OCEAN BEAUTY (1977) The 44 foot oil screw fishing vessel Ocean Beauty sank May 6, 1977 south of Marmot Island.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 58 13 N 151 50 W Chart 16580
Source: Unofficial Wreck List (Kodiak)
OCEAN BEAUTY (1996) The 30 foot fishing vessel Ocean Beauty grounded and was lost August 25, 1996 at Port Moller. Both crewmembers found their way to safety. There was not expected to be salvaged.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 59 59 30 N 160 34 30 W Chart 16011
Additional Information: ON 600074
Sources: 1. U S C G Shipwreck List (1989-2004), 2. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013)
OCEAN BOUNTY (1985) The 90 foot crab fishing vessel Ocean Bounty flooded her engine room and sank March 21, 1985 approximately 110 miles south of Cape Saint Elias. Winds were at 65 knots and seas 35 feet when the disaster occurred. The three persons aboard were rescued by a U S Coast Guard helicopter. The same vessel had lost a crewmember overboard two weeks earlier.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 59 54 N 144 36 W Chart 16013
Sources: 1. Unofficial Wreck List (Kodiak), 2. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
OCEAN CAPE (1979) The 80 foot crab fishing vessel Ocean Cape foundered January 1, 1979 approximately 22 miles out of Cape Fairweather. The vessel was on her way to Yakutat with a load of snow crab. The four survivors were picked up from their life raft by the Crowley Maritime Tug Stalwart after drifting four days with no food and little water. The four men in the raft heard the engines of the tug through the dark night and inclement weather early the morning of January 5th and fired off flares. They were drifting 45 miles south of Yakutat in an area not often traveled by offshore vessels. One of the crewmen on the Stalwart spotted a flare through the 25 knot winds and 8 foot seas. Responding was very difficult as the tug was towing two 400 foot barges loaded with railroad cars destined for Whittier. A dangerous rescue was attempted with success and the four men of the Ocean Cape were taken aboard the Stalwart to Whittier. There was no distress signal issued by the Ocean Cape when she sank 20 miles off of Cape Fairweather. The crew was preparing to set out crab pots when the vessel began listing heavily and sank before they could get out a Mayday. Rescued from the liferaft were Captain Steve Drage of Yakutat, John Burnett of Yakutat, Ely Hanlow of Seattle and Lewis McGlashon of Seattle.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 58 48 30 N 137 56 45 W Chart 16016
Sources: 1. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 2. Seattle Daily Times (January 6, 1979) Pg 1, 3. The Seattle Times (January 7, 1979) “Tug’s noise meant help for 4 adrift” Pg A18
OCEAN CASTLE (1971) The Seattle fishing vessel Ocean Castle foundered February 22, 1971 near the Barren Islands after a collision with the tanker Hawaiian Standard. The four crewmen aboard the Ocean Castle were picked up by the tanker and then transferred to the Coast Guard Cutter Storis. Surviving to tell the story were Michael Johnson, Ron Cooper, Gary Mayhew and David Hunt.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 58 57 N 152 15 W Chart 16580
Source: The Seattle Times (February 23, 1971) “Seattle boat sinks after collision” Pg B 6
OCEAN CHALLENGER (2006) The 50 foot fishing vessel Ocean Challenger capsized in severe weather October 18, 2006 approximately 60 miles south of Sand Point. She had been engaged in black cod fishing and was leaving fishing grounds because of incoming weather. Three of her four crewmembers were lost including captain David R “Cowboy” Hasselquist (51) of Hoonah, Steve Esparza (26) of Kodiak and Walter Foster (26) of Westport WA. Kevin Ferrell (28) of Lynchburg VA was the sole survivor. It was reported that the vessels engines had stalled before she capsized. The 592 foot Panamanian Cargo ship Overseas Joyce was in the vicinity and witnessed the Ocean Challenger capsizing. Hurricane force winds and 30 foot seas were reported at the time of the disaster. Ferrell was rescued by a Coast Guard Helicopter who responded to the distress call.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 55 20 15 N 160 30 W Chart 16540
Additional Information: Length 49.7, ON 602484, Call Sign WRB7922
