N P CORP NO 41 (1962) The 38 ton 60 foot wooden barge N P Corp No 41 foundered in November of 1962 off of Cape Saint Elias.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 59 54 N 144 36 W Chart 16016
Additional Information: Tonnage 38 Gross and Net, Length 60.2, Breadth 18, Depth 4, Built 1933 at Seattle WA, Owner Nakat Packing Corp., Registered Ketchikan, ON 171661
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) Pg 467, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1005
N S 10 (1966) The 8 ton 27 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel N S 10 was destroyed by fire August 2, 1966 at Koggiung.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 58 52 N 157 00 15 W Chart 16323
Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 7 Net, Length 27.5, Breadth 10, Depth 3.9, Built 1951 at Tacoma WA, Horsepower 90, Owner August P Mardesich, Registered Tacoma WA, ON 262049
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 485, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1172
N S 11 (1966) The 8 ton 27 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel N S 11 was destroyed by fire August 2, 1966 at Koggiung.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 58 52 N 157 00 15 W Chart 16323
Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 7 Net, Length 27.5, Breadth 10, Depth 3.9, Built 1951 at Tacoma WA, Horsepower 90, Owner August P Mardesich, Registered Tacoma WA, ON 262050
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 485, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1172
N S 22 (1966) The 8 ton 29 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel N S 22 was destroyed by fire August 2, 1966 at Koggiung.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 58 52 N 157 00 15 W Chart 16323
Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 6 Net, Length 29.2, Breadth 10.2, Depth 4.1, Built 1952 at Deer Harbor WA, Horsepower 95, Owner North Star Fisheries, Registered Seattle WA, ON 263754
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 485, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1172
N S 24 (1966) The 8 ton 29 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel N S 24 was destroyed by fire August 2, 1966 at Koggiung.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 58 52 N 157 00 15 W Chart 16323
Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 6 Net, Length 29.2, Breadth 10.2, Depth 4.1, Built 1952 at Deer Harbor WA, Horsepower 95, Owner North Star Fisheries, Registered Seattle WA, ON 263759
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 485, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1172
N S 25 (1966) The 8 ton 29 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel N S 25 was destroyed by fire August 2, 1966 at Koggiung.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 58 52 N 157 00 15 W Chart 16323
Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 6 Net, Length 29.2, Breadth 10.2, Depth 4.1, Built 1952 at Deer Harbor WA, Horsepower 95, Owner North Star Fisheries, Registered Seattle WA, ON 263760
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 485, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1172
N S 26 (1966) The 8 ton 29 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel N S 26 was destroyed by fire August 2, 1966 at Koggiung.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 58 52 N 157 00 15 W Chart 16323
Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 6 Net, Length 29.2, Breadth 10.2, Depth 4.1, Built 1952 at Deer Harbor WA, Horsepower 95, Owner North Star Fisheries, Registered Seattle WA, ON 263755
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 485, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1172
NAGAN (1991) The 40 foot halibut longline fishing vessel Nagan capsized and was lost September 23, 1991 off of Egg Island south of Cordova. Both crewmembers were lost.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 60 23 N 145 46 W Chart 16700
Additional Information: ON 591057
Sources: 1. U S C G Shipwreck List (1989-2004), 2. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013)
NAGAY (1880) The schooner Nagay was lost June 24, 1880 off of Falmouth Harbor near Nagai Island. The vessel was owned by McCollum & Company and engaged working for the codfish station. The value of the Nagay was $2,000 at the time of the disaster. No lives were lost.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 55 05 N 160 09 W Chart 16552
Sources: 1. Marine Disasters of the Alaska Route (1916) Pg 31, 2. Pacific Cod Fisheries (1916) Pg 108, 3. Oregon State Journal (August 1880) “Pacific Coast – Vessel Lost”
NAKAT (2010) The 52 foot fiberglass halibut fishing vessel Nakat was consumed by fire July 11, 2010 off of Sitkinak Island. All four crewmembers escaped to a life raft and were picked up by the U S Coast Guard. The fire began in the vessel’s galley oil stove.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 56 33 N 154 10 W Chart 16580
Sources: 1. USCG News Release (July 11, 2010) “Coast Guard saves four from burning Kodiak vessel”, 2. Kodiak Daily Mirror (July 12, 2010) “Coast Guard Saves 4 From Burning Boat”
NAKNEK (1987) The 81 foot tender Naknek grounded and sank April 8, 1987 in Wells Bay, Prince William Sound.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 60 53 30 N 147 28 30 W Chart 16700
Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
NAKNEK DIVA (1970) The fishing vessel Naknek Diva was lost July 15, 1970 near Homer.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 59 38 40 N 151 33 W Chart 16640
Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
NANA NICOLE (1993) The 30 foot fishing vessel Nana Nicole struck a log and sank August 8, 1993 in Cold Bay. The one person aboard was rescued.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 54 59 N 162 28 W Chart 16011
Source: Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013)
NANNIE D (1981) The 32 foot fishing vessel Nannie D sank November 27, 1981 somewhere southwest of Seward. All three crewmembers were lost with the vessel.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 60 06 30 N 149 26 30 W Chart 16680
Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
NASTY HABIT (1982) The 30 foot fishing vessel Nasty Habit capsized and sank in rough weather May 22, 1982 near Hinchinbrook Island 25 miles southwest of Cordova. One person was lost.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 60 23 N 146 28 W Chart 16700
Comment: The fishing vessels B J and Camelot were lost nearby in the same storm. WG
Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
