red” Nietupski (45) of Port Williams, James C Baglien (47) of Kodiak, Michael Descloux (46) of Kodiak and David Descloux (39) of Kodiak.  An improperly dogged hatch on a pumping crab tank was said to be the probable cause*.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   56 30 N 154 40 W   Chart 16580

Additional Information: Tonnage 153 Gross 104 Net, Length 79.9, Breadth 24.1, Depth 11.3, SL WY5459, Built 1968 Mobile AL, Former Name Arsco II, ON 516442

Sources: 1. Unofficial Shipwreck List (Kodiak), 2. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 3. *Crewmember communications. (WG), 4. NTSB Safety Recommendation (February 1, 1989)

 

WESCO NO 1 (1963)     The 17 ton 35 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Wesco No 1 foundered December 18, 1963 off of Perry Island.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 43 N 147 55 W   Chart 16700

Additional Information: Tonnage 17 Gross 13 Net, Length 35.4, Breadth 12, Depth 5, Built 1947 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 140, SL WB4384, Owner Mickey Eleshansky, Registered Juneau, ON 251771

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) Pg 713, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1006

 

WEST CAPE (1964)     The 10 ton 29 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel West Cape was destroyed by a tidal wave March 27, 1964 on Kodiak Island.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 10 Gross 7 Net, Length 29.6, Breadth 11.1, Depth 4.3, Built 1945 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 64, SL WS8684, Owner Kadiak Fisheries Company, Registered Ketchikan, ON 275618

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) Pg 714, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1006

 

WEST WIND (1993)     The 152 foot tender West Wind flooded and sank July 27, 1993 in Orca Bay while tendering in Prince William Sound.  The four persons aboard were rescued.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 36 N 146 36 W   Chart 16700

Additional Information: ON 284347

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

 

WESTERN (1961)     The 25 ton 41 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Western foundered March 1, 1961 near Russian Harbor at the southern end of Kodiak Island.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   56 44 N 154 05 W   Chart 16580

Additional Information: Tonnage 25 Gross 17 Net, Length 41.5, Breadth 13.7, Depth 6.8, Built 1945 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 140, SL WC9513, Owner Dave Murphy, Registered Juneau, ON 247550

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1962) Pg 667, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1963) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 933

 

WESTERN (1975)     The 72 foot steel diesel powered shrimper Western disappeared in the Gulf of Alaska between Pelican and Kodiak December 7, 1975.  Lost with the vessel were Clifford Huddleston, Carl Pedersen and Vernon Pound.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   Unknown

Comment: Sterl Vinton Pond is likely the actual name of the 3^rd person aboard the Western mentioned above and reported in the news as Vernon Pound. WG

Additional Information: ON 548157, Former Name Offshore Trawler

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011) “December 7, 1975”

WESTERN SEA (1985)     The 58 foot seiner Western Sea was lost with all hands August 19, 1985 in Marmot Bay 25 miles northeast of Kodiak.  Parts of the vessel were found east of Long Island including the vessels pilot house and a life preserver.  The six crewmen lost were owner Jerald Bouchard (58) of Coupeville WA, Peter Barry (20) of New Hampshire , Chris McLain (24) of Idaho Falls ID, Steward Darling (25) of Bremerton WA, Chris Hofer (27) of Fort Collins CO and Bill Posey (24) of Anchorage.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 46 N 152 17 W   Chart 16580

Additional Information: Tonnage 32 Gross 22 Net, Length 52, Breadth 14.1, Depth 6.3, Built 1915 Dockton WA, ON 213251, Former Name Saint John, SL WB2362

Sources: 1. Unofficial Wreck List (Kodiak), 2. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 3. Oregonian (August 25, 1985) “Coast Guard suspends Alaska search for missing boaters” Pg C2, 4. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1958) Pg 479

 

WESTERN SHORE (1886)     The sloop Western Shore was lost in Bristol Bay in 1886.  The vessel was valued at $100,000 with cargo.