Sources: 1. Unofficial Shipwreck List (Kodiak), 2. USCG News Release (October 19, 2006) “Coast Guard aircraft resume search for missing crewmember”, 3. USCG MISLE Case # 320356, 4. Seattle Times (October 20, 2006) “Search for Lost Crewman Called Off In Alaska”
OCEAN DYNASTY (1988) The 124 foot trawler Ocean Dynasty sank November 20, 1988 in the Bering Sea. All seven crewmembers were rescued by the processor Golden Alaska.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska Unknown
Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
OCEAN HOPE I (1998) The 92 foot trawler Ocean Hope I capsized and was lost October 29, 1998 off of Cape Karluk in the Shelikof Strait. The vessel was trawling for Pollock and was dumping a cod end of approximately 20 tons when she developed a port list. There were already 10 tons of fish in the hold and 20 to 25 tons on deck at the time. As the Ocean Hope I began to roll over, all four crewmembers donned survival suits and deployed the vessel’s life raft. They were rescued by the fishing vessel Gold Rush who reported on scene weather as northwest winds 30 knots and seas to 8 feet with a wind chop. The following is a conclusion reached by the Coast Guard Investigation:
“A slack tank condition existed in both the forward and aft fish holds allowing for a drastic shift in cargo in the tanks. This shift moved the center of gravity to port. The fish on deck raised the center of gravity, already too far to port, even higher. The end result is the center of gravity was too close to or above the meta-center and the vessel was in an unstable condition, susceptible to capsizing. Once the vessel rolled there was no way to recover a vessel in such a condition.”
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 57 35 10 N 154 30 50 W Chart 16580
Additional Information: ON 652395, Call Sign WRB7462, Built 1982
Sources: 1. Unofficial Shipwreck List (Kodiak), 2. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 3. USCG MISLE Case # 835877
OCEAN HOPE II (1989) The 108 foot long line halibut fishing vessel Ocean Hope II disappeared with all hands March 3, 1989 in heavy weather in the Shelikof Strait. The vessel was last heard from the night of March 2nd and was seeking shelter in Portage Bay. Only a life ring was found days later. Lost were skipper Jack White (33) of Kodiak, Dennis Frye (26), Dan Tullar (26) of Kodiak and Michael Wheeler (27) of Anacortes WA.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 57 34 05 N 156 02 15 W Chart 16580
Additional Information: ON 652396
Sources: 1. Unofficial Shipwreck List (Kodiak), 2. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
OCEAN PRIDE (1979) The fishing vessel Ocean Pride sank November 24, 1979 in the Bering Sea.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska Unknown
Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
OCEAN QUEEN (1964) The 13 ton 39 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Ocean Queen 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 13 Gross 8 Net, Length 39.5, Breadth 11.2, Depth 4.1, Built 1943 at New Bedford MA, Former Name J-503 (U S A), Horsepower 140, SL WJ2176, Owner Arthur C Nelson, Registered Juneau, ON 273901
Sources: 1.Unofficial Wreck List, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) Pg 498
OCEAN SPRAY (1994) The 81 foot steel trawler Ocean Spray flooded from the stern and sank September 30, 1994 in 50 fathoms of water approximately 35 nautical miles north of Unimak Island in the Bering Sea. Her four crewmembers abandoned ship in survival suits to a liferaft with their EPIRB activated. They were rescued by U S Coast Guard CG-H60 Helicopter and transported to Cold Bay.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 55 39 42 N 163 56 48 W Chart 16011
Additional Information: Length 80.6, Built 1968 Seattle WA, ON 517100, Call Sign WY5152
Sources: 1. Unofficial Shipwreck List (Alaska), 2. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 3. USCG MISLE Case # 890875
OCEAN VENTURE (1982) The 82 foot wooden crab fishing vessel Ocean Venture was blown onto the rocks and lost near Nunavachak Bay southeast of Togiak during a severe storm May 25, 1982. At least four other vessels were reported washed onto the shore during the same storm. The Ocean Venture lost power in 90 mile an hour winds and was blown high onto the rocky beach. The crew of the crabber was rescued by a Good Samaritan vessel before piling onto the rocks.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 58 53 30 N 160 03 W Chart 16315