NAT&T CO NO 3 (1899) Marine Disasters of the Alaska Route reports that the barge N A T & T Co No 3 was lost at Tugidak in 1899. It is further stated that the value of the vessel and her cargo was $73,000 at the time of the loss. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1910) reports the 120 ton barge N A T & T Co No 3 (Built in 1897) foundered at Saint Michael in 1899.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 56 30 N 154 40 W Chart 16580
Additional Information: Tonnage 120, ON 67382
Sources: 1. Marine Disasters of the Alaska Route (1916) Pg 32, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1910) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 410
NATALIA (2006) The 45 foot salmon seiner Natalia burned and sank August 1, 2006 approximately 16 miles north of the Ugashik River in Bristol Bay. A stack fire spread, got out of control and the Natalia burned to the waterline. The crew was forced to abandon ship in the life raft. All three crewmembers were rescued by the fishing vessel Belina.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 57 30 N 157 37 W Chart 16006
Additional Information: Tonnage 24 Gross 19 Net, Length 51, ON 696459
Sources: 1. Unofficial Shipwreck List (Kodiak), 2. U S Coast Guard Enforcement Report (August 1, 2006), 3. USCG MISLE Case # 305120
NATALIA JADE (1983) The crab fishing vessel Natalia Jade caught fire and sank April 20, 1983 in the Shelikof Strait west of Raspberry Island.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 58 02 N 153 05 W Chart 16580
Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
NATTIE (1946) The 10 ton 32 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Nattie stranded and was lost after drifting to sea from Seldovia in May of 1946.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 59 26 15 N 151 42 30 W Chart 16640
Additional Information: Tonnage 10 Gross 7 Net, Length 32, Breadth 11.4, Depth 4.2, Built 1938 at Kodiak, Horsepower 140, Owner Charles Nelson, Registered Juneau, ON 237736
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1947) Pg 348, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1948) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 861
NEAH (1945) The 42 ton 58 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Neah was consumed by fire November 29, 1945 in Boulder Bay, Prince William Sound.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 60 54 N 146 38 W Chart 16700
Additional Information: Tonnage 42 Gross 28 Net, Length 58.9, Breadth 15.1, Depth 7.1, Built 1917 at Tacoma WA, Crew 7, Horsepower 50, Owner Ira Rothwell, Registered Juneau, ON 214981
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1949) Pg 380, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1950) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 927
NEDRA (1956) The 11 ton 33 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Nedra was consumed by fire September 13, 1956 on Long Island near Kodiak.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 57 46 N 152 17 W Chart 16580
Additional Information: Tonnage 11 Gross 9 Net, Length 33.3, Breadth 10.9, Depth 3.8, Built 1948 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 115, Owner Thomas Wick, Registered Tacoma WA, ON 255851
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1956) Pg 307, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1957) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 757
NEENAH (1938) The 550 ton wooden scow Neenah capsized and sank south of Lituya Bay at 6:00 a.m. Monday May 23, 1938. The Neenah had departed Hoonah May 22, 1938 under tow, bound for Controller Bay with no one aboard. The cargo of 85 tons was said to be a floating cannery and equipment worth $15,000. The following are excerpts from the casualty report filed by J F Isom, master of the vessel:
“Six mi. south of Lituya Bay” “Moderate S E breeze Small S W swell.” “Swell loosened planking” “Noticed that scow was leaning. Before reaching her she capsized, the house came to pieces and within ten minutes the hull broke up and sank.” “Vessel foundered” “Total Loss”
The Neenah was valued at $10,000 at the time of the loss but Isom did not know if she or her cargo were insured when he filed the casualty report.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 58 36 45 N 137 39 30 W Chart 16760
Additional Information: Tonnage 550, Built 1905, Registered Petersburg, Master J F Isom of Petersburg, Owner Alaskan Glacier Sea Food Co of Petersburg
Source: U S C G Report of Casualty May 25, 1938 at Cordova by J F Isom, Master and Agent
NEFCO 7 (1964) The 80 ton 66 foot wooden barge Nefco 7 was destroyed by a tidal wave March 27, 1964 at Point Shepard.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 60 38 N 145 40 W Chart 16700
Additional Information: Tonnage 80 Gross and Net, Length 66.3, Breadth 22.2, Depth 3.9, Built 1914 at Bellingham WA, Owner New England Fish Company, Registered Astoria OR, ON 174098
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) Pg 473, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1005
NEFCO NO 2 (1942) The 30 ton 55 foot wooden scow Nefco No 2 foundered off of Naked Island in Prince William Sound September 28, 1942.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 60 40 N 147 25 W Chart 16700
Additional Information: Tonnage 30 Gross and Net, Length 55.4, Breadth15.8, Depth 4.2, Built 1926 at Bellingham WA, Owner New England Fish Company of Oregon, Registered Seattle, ON 169459
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1947) Pg 350, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1948 “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 862
NELLIE COLEMAN (1905) The 160 ton 97 foot wooden two masted cod fishing schooner Nellie Coleman departed Squaw Harbor sometime between November 7 and November 10, 1905 bound for Seattle. Aboard were 20 crewmen, Captain Johnson and his Wife and as many as 8 passengers. She was reported to be carrying 65,000 codfish. The Nellie Coleman was out in the same storm that sank the Mary Ann at Unga November 13th and did severe damage to the codfish stations in the same area (S F Call). Several days later, 15 bodies washed up on Yakataga beach and were discovered by minors (The Daily Colonist). No sign of the Nellie Coleman was found. Some rumors of murder and foul play circulated because of a crazed Frenchman found on Unimak Island wearing a dress that had belonged to Captain Johnson’s Wife (Grey River Argus). Included in the list of those lost were Captain Andrew Johnson (45), Mrs. Andrew Johnson (30) (Miss Oune of Green Lake) newlywed, Martin Berg (35) of Seattle, Peter Peterson (25), Henry Otterlie (21) of Seattle, I Gibson (25), Arthur Jensen (22), Emil Peters (27) and Ole Waller (26) (Seattle Times).