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

Source: Marine Disasters of the Alaska Route (1916) Pg 32

WESTERN STAR (1898)     The 718 ton 176 foot wooden river steamer Western Star ran up on a reef in Katmai Bay and was lost at about 1:00 a.m. June 28, 1898.  The vessel departed Seattle June 1, 1898 headed for Saint Michael with 16 crewmen and no cargo aboard.  The following are excerpts from the wreck report submitted by Robert Moran, owner of the Western Star:

“Katmai Bay, in Shelikof Strait near Kodiak Island, Alaska”  “Lost ground tackle in severe storm”  “Course of wind estimated at 60 miles per hour, rough sea, dark night”  “Blowed on rock reef”  “As soon as the vessel went adrift the tug Resolute went to her assistance, but she landed on a reef before the tug could reach her”  “Total loss”

The Western Star was valued at $46,000 and was a total loss.  She was insured for $40,000.  There was no loss of life.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 58 N 154 57 W   Chart 16580

Additional Information: Tonnage 718.68 Gross 409.106 Net, Length 176.1, Breadth 35.4, Depth 5.9, Built 1898 at Seattle WA, Registered Port Townsend WA, ON 81603, Master N Hodgson of Seattle, Owner Robert Moran of Seattle

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report at Puget Sound Collection District September 29, 1898

WESTERN STAR (2001)     The 65 foot codfish trawler Western Star was consumed by fire and lost February 18, 2001. The vessel was 19 miles southeast of Caton Island with four persons aboard when an engine room fire forced them to evacuate the vessel. There was no loss of life.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   54 23 30 N 162 25 30 W   Chart 16011

Additional Information: Tonnage 177 Gross 129 Net, Length 65, Built 1979, ON 612319, SL WCL2155

Sources: 1. U S Coast Guard Maritime Information Exchange (2016), 2. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

WESTPRO (1982)     The 189 foot fish processor Westpro caught fire at the dock in Seward May 25, 1982.  Toxic fumes drifted into the town causing the evacuation of 1,000 residents.  The burning Westpro was towed away from the dock and eventually sunk in the Gulf of Alaska.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   Unknown

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

WHIRL POINT (1992)     The 32 foot salmon seiner Whirl Point took four or five large waves, flooded and sank July 14, 1992 near Ikatan Point.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   54 46 30 N 163 11 W   Chart 16520

Additional Information: ON 284705

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

 

WHISTLER (1968)     The diesel screw Whistler was destroyed by a tidal wave August 20, 1968 off of Kokinhenik Bar on the Copper River Delta.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 14 N 145 09 W   Chart 16723

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

WHITNEY (1973)     The crab fishing vessel Whitney foundered and sank in rough weather October 17, 1973 approximately 20 miles west southwest of Cape Alitak off of the southwest coast of Kodiak Island.  The vessel settled in 30 fathoms of water.  All crewmembers were rescued by the fishing vessel Lourie Lynn.

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

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

WIDE LOAD (1986)     The bowpicker Wide Load capsized after striking some rocks May 23, 1986 near the Copper River Delta.  The vessel’s towline to the fishing vessel Mary Dee had snapped at ebb tide and the Wide Load washed up on a sand bar.  Both crewmembers were later rescued by a U S Coast Guard Helicopter.

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

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

WIDGEON (1964)     The 10 ton 29 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Widgeon was destroyed by a tidal wave March 27, 1964 at Kodiak.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 10 Gross 9 Net, Length 29.4, Breadth 11.7, Depth 3.4, Built 1951 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 145, SL WD7205, Owner Charles H Harmon, Registered Juneau, ON 261975

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) Pg 718, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1006

 

WILD DOG (1978)     The 18 ton oil screw Wild Dog foundered September 6, 1978 off of Cape Ugak.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   Unknown

Comment: Probably Cape Ugat.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 18 Gross, Built 1978, ON 593449

Source: Merchant Vessels of the U S (1979) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 2244

 

WILD GAZELLE (1883)     The 114.48 ton wooden cod fishing schooner Wild Gazelle stranded and was lost near Korovin Island at 8:00 p.m. Tuesday September 4, 1883.  The vessel departed San Francisco August 15, 1883 bound for the Shumagin Islands with six crewmen and two passengers aboard.  She was carrying a 100 ton cargo of salt, provisions and a fishing outfit valued at $3,000.  The following are excerpts from the wreck report filed in San Francisco:

“Darkness, thick fog, strong current”  “Suddenly calm, moderate swell, very dark”  “Entered Gorman Strait about 5 p.m. with good breeze and light fog.  At 6 p.m. wind died out and thick fog set in.  Strong tide and set of seas put vessel to leeward, and she went ashore as above”  “Stranded”  “Unknown reef on Koronsky (Korovin) Island”  “Good lookouts kept, all hands on deck.  Lead kept going”  “A fishing schooner and two hunting boats landed a portion of cargo”  “Total loss”