Additional Information: Tonnage 165 Gross 137 Net, Length 82.2, Breadth 27, Depth 8.7, Construction wood scow, Year Built 1943 at Seattle WA, SL WA6155, ON 251492, Former Names Jack B and BSP 2077 USA
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1979) Pgs 1072 & 1958, 2. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 3. Personal Communications WG
OCEANUS (1989) The 52 foot wooden longline fishing vessel Oceanus sank in heavy weather during a halibut opening May 14, 1989 at the entrance to Aialik Bay. All five crewmembers were rescued.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 59 40 N 149 34 W Chart 16680
Additional Information: ON 225279
Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
ODIAK (1907) The gas launch Odiak was wrecked at Bear Cape in Prince William Sound in 1907. The vessel was valued at $3,000 with cargo at the time of the loss.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 60 12 N 146 43 W Chart 16700
Sources: 1. Marine Disasters of the Alaska Route (1916) “List of Wrecks in Alaskan Waters from Records of Customs Office, Juneau” Pg 33, 2. Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992)
ODUNA (1965) The 7,252 ton 422 foot steel steam ship Oduna stranded and was lost November 26, 1965 at Cape Pankof. The vessel stranded in heavy seas on the east side of Unimak Island. The radar aboard the Oduna was inoperative and strong currents drug her onto the rocks. The Chief Mate was at the helm when the disaster occurred and was blamed for the stranding. The crew was removed by breeches buoy and helicopter to the Cutter Storis and tug Adeline Foss. Initially her cargo was thought to be lost, but several men organized a salvage effort and were able to save much of what was onboard, including 200,000 pounds of frozen crab in refrigerated container vans. The Oduna was owned by the Alaska Steamship Company.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 54 40 N 163 04 W Chart 16006
Additional Information: Tonnage 7,252 Gross, 4,452 Net, Length 422.8, Breadth 57, Depth34.8, Built 1945 at South Portland ME, Former Names Francis A Retka, Liberty Bell, I R Lashins, and Southport, Service freight, Horsepower 2,500, SL KIOI, Owner Alaska Steamship Company, Registered Seattle, ON 247159
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 518, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1172, 3. Alaska Steam (1984) Pg 135
OLAF (1924) The 21 ton wooden salmon fishing vessel Olaf foundered in Cook Inlet at 9:15 p.m. Saturday July 12, 1924. The following are excerpts from the casualty report:
“Five miles N. Kenai River” “Wind southwest 20 miles; daylight; rough sea” “Vessel turned with the wind” “Vessel sprung a leak” “The vessel foundered on Cooks Inlet laden with fresh salmon bound from fish trap to the Kenai Cannery at appr. Lat. 60.37 N Long 151.23 W. Vessel suddenly filled with water.”
The three crewmen aboard made it to safety, but the Olaf, valued at $2,800, was a total loss. Her cargo of salmon was also lost. She was carrying approximately 35,000 pounds of fresh salmon worth $803.07. There was no insurance on the Olaf or her cargo.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 60 37 N 151 23 W Chart 16662
Additional Information: Tonnage 21 Gross 14 Net, Built 1912, Registered Seattle, ON 210039, Master J A Rasmussen of Seattle, Owner Libby McNeill & Libby of Seattle, Last Port Salamato Trap July 12th, Destination Kenai
Source: U S C G Report of Casualty August 26, 1924 at Seattle by C H Bowen of LM&L
OLGA (1908) The 20 ton 47 foot wooden schooner Olga stranded and was lost in Prince William Sound at 5:00 a.m. September 18, 1908. The vessel had been moored to the wrecked steamer Saratoga with no one aboard. The following are excerpts from the wreck report:
“Second point from Point Freemantle” “Stormy, southeast wind, and heavy sea running” “Vessel was under charter by wrecking crew trying to salve steamer Saratoga, when she parted her moorings and went adrift” “Carried away her moorings alongside steamer Saratoga, and drifted to point where schooner stranded” “Carelessness of parties in charge. Report made that no measure was taken to avoid casualty”