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 58 36 45 N 137 39 30 W Chart 16016
Additional Information: Tonnage 160 Gross 122 Net, Length 97, Breadth 25.7, Depth 9.5, Built at Lemoyne MA 1883, Registration Seattle, ON 130285, Vessel Value $20,000 with cargo, Owner Seattle and Alaska Codfish Company of Seattle
Sources: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report, 2. The Daily Colonist (February 13, 1906) “Fifteen Bodies Washed Ashore From Wreck on Alaskan Coast” Pg 1, 3. San Francisco Call (March 13, 1906) “Storm Plays Havoc at Unga” Pg 11, 4. Grey River Argus (December 3, 1906) “Queer Tales of Sea Murders” Pg 4, 5. Seattle Times (February 12, 1906) “Bodies are Cast on Beach” Pg 13
NELLIE EDES (1885) The 25 ton wooden schooner Nellie Edes sprung and leak and sank while taking aboard ballast at Cherni Island March 28, 1885. The vessel had sailed out of Kodiak with three crewmen aboard and all survived. The Nellie Edes was valued at $1,000 and had no cargo and no insurance. William Anderson, Master and half owner of the Nellie Edes mentions in the wreck report:
“Southeast point of Chernabura Isl. 25 miles north of Sanak Island” “Sprang a leak while taking in ballast.” “Northeast gale blowing made it impossible to work the empty vessel into shelter.” “Sunk.”
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 54 38 N 162 22 W Charts 16011, 16547
Comment: This Chernabura Island had its name changed in 1936 to Cherni Island so as not to be confused with the larger Chernabura Island in the Shumagin Islands 90 miles to the northeast.
Additional Information: Tonnage 25.30, Built 1871, Registered Kodiak, ON 130036, Master William Anderson of Kodiak, Owners William Anderson and H Vanelins of Kodiak
Sources: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report filed at Kodiak April 7, 1885 by master N W Anderson, 2. Dictionary of Alaska Place Names (1971) “Cherni Island” Pg 204
NELLIE JUAN #5 (1964) The barge Nellie Juan #5 was picked up and tossed more than 100 feet inland in Mink Cove, Port Nellie Juan by a tsunami from the March 27, 1964 Good Friday Earthquake. The vessel rests upside down covered in vegetation.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 60 35 N 148 14 W Chart 16705
Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
NELLIE JUAN #33 (1937) The 8 ton wooden gas screw Nellie Juan #33 foundered in Prince William Sound in January of 1937 with the loss of Andrew W Erickson of Seattle, the only person aboard. The vessel had departed Latouche bound for Chenega Village and never arrived. The following are excerpts from the casualty report:
“Shelter Bay, Evans Island, Alaska…Foundering.” “Westerly Gale” “When vessel failed to arrive at destination in reasonable time had Coast Guard, an Aeroplane, and number of small boats searching for the vessel. Body of master was found by an Indian 1/31/37 and reported to U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Commissioner at Valdez, Alaska. Reported to owners, Feb. 4, 1937. Vessel found completely wrecked.”
The Nellie Juan #33 was valued at $3,000 and was a Total Loss. She had no cargo and no insurance.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 60 08 N 147 57 W Chart 16700
Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 6 Net, Age 19 years, Registered Seward, ON 216108, Master Andrew W Erickson, Owner Copper River Packing Co. of Seattle
Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty February 9, 1937 by J E Most, Agent
NELSINE (1950) The 9 ton 34 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Nelsine stranded and was lost in 1950 on the Homer Spit.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 59 37 N 151 27 W Chart 16640
Additional Information: Tonnage 9 Gross 6 Net, Length 33.9, Breadth 10.4, Depth 4.2, Built 1915 at Astoria WA, Horsepower 20, Owner Harold Z Hansen, Registered Juneau, ON 213775
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1955) Pg 371, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1956) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 744
NEPTUNE (1943) The 8 ton 34 foot gas screw Neptune foundered July 17, 1942 at Squaw Harbor.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 55 14 30 N 160 32 55 W Chart 16553
Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 6 Net, Length 34.1, Breadth 9.3, Depth 4, Built 1918 at Sand Point, Service freight, Horsepower 10 (Brake), Owner Thorwald Skulstad, Registered Cordova, ON 224105
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1944) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 756, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1943) Pg 234
NEPTUNE (1964) The 85 ton 70 foot wooden oil screw Neptune 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 85 Gross 58 Net, Length 69.9, Breadth 19.2, Depth 9.7, Built 1937 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 300, Service freight, SL WA8597, Owner Peter N Holm, Registered Seattle, ON 236221
Sources: 1. Unofficial Shipwreck List, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) Pg 474
NEPTUNE I (1973) The fishing vessel Neptune I sank in the Gulf of Alaska March 4, 1973 between Cape Spencer and Kodiak Island, 150 miles south of Middleton Island. All five crewmembers were rescued from a life raft by a U S Coast Guard H3 Helicopter. Weather at the time was calm with light wind and one to two foot seas. The distress call of the Neptune I was picked up by the fishing boat Yakutan. Newspapers reported that a seam had opened up when the vessel sank. The survivors were John W. Daly and Robert S. Wright III of Ketchum, Idaho and Terry Scales, Michael Rodgers and Gary Stewart of Seattle.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 57 N 146 20 W Chart 16013
Comment: This vessel is spelled Neptune One in news accounts. WG
Sources: 1. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 2. Daily Sitka Sentinel (March 5, 1973) “Copter Rescues 5 From Raft” Pg 2, 3. Fairbanks News-Miner (March 5, 1973) “Coast Guard rescues five after boat sinks off Alaska” Pg 1