The Wild Gazelle had a value of $8,000 which was a total loss.  Part of her cargo was salvaged in damaged condition and sold for $300.  The vessel was insured for $7,000.  Her cargo was insured for $2,000.  There was no loss of life.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   55 26 N 160 15 W   Charts 16011, 16553

Additional Information: Tonnage 114.48, Built 1866 at Kennebunk ME, Registered San Francisco CA, ON 26745, SL JBGV, Master Henry A Cobb of San Francisco, Owner Mrs. Christy A McCollum of San Francisco

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report October 2, 1883 at San Francisco by George Tashena, Agent

WILDWOOD (1889)     The 1,056.09 ton 199 foot wooden bark Wildwood stranded and was lost in the Nushagak River at 8 p.m. Friday August 9, 1889.  The vessel departed San Francisco April 17, 1889 bound for Nushagak, Bristol Bay, Alaska with 21 crewmen aboard.  She was departing the area with the summers catch from the cannery when the disaster occurred.  The following are excerpts from the wreck report filed at San Francisco:

“2 miles south of Harkanock, Alaska”  “Stranding”  “Shoal water”  “Calm, clear, daylight”  “Anchors dropped”  “total loss”

The Wildwood had a value of $20,000 and was a total loss.  The cargo of 990 tons of canned salmon had a value of $151,000 of which $76,000 was lost.  The vessel was insured for $12,500 and her cargo for $151,000.  There was no loss of life.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 03 N 158 23 W   Charts 16006, 16322

Additional Information: Tonnage 1,056.09, Length 198.8, Breadth 40, Depth 20.8, Built 1871 at Port Madison WA, SL JKVP, Registered San Francisco CA, ON 80214, Master E L Colson of San Francisco, Owner Bristol Bay Canning Company of San Francisco

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report July 7, 1890 by W B Bradford, Managing Owner

WILHAUL TOO (1990)     The 92 foot steel fish tender Wilhaul Too sank in heavy seas while traveling with a hole in her hull September 14, 1990 in Ugashik Bay.  All seven crewmembers were rescued by the vessel Mizuho Ace.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 35 N 157 42 W   Chart 16006

Additional Information: ON 612535, Year Built 1979

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

WILLIAM AND JOHN (1905)     The schooner William and John became a total loss at Cape Saint Elias in 1905.  The vessel was valued at $2,000 with cargo at the time of the loss.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 54 N 144 36 W   Charts 16016, 16723

Sources: 1. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 115, 2. Marine Disasters of the Alaska Route (1916) Pg 32

WILMA G (1944)     The 8 ton 29 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Wilma G foundered in 1944 off Montague Island.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 6 Net, Length 29.6, Breadth 9.3, Depth 4, Built 1931 at Cordova, Horsepower 116, Owner Louis J Anderson, Registered Juneau, ON 242582

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1945) Pg 354, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1946) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 807

 

WINABOB (1954)     The 22 ton 39 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Winabob foundered July 10, 1954 southwest of Kalgin Island in Cook Inlet.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 28 N 151 55 W   Chart 16660

Additional Information: Tonnage 22 Gross 15 Net, Length 39.6, Breadth 12.2, Depth 7, Built 1947 at Tacoma WA, Horsepower 110, SL WD4289, Owner Ted R Bristow, Registered Juneau, ON 252658

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1955) Pg 562, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1956) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 745

 

WIND DANCE (1977)     The sailing vessel Wind Dance sank off of the coast of Seward October 14, 1977.  The Alaska Marine Highway Ferry Tustamena assisted those aboard the Wind Dance.

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

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

WIND SONG (1990)     The 50 foot fiberglass crab fishing vessel Wind Song grounded and was lost September 16, 1990 on Wingham Island.  All four crewmembers were hoisted onto a U S Coast Guard Helicopter.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 01 N 144 23 W   Chart 16013

Additional Information: ON 544272, Built 1972

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

WINDBIRD (1964)     The 11 ton 37 foot wooden gas screw yacht Windbird was reported lost at Kodiak in the Good Friday earthquake of March 27, 1964.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 11 Gross 10 Net, Length 37.3, Breadth 11.4, Depth 5.9, Built 1939 at Doty WA, Horsepower 23, Owner A Holmes Johnson, Registered Juneau, ON 263667