The steamer Saratoga was wrecked March 20, 1908 at Busby Island, just northwest of Bligh Island in the Valdez Arm of Prince William Sound. The Olga was valued at $500 at the time of the tragedy and had no insurance. She had been leased by a salvage company for salvaging the steamer Saratoga. The strong southeasterly wind blew the Olga across Valdez Arm to the west side above Point Freemantle.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 60 57 N 146 58 W Charts 16700, 16707
Comment: The 2,820 ton Saratoga wrecked near Bligh Reef where the Exxon Valdez ran aground in 1989. See Saratoga (1908). This is also the reef where the 2827 ton Olympia wrecked in 1910. See Olympia (1910). WG
Additional Information: Tonnage 19.9 Net, Built 1883 at Kodiak, Length 47, Breadth 14.8, Depth 5, Registered Valdez, ON 155084, Master and Owner Charles Swanson of Allamar
Source: U S Customs Wreck Report October 19, 1908 by Charles Swanson
OLGA N (1949) The 11 ton wooden gas screw Olga N foundered in the Gulf of Alaska May 8, 1949.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska Unknown
Comment: This vessel sank early in the year she was built. WG
Additional Information: Tonnage 11 Gross, Built 1949, ON 257308
Source: Merchant Vessels of the U S (1950) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 927
OLIVE (1924) The 59 ton wooden auxiliary schooner Olive stranded in Portage Bay at 1:00 p.m. July 18, 1924. There were four crewmen aboard. The vessel departed Kodiak for Kanatak July 15, 1924. She had discharged her cargo before the casualty occurred. The following are excerpts from the report filed by the master and owner of the Olive:
“North east corner Portage Bay” “Heavy weather, carrying away of ground tackle” “About 80 mile gale, thick weather and heavy sea” “Blew ashore” “When gale came up both anchors were put down and 65 fm chain given. Both anchors carried away on parting cable whereupon steamed ahead seeking shelter but unable to make steerage account severity of gale. Lost control and vessel stranded”
The Olive, valued at $15,000 was reported a total loss. The crewmen all survived and the Olive was subsequently salvaged.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 57 34 05 N 156 02 15 W Chart 16013
Comment: The Olive casualty of 1924 is included in this compilation even though the vessel was salvaged. Evidence of the loss may still be on site (ground tackle etc.) and of interest. WG
Additional Information: Tonnage 59 Gross 51 Net, Built 1921, Registered Seattle, ON 221334, Master and Owner Axel Olsen of Matanuska, Vessel Insurance $6,000
Source: U S C G Report of Casualty August 4, 1924 by Axel Olsen
OLIVE (1932) The 59 ton wooden gas powered schooner Olive caught fire at winter quarters at midnight June 17, 1932 and was a total loss. The following are excerpts from the casualty report:
“N. E. wind about 35 m.p.h.; dark with heavy clouds and rain” “Caught fire while being beached in the lagoon between Near Island and Crooked Island (near Kodiak, Alaska), apparently from a backfire from the engine” “The vessel was being turned on the beach at high tide for the purpose of painting. One side had been painted and it was necessary to turn her to get at the other side. There was apparently an accumulation of gas in the bilge which exploded when the back-fire occurred. A heavy explosion immediately followed a back-fire from the running engine, enveloping the vessel in flames, making the possibility of extinguishing out of the question. Immediately the vessel was a roaring furnace that made it impossible to attempt to fight fire aboard, as the master and one man were forced to abandon her. The fuel tanks exploded shortly after the crew had left” “A boat and crew came from Kodiak to assist but arrived too late to help” “Total loss”
The two crewmen aboard were able to make it to safety but the Olive, valued at $15,000 was a total loss. She was insured for $10,000.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 57 47 N 152 24 W Chart 16595
Comment: Same vessel as wrecked at Kanatak in 1924. WG
Additional Information: Tonnage 59 Gross 51 Net, Built 1921, Registered Seward, ON 221334, Master and Owner J A Johnson of Kodiak, Last Port at Winter Quarters since September 1931
Source: U S C G Report of Casualty June 25, 1932 by J A Johnson at Seward
OLIVIA H (1941) The 51 ton 58 foot wooden oil screw Olivia H foundered at Dayville December 17, 1941.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 60 05 N 146 21 W Chart 16708
Comment: Dayville more commonly referred to as Fort Liscum. WG