NERKA II (1998) The 32 foot gillnet salmon fishing vessel Nerka II burned July 19, 1998 at Naknek. The only person on board made it to safety.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 58 43 40 N 157 00 45 W Chart 16006
Additional Information: ON AK3893H
Sources: 1. U S C G Shipwreck List (1989-2004), 2. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013)
NEW BAY BEAUTY (1966) The 11 ton 31 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel New Bay Beauty stranded and was lost September 18, 1966 at East Amatuli Island.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 58 55 N 152 W Chart 16640
Additional Information: Tonnage 11 Gross 8 Net, Length 31.6, Breadth 12, Depth 3.7, Built 1959 at Seattle WA, SL WL4128, Owner William Kvasnikoff, Registered Juneau, ON 278593
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 493, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1172
NEW DEAL (1942) The 8 ton 27 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel New Deal burned in Wide Bay July of 1942.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 57 22 N 156 11 W Chart 16013
Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 5 Net, Length 27.8, Breadth 9.5, Depth 3.6, Built 1938 at Seward, Horsepower 65, Owner Birger K Hansen, Registered Cordova, ON 237585
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1944) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 756, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1943) Pg 235
NEW ENGLAND (1924) The 29 ton 52 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel New England lost her propeller six miles from Cape St Elias in an offshore northwesterly wind and the crew of six was forced to abandon the vessel. The New England departed Latouche November 20, 1924 carrying 6,700 lbs. of herring in barrels worth $900. The vessel was valued at $7,000. Both the New England and her cargo were total losses.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 59 54 N 144 36 W Chart 16723
Additional Information: Tonnage 29 Gross 19 Net, Length 52.3, Breadth 14, Depth 6.1, Built 1912 at Tacoma WA, Horsepower 50, Registration Seattle, ON 209536, Master N E Sagstad of Seattle, Owner Nick Mardesich of Bellingham WA, Last Port Latouche November 20, 1924, Destination Seattle, Vessel Insurance $7,000, Cargo Insurance none
Sources: 1. U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty December 6, 1924 at Cordova by Sagstad, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1923) Pg 246
NEW HOPE (1988) The 35 foot fishing vessel New Hope lost power, went adrift and flooded in heavy seas April 4, 1988 eight miles north of Sutwik Island. Both crewmembers were rescued by a U S Coast Guard Helicopter and taken to Kodiak. The New Hope was listed as a navigational hazard and presumed to have sunk.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 56 34 N 157 12 W Chart 16013
Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
NEW STAR (1992) On October 14, 1992 the 49 foot vessel New Star, the 29 foot fishing vessel Mary Ann and 32 foot vessel Silver Bullet were traveling together when the Mary Anne got line in her prop. The Silver Bullit took the Mary Anne in tow. While towing the Mary Anne into Mitrofania Bay the Silver Bullit struck a rock. The three vessels tied side by side to keep the Silver Bullit afloat. They then beached all three to make repairs when the tide went out. While the others slept, the owner of the Silver Bullit attempted to heat up his fiberglass hull to dry it out and make repairs. Unfortunately, the Silver Bullit was set on fire and all three burned. There was no loss of life.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 55 53 N 158 50 W Chart 16011
Additional Information: Tonnage 34 Gross 27 Net, ON 947768, Length 49.2
Sources: 1. U S C G Shipwreck List (1989-2004), 2. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013), 3. USCG MISLE Case # 897203
NICHOLAS THAYER (1906) The 584 ton 139 foot bark Nicholas Thayer was lost with all hands in March of 1906, possibly near Kodiak Island. The vessel departed Seattle January 10, 1906 bound for Seward with a crew of 16 men. Her cargo was 150 tons of coal, 425,000 feet of lumber and 150 tons of general merchandise. The Nicholas Thayer was presumed by many to have been lost near Kodiak because of floating wreckage and cargo found near the east side of Kodiak Island by Natives. She was last seen off of Seal Rocks headed in the general direction of Seward. There was a heavy southwest gale blowing. The Nicholas Thayer was commanded by Captain Charles H Jensen (26) of Denmark. It was his first and apparently last command. Jensen was engaged to be married on his return to Seattle.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 53 09 N 152 53 W Chart 16013
Comment: I have charted this wreck at the NE point of Sitkalidak Island as wreckage was found in the area. It is possible the wreckage was from the ill fated Marion which was damaged and then lost about the same time on the way from San Francisco to Sanak. The Nicholas Thayer should have been travelling much further to the east along the Gulf of Alaska on her way to Seward from Seattle. The wreckage could have drifted in the Alaska Current down to Sitkalidak Island. WG
Additional Information: Tonnage 584 Gross 555 Net, Length 138.9, Breadth 31, Depth 19.3, Built 1868 Thomaston ME, Registered San Francisco, ON 18554
Sources: 1. Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992), 2. The Day (New London, Conn.) (January 15, 1907) “Many Ships Lost During Year 1906” Pg 12, 3. Fairbanks Daily Times (September 4, 1906) “Find Drifting Spar” Pg 4, 4. Victoria Daily Colonist (April 4, 1906) “Wreckage of Thayer” Pg 3, 5. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1905) Pg 131, 6. The Salt Lake City Evening Telegram (September 12, 1906) “Ship is Seen Going to Doom” Front Page