Sources: 1. Unofficial Wreck List, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) Pg 722

 

WINDRUNNER (2003)     The 90 foot steel crabber Windrunner was destroyed by fire Friday, November 2, 1984 near Homer. The four member crew was safely evacuated to the fishing vessel Donna Ann. The burnt out hull of the Windrunner was sold and towed to Kodiak for rebuilding, but the project was never completed. The vessel deteriorated in Woman’s Bay where it eventually sank.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 57 43 N 152 31 W   Chart 16580

Additional Information: Tonnage 147 Gross 100 Net, Length 71.2, Breadth 22.5, Depth 11.1, Built 1966 Freeport TX, ON 504039, Former Name Ruby K II, SL WX6242, HP 380

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1979) Pgs 1663 & 2188, 2. Daily Sitka Sentinel (November 5, 1984) “Fire Checked” Pg 8

 

WINDSONG (1991)     The 33 foot fishing vessel Windsong went adrift, flooded and sank June 5, 1991 west of Cape Spencer.  All three crewmembers were rescued from a life raft.

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

Additional Information: ON 684488

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

 

WINDY BAY (2001)     The 166 foot steel fish tender Windy Bay struck Olsen Rock while her operator was off of the bridge and sank in 1000 feet of water August 4, 2001 near Olsen Island in Prince William Sound.  All five crewmembers were rescued by vessels who responded to their distress.  The wreck site is only six miles west of where the fishing vessel Vanguard sank only days before. The Windy Bay was estimated to have a value of $1,600,000 at the time of the loss. The cleanup cost as of March 13, 2002 was $3,128,500.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 52 15 N 147 33 30 W   Chart 16700

Additional Information: Length 166, Breadth 38, Depth 15, Built 1975 Jennings LA, ON 917066

Sources: 1. ADEC Incident Report (August 4, 2001) “F/V Windy Bay”, 2. USCG MISLE Case # 42652

 

WINDY SEA (1987)     The 32 foot seiner/crabber/longliner Windy Sea sank December 31, 1987 off of Kodiak.  The crew abandoned ship.

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

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

WINDY SEA (1988)     The 32 foot vessel Windy Sea sank August 8, 1988 near Spruce Island.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 55 N 152 25 W   Chart 16580

Source: Unofficial Shipwreck List (Kodiak)

 

WINIFRED (1895)     The 15 ton wooden schooner Winifred stranded and was lost toward Cape Fairweather from Lituya Bay in November of 1895.  Hans N Jenson of Sitka, master and owner of the Winifred, died in the mountains while trying to make his way to Sitka.  The Winifred had a value of $400.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   58 48 30 N 137 56 45 W   Chart 16016

Comment: This vessel is missing from merchant vessel lists after 1875.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 15 Gross 14.45 Net, Built 1869, Registered Sitka, ON 80072

Sources: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report November 18, 1895 at Sitka by George Moore Acting Coll., 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1875) Pg 351

WINIFRED (1947)     The 13 ton 37 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Winifred was consumed by fire June 14, 1947 at Uganik.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 46 N 153 24 W   Chart 16580

Additional Information: Tonnage 13 Gross 10 Net, Length 37, Breadth 12.8, Depth 3.9, Built 1917 at Anacortes WA, Horsepower 20, Owner Uganik Fisheries Inc., Registered Juneau, ON 214768

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1948) Pg 562, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1949) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 912

 

WINTERHAWK (1990)     The 95 foot fishing vessel Winterhawk flooded from the bow and sank November 25, 1990 in a severe storm in the Bering Sea.  All five crewmembers were rescued from a life raft.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   Unknown

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

 

WINTERWIND (1981)     The 43 foot fishing vessel Winterwind began taking on water, floated into the towline of a barge and sank when the barge ran her over August 7, 1981 ten miles off of Clam Gulch in Cook Inlet.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 14 30 N 151 24 W   Chart 16640

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

WIZARD (1952)     The 60 ton 65 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Wizard stranded and was lost July 22, 1952 on Fossil Beach between Narrow Cape and Pasagshak Beach in Ugak Bay, Kodiak Island.  The vessel was later pulled off of the beach using 55 gallon drums below deck to keep her afloat.  While being towed back to Kodiak, the deck gave way and the vessel sunk near the outer buoy of Womans Bay.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 43 N 152 31 W   Chart 16580