Additional Information: Tonnage 51 Gross 34 Net, Length 58.7, Breadth 15.4, Depth 7.5, Built 1925 at Everett WA, Service freight, Crew 5, Horsepower 75 (Brake), Owner Carl Rubinstein, Registered Seattle, ON 224816
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1945) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 777, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1944) Pg 258
OLYMPIA (1910) The 2,827 ton 335 foot iron steam ship Olympia stranded and was lost in Prince William Sound at 11:50 p.m. Saturday December 10, 1910. The vessel departed Cordova at 6:32 p.m. that evening bound for Valdez. She had 56 passengers and 60 crewmen aboard. She was also carrying a 350 ton cargo of coal and general merchandise valued at $2,000. Most of the Olympia’s cargo had been discharged at Cordova, with the remainder stowed in her bow. This “bow heavy” condition made steerage difficult, and coupled with the 50 mile northerly gale, contributed to her demise. The following are excerpts from the wreck report filed by her owners;
“Northerly gale; partly cloudy” “Struck reef off west shore Bligh Island, Prince William Sound, Alaska” “Stranded” “In dangerous locality when struck by strong gale; attempted to turn around and ran on reef” “Distress signal sent out by wireless picked up by naval station at Cordova and tugs dispatched from Valdez and Fort Liscum. Took off passengers and crew.” “Total Loss”
The Olympia was built in Glasgow, Scotland in 1883 as the Dunbar Castle. She was purchased by the Alaska Steamship Company in 1904 and renamed Olympia. At the time of the disaster she was valued at $165,000. The Olympia and her cargo were both total losses. She was insured for $157,000. Her bottom was badly torn and salvage was not attempted. She sat visible and upright on the rocks as a local landmark until February of 1922.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 50 30 N 146 52 30 W Chart 16708
Comment: This is the same reef the Exxon Valdez struck in 1989 causing the worst oil spill in Alaska history. Salvage operations in 1914 by Tacoma diver Walter McCray recovered 14 tons of bronze, a tail shaft, anchors and chains from the Olympia and 64 tons of copper ore from the Saratoga wreck nearby.
Additional Information: Tonnage 2,827 Gross 1,730 Net, Length 335, Breadth 38.2, Depth 19.5, NHP 2,000, Built 1883, Registered Port Townsend WA, ON 155339, Master Jim Daniels of Seattle, Owner Alaska Steamship Company of Seattle
Sources: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report January 13, 1911 at Seattle by R R Pierson, Supt. Alaska Steamship Company, 2. Alaska Steam (1984) Pgs 46&49, 3. The Daily Times of Ann Arbor MI (April 10, 1914) “Rich Salvage” Front Page
OMA BELLE (1964) The 11 ton 34 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Oma Belle was destroyed by a tidal wave March 27, 1964 at Cordova.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 60 33 N 145 45 W Chart 16640
Additional Information: Tonnage 11 Gross 8 Net, Length 34.4, Breadth 8.9, Depth 4.8, Built 1932 at Portland OR, Horsepower 60, SL WG7728, Owner Ralph E Renner, Registered Juneau, ON 240151
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 520, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1172
OMANEY (1930) The halibut schooner Omaney stranded and was lost on Sitkinak Island in the Trinity Islands in April of 1930.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 57 07 N 153 14 W Chart 16580
Source: Juneau Empire (April 22, 1930) Pg 7
OMEGA (2005) The 19 foot inboard fiberglass Omega brand vessel burned June 25, 2005 two miles off of the Homer Spit. Three adults and two children were rescued by a Good Samaritan vessel and transferred to a U S Coast Guard Auxiliary SAFE boat.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 59 37 N 151 27 W Chart 16640
Source: Homer News (June 20, 2005) “Anchorage Family Rescued From Burning Boat”
ON TIME (1920) The 27 ton 56 foot gas screw freight vessel On Time stranded and was lost in 1920 in Cook Inlet. The loss was not reported until 1928.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 59 05 N 152 30 W Chart 16013
Additional Information: Tonnage 27 Gross 18 Net, Length 56.1, Breadth 13.5, Depth 5, IHP 30, Built 1917 at Seattle WA, Registered Cordova, ON 215008
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1928) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 886, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1920) Pg 300