NIGHT OWL (1986) The gillnet fishing vessel Night Owl flooded and sank August 12, 1986 in Cook Inlet. All three crewmembers were rescued by a U S Coast Guard Helicopter.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 59 05 N 152 30 W Chart 16013
Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
NIGHT RIDER (1998) The 31 foot gillnet salmon fishing vessel Night Rider burned and was lost August 7, 1998 in Stepovak Bay. The fire was thought to have been electrical in origin. The only person on board made it to safety.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 55 40 N 159 50 W Chart 16011
Additional Information: ON 539463
Sources: 1. U S C G Shipwreck List (1989-2004), 2. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013)
NIGHTMARE (1966) The fishing vessel Nightmare went missing November 30, 1966 on a trip from Seldovia to Halibut Cove. Missing with the vessel were Mr. and Mrs. Henry Kroll.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 59 37 N 151 14 W Chart 16647
Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
NIKA NAH (1939) The 36 ton gas screw Nika Nah was destroyed by an explosion and fire at 9:00 a.m. Saturday July 22, 1939 near Seward. The crew of four escaped the disaster. Albert Clements, master of the vessel, made the following statements in his casualty report:
“1/4 mile off San Juan Dock” “Testing engines” “Explosion and fire” “Ignition of gas in bilge; cause unknown” “Rev. A.G. Clements, J.K. Phillips, Tracy Clark and James Watts were all aboard, and were trying out the engines so as to have everything in readiness for the Western cruise of the mission boat. The tanks had just been filled with gas and repairs about complete. The captain of the Morris said the cause was spontaneous combustion but this we think impossible. There must have been a gas leak and in some manner it was ignited.” “Total loss”
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 60 06 30 N 149 26 30 W Charts 16013, 16682
Additional Information: Tonnage 36 Gross 24 Net, Built 1912, Registered Cordova, ON 236108, Master Albert J Clements of Seward, Owner Walter Torbet of San Francisco, Vessel Insurance $1,500 plus indemnity clauses
Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty August 8, 1939 by Clements at Cordova
NITTO MARU NO 67 (1970) The 96 ton Japanese fishing vessel Nitto Maru No 67 capsized and sank April 21, 1970 approximately 20 miles off of Unimak Island. All 17 crewmembers were lost.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 54 45 N 165 W Chart 16011
Comment: Some news reports have this vessel sinking off of the Kamchatka Peninsula. WG
Sources: 1. The Oregonian (April 22, 1970) “Fishing craft crew missing” Pg 1, 2. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
NO 00 (1931) The 98 ton wooden barge No 00 foundered at Cape Greig July 17, 1931. The barge was being towed by the vessel Kvichak from Nushagak to Ugashik. The weather was good at departure but a strong gale was encountered off Cape Greig which carried away the bits of the No 00 and she capsized. The scow and her cargo were lost. The No 00 was carrying an 80 ton load of cans, can ends, boxes and can tops worth $6,600. The scow was reported to be worth $2,000. There was no insurance. No crew was aboard at the time of the disaster.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 57 43 30 N 157 41 30 W Chart 16006
Additional Information: Tonnage 98, Built 1909, Registered Unalaska, ON 164654, Master Carl Johannesen of Alameda CA, Owner Alaska Packers Association of San Francisco, Last Port Nushagak July 17, 1931, Destination Ugashik
Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty October 21, 1931 by A K Tichener, Vice President and General Mgr Alaska Packers Association
NONPAREIL (1915) The 52 ton wooden gas powered steam cod fishing schooner Nonpareil foundered at Unga Island at 3:30 a.m. March 13, 1915. She departed Baranoff Harbor on a cod fishing trip with seven crewmen aboard. The vessel was attempting to lower sails and anchor when her chains parted and she drifted ashore and sank by her stern. It was a dark night with heavy seas and a gale blowing at the time of the disaster. The Nonpareil was valued at $8,000 and her 30 ton cargo of salt and provisions at $600. The crew made it to safety.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 55 11 N 160 30 10 W Charts 16011, 16553
Additional Information: Tonnage 52 Gross 31 Net, Age 15 years, Registered San Francisco, ON 130894, Master P E Timmons of Unga, Owner Alaska Codfish Company of San Francisco, Vessel Insurance $7,000, Cargo Insurance none
Source: U S Customs Wreck Report April 20, 1915 at San Francisco by A Greenebaum, President, Alaska Codfish Company
NORA (1948) The 62 ton 68 foot wooden oil screw Nora foundered October 6, 1948 off Middleton Island.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 59 26 N 146 20 W Chart 16013
Additional Information: Tonnage 62 Gross 47 Net, Length 68, Breadth 16.1, Depth 7.5, Built 1912 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 200, SL WPVP, Owner Frederick R Deveau, Registered Juneau, ON 209622
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1948) Pg 369, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1949) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 911
NORDFJORD (1987) The 127 foot trawler Nordfjord disappeared with all hands September 19, 1987 approximately 200 miles south of Valdez in the Gulf of Alaska. The vessel was travelling from Seattle to Unimak Pass with five persons aboard. Skipper Gudjonroy Gudjonsson spoke to his father, owner of the Nordfjord, September 18th as they were travelling about 900 miles east of Unimak Pass. A brief mayday was heard early on the 19th at the Coast Guard Station in Kodiak. Weather at the time of the disaster was 14 to 16 knot winds and 4 to 6 foot seas. All that was ever found was a single orange buoy. Lost were skipper Gudjonroy Gudjonsson (28) of Bellevue WA, Marty Mercer (24) of Seattle, Chris Boss (21) of Seattle, Greta Halgorsson (40) of Iceland and Bill Schmalfeldt.