Additional Information: Tonnage 60 Gross 49 Net, Length 65.6, Breadth 16.8, Depth 8.6, Built 1924 at Seattle WA, Crew 11, Horsepower 110, Owner Cory A Kaldestad, Registered Seattle, ON 223599

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1952) Pg 612, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1953-1954) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 747, 3. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

WOLCOTT (1900)     The 247 ton 131 foot wooden steam schooner Wolcott stranded and was lost near Rocky Point at 10:50 p.m. Wednesday January 31, 1900.  The vessel departed Unga January 29, 1900 bound for Sitka with 17 crewmen and 7 passengers aboard.  The Wolcott was carrying about 70 pounds of gold bullion valued at $13,357.26.  The following are excerpts from the wreck report:

“Rocky Point, 7 miles WSW from Uyak Bay, Kodiak Island, Alaska”  “Struck a sunken rock”  “Out of reckoning”  “Strong NE at times, clear, heavy swell at times, at night, star light”  “After vessel struck, was obliged to run on beach”

The Wolcott had a value of $15,000 and was a total loss.  The gold bullion and all those aboard made it to safety.  The vessel had insurance in the amount of $12,500.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 57 40 15 N 154 11 45 W   Chart 16598

Comment: The Wolcott was formerly the USRC Oliver Wolcott.  The reef where the Wolcott struck now bears her name.  The 55 foot wooden steamer Uyak stranded and was lost on the same reef in September of 1909.  Others followed.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 247 Gross 148 Net, Length 131.5, Breadth 23.5, Depth 14.3, Built 1873 at San Francisco CA, Registered San Francisco, ON 81558, Master S F Snow of Alameda CA, Owner Pacific Steam Whaling Company of San Francisco

Sources: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report at San Francisco, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1899) Pg 307

 

WONDER GIRL (1959)     The 16 ton 35 foot steel gas screw fishing vessel Wonder Girl foundered August 26, 1959 near False Pass.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   54 51 15 N 163 24 20 W   Chart 16011

Additional Information: Tonnage 16 Gross 11 Net, Length 35, Breadth 12.3, Depth 4.7, Built 1948 at Perth Amboy NJ, Horsepower 82, SL WJ9947, Owner Carl E Moses, Registered Juneau, ON 276537

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1959) Pg 606, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1960) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 826

 

WTB CO NO 35 (1926)     The barge WTB Co No 35 was wrecked at Cape Hinchinbrook April 25, 1926.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 14 N 146 39 W   Chart 16700

Sources: 1. Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992), 2. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 375

WTB CO NO 55 (1926)     The 458 ton 153 foot wooden scow WTB Co No 55 parted her tow line and was washed ashore near Cape Hinchinbrook at 2:30 p.m. April 25, 1926.  The vessel had a 300 ton cargo of machinery, boilers, etc. valued at $100,000.  She had departed Seattle April 8, 1926 bound for Port Hobron on Kodiak Island being towed by the tug Forest T Crosby.  The following are excerpts from the casualty report:

“6 miles north Cape Hinchinbrook, Alaska”  “Heavy north east gale caused two line to part.  Barge went ashore and broke up”  “About 80 miles (wind), heavy seas”  “Fair weather in morning; gale came suddenly.  Glass showed no indication”  “Tow line parted in heavy gale”  “No boats near, Tug Forest T Crosby had difficulty making shelter after the accident”  “Tug Forest T Crosby was towing barge WTB Co No 55 from Seattle to Port Hobron, Kodiak Island.  Barge loaded with machinery, etc., belonging to the North Pacific Sea Products Company”  “WTB Co No 55 and cargo Total Loss”

The WTB Co No 55 had a value of $5,000.  The vessel and her cargo were a total loss.  The barge was not insured, but her cargo was insured for $55,000.  There was no loss of life.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 14 N 146 39 W   Chart 16700

Additional Information: Tonnage 458, Length 153, Breadth 39, Depth 9.9, Built 1915 at Portland OR, Registered Seattle WA, ON 167054, Master J E Peterson of Seattle, Owner Washington Tug & Barge Company of Seattle

Sources: 1. U S C G Report of Casualty May 31, 1926 at Seattle by J C Brownfield, Manager, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1925) Pgs 748-9

WTB CO NO 58 (1926)    The barge WTB Co No 58 was wrecked at Cape Hinchinbrook April 25, 1926.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 14 N 146 39 W   Chart 16700

Sources: 1. Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992), 2. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 375