ONEIDA (1890) The 1,074 ton 179 foot wooden ship Oneida stranded and was lost near Sanak at 9:00 p.m. Saturday April 26, 1890. 77 Chinamen perished in the disaster. The vessel departed San Francisco with 28 crewmen and 127 passengers bound for Thin Point. The following are excerpts from the wreck report filed by F P Anderson, master of the Oneida:
“Light wind, foggy, rough sea, dark and foggy” “Uncertain currents, foggy weather” “Hamings Rock 10 miles SW of Sanak Alaska” “Stranding” “No sail set, vessel hove to, waiting fair weather” “Total loss”
The vessel was carrying 550 tons of merchandise and provisions worth $50,000. The Oneida, valued at $15,000 and her cargo were total losses. The vessel was insured for $42,000 and her cargo for $15,000. Wreckage from the vessel washed up on area beaches for days. Combing through the debris, a seal hunter named Irwin found two zinc lined boxes containing $400 in Mexican money and 130 cases of opium. Fights over the loot ensued, but the drugs were eventually sold to Chinamen on Sanak for $4 a pound and the money split with a fellow sailor.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 54 28 20 N 162 55 40 N Chart 16520
Comment: I have charted this wreck at Oneida Rock (SSE of Hennig Rock) named so by Ferdinand Wesdahl, commander of the USC&GS steamer McArthur, who did surveys of the area in 1901
Additional Information: Tonnage 1130 Gross 1074.26 Net, Length 179, Breadth 36.5, Depth 23, Built 1856 Searsport ME, Registered San Francisco, ON 18864, Owner Lea Cross of San Francisco
Sources: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report June 3, 1890 at San Francisco, 2. San Francisco Chronicle (October 16, 1890) “Money Discovered on Sanak Island” Pg 2 Col 4
ONWARD (1916) The 13 ton 42 foot gas screw towing vessel Onward foundered in September of 1916 at Sheep Creek. No one was aboard at the time of the loss.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 60 27 N 144 50 W Chart 16700
Comment: There are dozens of Sheep Creeks, so I charted this wreck at the one closest to the vessels home port. It could just as easily have been the Village of Sheep Creek (Thane), several miles SE of Juneau. Further research is warranted. WG
Additional Information: Tonnage 13 Gross 9 Net, Length 42.6, Breadth 9, Depth 2.7, Built 1907 at Ketchikan, Registered Cordova, ON 203871
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1918) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 441, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1916) Pg 287
ONWARD HO (1916) The 323 ton 143 foot Canadian halibut steam trawler Onward Ho was lost off of Cape Fairweather January 18, 1916 with all hands. The vessel had departed Vancouver, British Columbia January 6, 1916 with 34 crewmen aboard. The Onward Ho was leaving the fishing grounds near Cape Spencer when she was caught in a gale. She was sighted by the schooner Alaska and steamer Manhattan carrying a load of ice on deck and in her rigging. When sighted the Onward Ho was “covered with ice, down by the head and making way slowly”. The schooner New England was caught in the same storm and almost foundered because of the heavy icing. She spotted the Onward Ho “in a sinking condition” but was unable to aid because of her own dire condition. Temperatures were below zero. She was never seen again. It is presumed the Onward Ho became top heavy, rolled over and sank. Lost were Captain Fred Fredericksen, Mate H Hughes, Pilot Sid Ulstein, Chief Engineer Thomas Shiminin, Fireman Matthew Walker, Cook Jens Bendicksen Aas, and the following fishermen: P Andersen, H Aune, P Beck, B Benson, R Brandal, C Bravak, D Brown, E Edmunsen, O Hessen, J Knudsen, K Knudsen, H Larvik, O Longfelt, George Mackie, J March, O Olson, J S Petersen, H Rudd, B Schjie, S Simonsen, W Snow, M Stronstad, S Swanson, H Ulstein and H Westvik. The trawler also carried 12 dories and had a large catch of halibut aboard.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 58 48 30 N 137 56 45 W Chart 16760
Additional Information: Owner British Columbia Packing Company, Built 1907 Hull England, Former Name H935
Sources: 1. Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992), 2. Maritimequest.com (2010) “Daily Event for January 18”, 3. Seattle Daily Times (February 16, 1916) “Fishing Vessel Considered Lost” Pg 16