Mapping and Location: Unknown South Central Alaska
Sources: 1. Unofficial Shipwreck List (Kodiak), 2. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 3. Oregonian (September 22, 1987) “Search resumes for missing fish boat” Pg B7, 4. Oregonian (September 29, 1987) “Search for boat called off” Pg B4, 5. NTSB Safety Recommendation regarding Nordfjord M-88-47&48 (July 25, 1988)
NORDIC DANCER (1999) The charter vessel Nordic Dancer flooded and sank at 2:26 p.m. June 17, 1999 near the tip of Spruce Cape northeast of Kodiak. All five persons on board were rescued by the motor vessel Popeye.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 57 49 15 N 152 20 W Chart 16594
Sources: 1. U S C G News Release (June 17, 1999) “M/V Popeye assists Coast Guard with rescue”, 2. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013)
NORDIC MISTRESS (2011) The 60 foot luxury charter yacht Nordic Mistress sank May 22, 2011 while traveling from Kodiak to Prince William Sound. The vessel was about 60 miles east of Seward when she lost her main navigation system in heavy weather. Waves to 15 feet soon intruded into the Nordic Mistress forcing the five persons on board to abandon ship in survival suits to a life raft after issuing a May-Day. They were rescued 85 miles north of Kodiak by a MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter that arrived on scene within an hour.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 60 06 30 N 149 26 30 W Chart 16013
Source: ADN Alaska News (May 22 & 24, 2011) “Crew recalls frightening hour before luxury yacht sank”
NOREL (1980) The 30 foot steel crab fishing vessel Norel disappeared with all hands March 17, 1980 near Cape Saint Elias. No trace of the vessel or crew was found despite an intensive search by the U S Coast Guard and local fishermen. Lost with the Norel were owner Joseph Gursky, Roseanna Nasello and John Estrada.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 59 54 N 144 36 W Chart 16013
Additional Information: Tonnage 15 Gross 10 Net, Length 30.4, Breadth 12.2, Depth 6, Built 1965 at Freeland WA, Horsepower 130, Registered Juneau, SL WX5676, ON 501879
Sources: 1. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1976) Pg 898
NORMAN J (1964) The 18 ton 35 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Norman J 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 18 Gross 14 Net, Length 35.7, Breadth 13.5, Depth 4.8, Built 1957 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 100, SL WR9340, Owner Kenneth W Klockenbrink, Registered Juneau, ON 274254
Sources: 1. Unofficial Wreck List, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) Pg 500
NORMAR (1974) The 95 foot wooden oil screw shrimp trawler Normar iced up, capsized, caught fire and was lost February 13, 1974 at Imuya Bay in the Shelikof Strait less than 20 miles from Jute Bay where the John and Olaf experienced a similar fate less than a month before . All five crewmembers of the Normar were rescued by a U S Coast Guard Helicopter. All were suffering from hypothermia and frostbite. Included in the crew were Fred Crabtree, Martin Bakken and his sons Martin Jr., Norman and Tour Bakken.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 57 32 30 N 155 51 50 W Chart 16013
Additional Information: Tonnage 114 Gross 77 Net, Length 89.3, Breadth 20, Depth 10.8, Built 1942 at Thomaston ME, Former Name John G Murley, SL WA6492, ON 242422
Sources: 1. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 2. The Seattle Times (February 14, 1974) “Crew of shrimp boat rescued in Alaska Strait” Pg H 9, 3. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1976) Pg 1429,
NORTH CAPE (1966) The 86 ton 109 foot steel barge North Cape was destroyed by a tidal wave November 1, 1966 in Cook Inlet near Anchorage.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 61 13 05 N 149 53 30 W Chart 16660
Additional Information: Tonnage 86 Gross and Net, Length 109.7, Breadth 30, Depth 6.8, Built 1942 at Renton WA, Former Name YC-745 (U S N), Owner Cook Inlet Tug and Barge Company, Registered Juneau, ON 287739
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 501, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1172
NORTH KING (1955) The 256 ton 99 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel North King stranded and was lost August 10, 1955 on Unimak Island between Sennett Point and Scotch Cap.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 54 29 N 164 54 30 W Chart 16011
Additional Information: Tonnage 256 Gross 213 Net, Length 99, Breadth 30, Depth 10.1, Built 1943 at Seattle WA, Former Name BSP-785 (U S A), Horsepower 270, SL WA8795, Owner Uganik Fisheries Inc., Registered Seattle WA, ON 250120
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1955) Pg 379, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1956) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 744
NORTH SEA (1968) The wooden diesel screw crab fishing vessel North Sea stranded and was lost December 12, 1968 on Unimak Island near Cape Sarichef. Three crewmembers were lost including skipper Edwin T Grabowski of Bellevue WA, Elmer Thomas Olsen of Seattle WA and Paul Hansen of Seattle WA. Ben Golodoff (Golodov) of Unalaska was the sole survivor. Golodoff made his way to Sennett Point and was found by a group of Coast Guard personnel. He suffered from hypothermia and frostbite.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 54 45 N 165 W Chart 16011
Sources: 1. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 2. Seattle Daily Times (December 15, 1968) “3 Seattle Men Lost as Crab Boat Sinks” Pg 18
NORTH WIND (1944) The 2,448 ton 298 foot oil powered passenger steamer North Wind stranded and was lost December 14, 1944 near Simeonof Island at Lat. 54 52 Long. 159 10.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 54 52 N 159 10 W Chart 16011
Additional Information: Tonnage 2,448 Gross 1,465 Net, Length 298.6, Breadth 40, Depth 22.9, Built 1918 at Camden NJ, Former Names Mincola and Nosa Duke, Service passenger, Crew 34, Horsepower 1,450, SL WLER, Owner Northland Transportation Company, Registered Seattle, ON 216514
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1946) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 806, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1945) Pg 69
NORTH WIND (1964) The 21 ton 45 foot wooden oil screw pleasure vessel North Wind 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 21 Gross 14 Net, Length 45.8, Breadth 10.7, Depth 5.6, Built 1919 at New York NY, Former Names No. 5436 (U S N),Idaho and Naha, Horsepower 65, SL WB5874, Owner Charles G White, Registered Juneau, ON 226732
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) Pg 484, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1005
NORTH WIND (1964) The 32 ton 50 foot steel oil screw tug North Wind foundered December 17, 1964 about five miles east of Cape Spencer.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 58 12 45 N 136 39 30 W Chart 16016
Additional Information: Tonnage 32 Gross 21 Net, Length 50.1, Breadth 17, Depth 5.5, Built 1958 at LaConner WA, Service Tow, Former Name White Bear, Horsepower 500, SL WF8796, Owner Cook Inlet Tug & Barge Company, Registered Juneau, ON 276327
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 484, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1172
NORTHERN AURORA (1999) The 30 foot wooden long line cod fishing vessel Northern Aurora iced up and overturned 150 yards off of Caines Head Beach February 3, 1999 and washed up approximately eight miles south of Seward on the west shore of Fox Island. Ed Cantrell (26) was lost in the disaster. Neil Marolt (28) was rescued after two and a half hours in the water.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 59 59 N 149 23 W Chart 16680
Additional Information: ON AK4061A, Built 1947
Sources: 1. Unofficial Shipwreck List (Kodiak), 2. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
NORTHERN BELLE (2010) The 75 foot steel fishing vessel Northern Belle flooded and sank April 21, 2010 in the Gulf of Alaska 50 nautical miles southeast of Montague Island. The U S Coast Guard responded to the distressed vessel and was able to retrieve all four of her crewmembers. Three survived with severe hypothermia. Captain of the Northern Belle, Robert Royer was not able to survive his injuries and the hypothermia. An eight year old Cocker Spaniel named Baxter that belonged to Royer was also lost with the Northern Belle.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 60 10 N 147 15 W Chart 16013
Additional Information: 615387, Built 1979
Sources: 1. U S C G District 17 Enforcement Report (April 21, 2010), 2. Anchorage Daily News (April 21, 2010) “Survivors recall sinking of the Northern Belle”
NORTHERN CHALLENGER (1987) The 80 foot fishing vessel Northern Challenger sank March 6, 1987 off of Ugak Island. The four crewmembers aboard were picked up by the fishing vessel Saint Janet.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 57 23 N 152 17 W Chart 16580
Source: Unofficial Shipwreck List (Kodiak)
NORTHERN DREAM (1978) The 21 foot Northern Dream caught fire May 29, 1978 on the east side of Crooked Island near Kodiak. The three crewmen were rescued by a “Goose” from Kodiak Western Airlines.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 57 46 30 N 152 23 30 W Chart 16594
Source: Unofficial Wreck List (Kodiak)
NORTHERN EAGLE (1799) The Russian schooner Northern Eagle (Severnyi Orel) was blown onto the rocks and lost near Prince William Sound in 1799. Six crewmen were lost along with a 22,000 ruble cargo of furs. The vessel was travelling between Yakutat and Kodiak via Prince William Sound when the tragedy occurred.
Mapping and Location: South Central Unknown
Source: Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992)
NORTHERN KING (1928) An explosion and fire destroyed the 11 ton gas screw Northern King at the wharf in Shearwater Bay at 10 a.m. October 20, 1928. The vessel had a crew of four, but only the engineer was aboard when the casualty occurred. He was able to escape without injury. Gasoline in the engine room caused the explosion. The Northern King was valued at $3,000 and had no cargo aboard at the time of the loss.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 57 20 N 152 55 W Chart 16580
Additional Information: Tonnage 11 Gross 7 Net, Built 1919, Registered Seward, ON 218047, Master and Owner C E Anderson of Seattle, Vessel Insurance $3,000
Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty 1928 at Seldovia by Anderson
NORTHERN KING (1981) The 96 foot aluminum trawler processor Northern King capsized and foundered August 21, 1981 near Nelson Lagoon. The vessel developed a heavy list during a storm off of Cape Lieskof in the Bering Sea. Her seven crewmen abandoned the vessel when she was four miles off of the Alaska Peninsula. Lost in the disaster were James A Eiden (55) of Everett WA and Eric Willis of Anchorage. Five others made shore in a life raft and survived until rescued.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 55 50 N 162 05 W Chart 16011
Sources: 1. Unofficial Shipwreck List (Kodiak), 2. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 3. Seattle Times (August 23, 1981) “2nd victim of sunken boat found” Pg A 28
NORTHERN PRIDE (2015) The 82 foot wooden fish tender Northern Pride flooded and burned April 21, 2015 in Kennedy Entrance. The vessel had been dry-docked for eight months at Seward and was on her way to Togiak to work as a tender. She began taking on water immediately after leaving Seward. Soon after that fuel problems began plaguing her engine room. Her main and auxiliary engines abruptly quit and not long after that the vessel caught fire. The three crewmembers abandoned ship to the life raft in survival suits after putting out a distress call. A Good Samaritan fishing vessel, the Dancer, rescued the crew from the life raft near Stevenson Entrance north of Kodiak Island. The hulk of the Northern Pride drifted to Cape Chiniak where it was scrapped and hauled away.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 57 37 N 152 10 W Chart 16580
Additional Information: Tonnage 174 Gross 141 Net, Length 82.4, Breadth 26.9, Depth 8.7, Built 1943 Seattle WA, ON 251716, Call Sign WA8791, Former Names PB 118 USA & BSP 1881 USA
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1979) Pgs 1064 & 1957, 2. ADN Alaska News (April 21, 2015) Coast Guard rescues 3 fishermen after boat catches fire off Kodiak Island”, 3. USCG MISLE Case # 723398
NORTHERN REEL (1951) The 8 ton 30 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Northern Reel was consumed by fire December 13, 1951 at Wosnesenski Island in the Shumagin Island Group.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 55 11 N 161 22 W Chart 16011
Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 5 Net, Length 30.4, Breadth 10.5, Depth 4.2, Built 1948 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 131, SL WB9422, Owner John Gardner Jr., Registered Juneau, ON 257058
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1952) Pg 405, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1953-1954) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 746
NORTHERN TRAVELER (1999) The 29 foot fiberglass longline halibut fishing vessel Northern Traveler took on water and sank September 23, 1999 at Round Island in Bristol Bay. No one was aboard at the time of the disaster.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 58 36 N 159 58 W Chart 16006
Additional Information: ON 526454
Sources: 1. U S C G Shipwreck List (1989-2004), 2. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013)
NORTHLAND (1954) The 47 ton 55 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Northland foundered July 15, 1954 off of Elizabeth Island in Cook Inlet.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 59 10 N 151 50 W Chart 16640
Additional Information: Tonnage 47 Gross 31 Net, Length 55.8, Breadth 16.7, Depth 7.2, Built 1904 at Ballard WA, Horsepower 290, SL WA8796, Owner Western Fisheries Company, Registered Seattle, ON 200670
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1956) Pg 383, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1957) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 757
NORTHSTAR (1920) The 11 ton gas powered Northstar struck a reef and was lost on Latouche Island Friday January 9, 1920. Master of the Northstar, Frank Brown, was the only one aboard at the time. The following are excerpts from the casualty report:
“Sleepy Bay, Latouche Island, Alaska” “Stormy – at night – dark” “STRANDED” “Striking reef” “Brown was at the wheel in Pilot House. Went down into engine room to look at engine. A piece of iron fell on his head and knocked him out, and when he came to the vessel was on the reef.” “Constructive total loss” “Salvaged engine”
The Northstar was valued at $2,500 at the time of the casualty and had neither cargo nor insurance.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 60 04 30 N 147 50 W Chart 16702
Additional Information: Tonnage 11 Gross 9 Net, Age 7 years, Registered Cordova, ON 211408, Master Frank Brown of Cordova, Owner Ohm Fish & Packing Company, Last Port Cordova, Destination Latouche
Source: U S C G Report of Casualty August 2, 1920 at Cordova by President, Ohm Fish & Packing
NORWEGIAN WOOD (1981) The 58 foot crab fishing vessel Norwegian Wood capsized and sank November 29, 1981 approximately 45 miles southwest of Homer. Four of five crewmembers were rescued by the fishing vessel Mary M. One crewman was lost.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 59 38 40 N 151 33 W Chart 16640
Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
NORWEST (1903) The 8 ton 35 foot wooden schooner Nor’West drug anchor and stranded in Wrangel Bay during the winter of 1902-1903. The following are excerpts from the wreck report:
“Head of Wrangel Bay, Alaska” “Wind, anchor dragged.” “Stranded” “Laid up for the winter with both anchors out, wind took her inland so far that she could not be launched. Sept. 1902 Agent stripped her and abandoned the hull.”