ORANIUS (1964) The 18 ton 37 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Oranius was reported missing out of 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 12 Net, Length 37.3, Breadth 10.8, Depth 6.5, Built 1952 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 142, SL WH5788, Owner Albert (Googen) Peterson, Registered Juneau, ON 263803
Sources: 1.Unofficial Wreck List, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) Pg 503
OREGON (1906) The 283 foot 2,335 ton iron steamship Oregon stranded and was lost off Cape Hinchinbrook at 11:10 p.m. Thursday September 13, 1906. The vessel departed Catella that day bound for Orca. There were 53 passengers and 68 crewmembers aboard, with H E Soule of Seattle as master. The Oregon was burdened with a 790 ton cargo of general merchandise valued at $25,000. The following are excerpts from the wreck report:
“3 miles NE X N X N ¾ N of Cape Hinchinbrook, Alaska (Long. 147degrees)” “Current and thick weather” “Moderate wind, dark, overcast and rain squalls, dark night” “Stranding” “U S S Columbine picked up 5 boat loads of passengers and crew and proceeded wreck and took off balance of crew, also all letter mail and express, registered mail, also all baggage. Sea running too high to further communicate with wreck.” “Total loss ($175,000)”
The survivors were transported to Valdez by the lighthouse tender Columbine. The Oregon, valued at $150,000 and was a total loss along with her cargo. The master was exonerated from all blame.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 60 14 N 146 39 W Chart 16700
Additional Information: Tonnage 2,335 Gross 1,642 Net, Length 283, Breadth 37.4, Depth 23.4, Built 1878 at Chester PA, IHP 1,700, Registered Port Townsend WA, ON 19485, Owner Northwestern Steamship Co of Nevada, Vessel and Cargo Insurance unknown
Source: U S Customs Wreck Report September 15, 1906 at Valdez by H E Soule
OREGON DAWN (1980) The 98 foot crab fishing vessel Oregon Dawn rolled over on her starboard side and sank February 17, 1980 approximately 2.5 miles south of Cape Tolstoi near Pavlof Bay. Winds were said to be NNW gusting to 75-80 miles an hour. There were 65 crab pots aboard at the time of the disaster. All five crewmembers were rescued by the fishing vessel Patience.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 55 22 20 N 161 28 W Chart 16011
Sources: 1. Unofficial Wreck List (Kodiak), 2. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
OREGONIAN (1931) The 45 ton wooden gas screw fishing vessel Oregonian foundered in Kvichak Bay at 5:00 a.m. Sunday July 12, 1931. The vessel had departed Ketchikan April 7, 1931 bound for Dillingham with a crew of four. The Oregonian had 39 tons of fresh red salmon aboard, worth $1,500 at the time of the disaster. The following are statements from the casualty report:
“Ten miles west Middle Bluff Light in Kvichak Bay, Alaska” “Southwest wind about 40 miles, heavy sea running, morning dawn” “…believed to have sprung open, in very heavy weather” “Vessel began filling with water and all hands manning pumps until no longer chance to save vessel” “(assistance rendered by) gas boat Pigeon, our vessel”
The crew of the Oregonian made it to safety, but the vessel and her cargo were lost. The Oregonian was valued at $7,000 and was insured for $6,000. Her cargo was not insured. The Oregonian was owned by Associated Fishermen of Alaska
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 58 24 20 N 157 31 15 W Chart 16523
Additional Information: Tonnage 45.02 Gross 30 Net, Built 1917, Registered Ketchikan, ON 215,000, Master Martin Olsen of Seattle
Source: U S C G Report of Casualty August 27, 1931 by Att. Bradford, President, Associated Fishermen of Alaska
OREL (1792) (1799) See Severovostochni Orel (Northern Eagle)
OSAMEKIN (1945) The 100 foot 325 ton Navy tug Osamekin (YTB-191) sank in the Gulf of Alaska south of Kodiak Island December 4, 1945.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 57 20 N 153 22 W Chart 16013
Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
OSO (1936) The 8 ton wooden gas screw Oso sank off Lituya Bay at 8:00 a.m. Saturday July 18th, 1936. The vessel departed Sitka June 28th with two crewmen aboard bound for salmon trolling. They had 10,000 pounds of fresh King Salmon in the hold when the disaster occurred. The following are statements taken from the casualty report filed by Peder Liadal, master of the OSO:
“No wind, smooth, long slow waves, foggy but calm” “Vessel foundered off Lituya Bay,