The Nor’West was valued at $200 and her 5 ton cargo of general merchandise at $500. The cargo was salvaged but the vessel became a total loss. There was no insurance. The Nor’West had last departed Kodiak with a crew of three headed for Wrangel Bay. The crew all made it to safety.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 57 01 N 156 31 W Chart 16013
Comment: I have charted this wreck at Port Wrangell (Wrangel Bay) because of its proximity to Kodiak where the owner lived. It could just as easily be Wrangell Harbor in southeastern Alaska. WG
Additional Information: Tonnage 8, Built 1884 at Kodiak, Length 35.4, Breadth 11.6, Depth 4.4, Registered Kodiak, ON none, Master Frank Lowell of Wrangel, Owner M L Washburn of Kodiak
Source: U S Customs Wreck Report January 13, 1903 at Kodiak by K W Sargent, Deputy Coll. & Insp.
NOVIC (1997) The 37 foot longline cod fishing vessel Novic flooded and sank March 1, 1997 in English Bay. Both crewmembers made it to safety.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 59 21 15 N 151 56 W Chart 16640
Additional Information: ON 591056
Sources: 1. U S C G Shipwreck List (1989-2004), 2. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013)
NOWITNA (1999) The 125 foot steel opilio crab fishing vessel Nowitna took on water, flooded the engine room causing the engine to die, and then sank in heavy weather January 22, 1999 approximately 70 nautical miles west of Cold Bay in the Bering Sea. She was enroute from the crab grounds to King Cove. All six crewmembers were rescued by a U S Coast Guard Helicopter and taken to Cold Bay. The cause of the flooding was thought to be from hull failure brought on by an earlier grounding at Cape Lutke on Unimak Island, a missing port void hatch cover and heavy weather. Conditions at the time of the loss included winds at 60 knots from the south, seas 25 to 35 feet and low visibility. The Nowitna was a converted Navy Yard Freighter.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 55 12 N 162 42 W Chart 16011
Additional Information: Tonnage 198 Gross 134 Net, Length 125, ON 608699, Call Sign WSP2858, Built 1942
Sources: 1. U S C G Shipwreck List (1989-2004), 2. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013), 3. USCG MISLE Case # 855572
NUGGET (1909) The sloop Nugget was abandoned 75 miles off Cape Fairweather February 14, 1909. Seven crewmen were rescued by the steamer Northwestern, who had sighted the flare of the Nugget. The Nugget had departed Lituya Bay February 8, 1909 bound for Juneau but had gotten blown out to sea off Cross Sound the following day. A second storm struck the vessel February 14 destroying most of her sails and rigging. The rescued crewmen of the Nugget were transported by the Northwestern to Juneau, arriving on February 15, 1909.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 5848 30 N 137 56 45 W Chart 16760
Source: Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992)
NUKANU (1989) The fishing vessel Nukanu sank June 1, 1989 off of the Copper River Flats.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 60 25 N 145 W Chart 16013
Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
NUNIVAK (1955) The 49 ton 51 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Nunivak foundered November 11, 1955 at Kodiak.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 57 47 20 N 152 24 10 W Chart 16580
Additional Information: Tonnage 49 Gross 40 Net, Length 51, Breadth 16, Depth 7.1, Built 1915 at Seattle, Horsepower 200, SL WC2945, Owner Benjamin P Mahlum, Registered Juneau, ON 213054
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1957) Pg 393, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1958) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 779
NUTEN (1927) The 22 ton wooden gas screw Nuten was destroyed by fire at Nushagak at 6 a.m. July 3, 1927. The vessel was moored in front of the Libby, McNeill & Libby Cannery with three crewmen aboard when the disaster occurred. The following is an explanation of the event from the casualty report:
“Fire was started in stove in forecastle by deck hand and to further the blaze, he intended to pour a small quantity of coal oil into the wood, but unintentionally used gasoline instead of coal oil”
The crewmen escaped to safety, but the Nuten, valued at $10,000, was a total loss. The only insurance the vessel had was $10,000 worth of fire insurance.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 58 57 N 158 29 W Chart 16006
Additional Information : Tonnage 22 Gross 15 Net, Built 1901, Registered Seattle, ON 130896, Master D W Branch of Seattle, Owner Libby, McNeill & Libby of Seattle
Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty September 9, 1927 at Seattle by F Swenson, General Superintendent