Alaska, south about a half mile off Harbor Point, Alaska” “Unforeseen tide rip flooded vessel, filling small trolling hatch in after part of cock pit, water rushed forward killed ignition and engine stopped, vessel went down by the stern and sank in about twenty minutes” “Unable to do anything, as machine stopped vessel sank, with past the pilot house within a minutes time” “Gas Screw Mine, whereof Nick Larsen, master and owner, picked us up about a half hour after disaster. Brought us to Chichagof, Alaska” “Total loss”
The crewmen of the Oso made it to safety, but the vessel, worth $3,500 and her cargo, worth $800 were both total losses. The master of the vessel knew of no insurance at the time the wreck report was filed.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 58 36 45 N 137 39 20 W Chart 16760
Comment: See Oso (1978). WG
Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 5 Net, Age 5 years, Registered Ketchikan, ON 230761, Owner Alice E Schiller of Seattle
Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty July 23, 1936 at Sitka by Peder Liadal
OSPREY (1970) The oil screw Osprey foundered October 17, 1970 in Bluefox Bay, Afognak Island.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 58 26 N 152 41 W Chart 16580
Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
OUNIMAK (1887) The 35 ton 62 foot wooden schooner Ounimak was lost with all hands off Sanak Island the night of Wednesday March 30, 1887. The vessel departed “Belkoffsky”(Belkofski) that day bound for “Pauloff Harbor, Saanak Island” (Pavlof Harbor, Sanak) with six crewmen aboard. The following are excerpts from the wreck report:
“Between Bellkoffsky and Pauloff Harbor, Alaska” “Capsized probably” “Heavy gale, not sufficient cargo” “Dark stormy night with snow” “Vessel left Bellkoffsky in a strong wind, contrary to advice of all on shore. Was probably capsized during the night, as she was found bottom up on a reef off Pauloff Harbor the next morning with no one near her. Crew no doubt drowned.”
Lost from the Ounimak were her captain, Thomas Trondson, and crewmen Henry Traiton, August Olsen, Otto Osborn, Mathew Hermanson and Stein Nelson. The vessel and her cargo were total losses. The Ounimak was valued at $4,000 and her 6 ton cargo of groceries, provisions and furs at $600. There was no insurance.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 54 27 40 N 162 41 30 W Chart 16547
Additional Information: Tonnage 34.67 Gross 32.94 Net, Length 61.5, Breadth 19.5, Depth 6.0, Built 1884 at San Francisco, Registered San Francisco, ON 155091, Master Thomas Trondson of San Francisco, Owner The McCollam Fishing & Trading Co of San Francisco
Source: U S Custom Wreck Report May 23, 1887 at San Francisco by Gasheira, Manager MCCollam Fishing & Trading Company
OUTLINE (1920) The vessel Outline was lost in 1920 in Cook Inlet.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 59 05 N 152 30 W
Source: The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 313
OWL (1930) The 14 ton wooden gas screw fishing vessel Owl was lost in Wide Bay at 7:00 p.m. Monday September 15, 1930. The vessel departed Kukak Bay September 12 on her way to the fishing banks with three crewmen aboard. The following are statements from the casualty report:
“Wide Bay, Alaska” “Approximately 30 mile wind. Weather fair, with heavy south east swell, casualty happened at evening twilight” “Foundered on reef…Due to clutch on engine breaking” “Put two anchors out, working to keep vessel off of reef, tried to repair clutch” “After grounding, engineer did all possible to repair clutch with aid of deckhand, when discovered the repairs could not be made in time or at sea, all of the crew turned to keeping the vessel off the reef” “total loss”
The crew escaped to safety, but the Owl, valued at $3,000 and her ten ton cargo of fish, valued at $315 were both lost.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 57 22 N 156 11 W Chart 16568
Additional Information: Tonnage 14 Gross 10 Net, Age 20 Years, Registered Seward, ON 207151, Master Tom Parker of Anchorage, Owner Hemrich Packing Company of Seattle WA, Insurance unknown
Source: U S C G Report of Casualty September 18, 1930 at Seward by Tom Parker
Trying to find names of crew members of the Oregon Dawn, 1980? Is that info available?
I do not have the names in my files although one of the survivors is an old friend named Randy Beuter. You can find him on Facebook.