B D AND M (1960) The 13 ton 35 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel B D and M stranded and was lost in 1960 opposite Sunny Point Cannery on Gravina Island, Ketchikan.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 20 30 N 131 38 45 W Chart 17420
Additional Information: Tonnage 13 Gross 9 Net, Length 35.6, Breadth 12.3, Depth 3.9, Built 1947 at Port Angeles WA, Horsepower 50, Owner Charles Swegle, Registered Port Angeles WA, ON 252865
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1960) Pg 48, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1962) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 902
BABS (1974) The oil screw Babs foundered and was lost September 30, 1974 at Sullivan Rock.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 58 53 50 N 135 18 W Chart 17300
Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
BARBARA (1925) The 50 foot wooden gas boat Barbara drifted onto the rocks at 8:15 a.m. on May 29, 1925 when the engine failed, and was lost. Her four crewmen survived. A wreck report was filed by the superintendent of the Hunters Bay Cannery on June 10th with the following details:
“Barbara left Hydaburg bound for Hunters Bay Cannery 3:55 a.m. Friday May 29, 1929. 5:00 a.m. passed Eik Point, Course East by South, Distance by log 6 ½ miles. 5:45 a.m. engine stopped. 6:05 a.m. engine started again. 6:20 a.m. passes Mellen Rock, Course South East by East, Distance by log 6 ½ miles. 6:55 a.m. passed Point Webster South East ½ South, Distance by log 3 miles. 8:00 a.m. abreast Shipwreck Point, Course South East, Distance by log 6 miles. 8:15 a.m. engine stopped on account of feed pipes plugged and circulating pump out of order. 8:30 a.m. Barbara drifted on rock off Shipwreck Point. Crew jumped on rock and were picked up by G. B. Carmen at 7:10 p.m. and taken to Hunters Bay Cannery, arriving at Hunters Bay at 8:05 p.m.”
An anchor was put out to try to hold the Barbara but the strong breeze piled them onto the rocks before the anchor could take hold. The crew stayed perched on the rocks all day until seen by the Mail Boat Carmen and rescued. The vessel, valued at $7,000, was deemed a total loss including fuel and stores.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 54 53 53 N 132 29 30 W
Additional Information: Tonnage 29 Gross 26 Net, Built 1916, Registered Ketchikan, ON 208434, Master Jim Lou of Hunters Bay Cannery, Owner Northwestern Fisheries Company of Seattle, Cargo none.
Source: U S Customs Wreck Report
BARBARA JEAN (2002) The 42 foot seiner Barbara Jean caught fire and was lost July 5, 2002 near Point Baker in Frederick Sound. The vessel burned to the waterline and sank in 30 feet of water. The only person on board was rescued by the fishing vessel Ruffies One who also helped in the attempt to extinguish the flames. The master of the Barbara Jean was transported by Coast Guard Helicopter to Juneau for treatment for smoke inhalation.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 56 21 32 N 133 37 15 W Chart 17360
Additional Information: ON 605605
Sources: 1. U S C G News Release (July 5, 2002) “Good Samaritans rescue man from boat fire; medevaced by Coast Guard”, 2. Michael Burwell Alaska Shipwreck List (2013), 3. USCG Investigation Activity Report
BARBARA LEIGH (1992) The 42 foot cod trawler Barbara Leigh sank at Noyes Island January 12, 1992. An outrigger collapsed and caused the vessel to list and sink. Edward Lander (63) was lost.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 30 N 133 40 W Chart 17400
Additional Information: ON 250098
Sources: 1. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 2. Daily Sitka Sentinel (January 13, 1992) “Coast Guard Recovers Body” Pg 5
BARBRO D (1962) The 8 ton 30 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Barbro D foundered February 11, 1962 at Juneau.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 58 18 15 N 134 24 30 W Chart 17300
Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 7 Net, Length 30.3, Breadth 8.6, Depth 3.8, Built 1927 at Ballard WA, Horsepower 14, Owner Samuel L Jackson, Registered Juneau, ON 230842
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1962) Pg 57, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1963) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 929
BARNES (1918) It was 5:30 p.m. on Friday June 21, 1918 when the gas screw Barnes caught fire and was lost off Tolstoi Point in Clarence Strait. In the wreck report filed by her master, M L Burke of Lake Bay, the fire started in the hot box and quickly spread throughout the wooden vessel. One Pyrene and two powder fire extinguishers were expended on the flames in an effort to quench the blaze but to no avail. The crew of four abandoned the Barnes in search of aid but when they returned aboard the gas screw Irene Barnes their vessel had disappeared.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 40 10 N 132 23 10 W
Additional Information: Tonnage 41 Gross 27 Net, Built 1917 Tacoma, Registered Portland Oregon, ON 214900, Owner F C Barnes Co Inc of Portland, Last Port Lake Bay June 21, 1918, Destination Ketchikan, Vessel Value $20,000, Cargo none, Insurance none
Sources: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report filed at Wrangell June 24, 1918, 2. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 302
BARRACUDA (1954) The 17 ton 40 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Barracuda foundered November 15, 1954 between Split Island and Onslow Island.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 52 30 N 132 22 W Chart 17420
Additional Information: Tonnage 17 Gross 12 Net, Length 40, Breadth 11.4, Depth 4.8, Built 1941 at Seattle WA, Former Names J-259 (U S A) and Barracuda, Horsepower 165, SL WC7567, Owner Alan N McCoy, Registered Wrangell, ON 255306
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1956) Pg 51, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1957) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 755
BEACHCOMBER (1951) The 43 ton 58 foot steel oil screw Beachcomber foundered October 15, 1951 on a trip from Yakutat to Juneau.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska Unknown
Additional Information: Tonnage 43 Gross29 Net, Length 58.9, Breadth 14.1, Depth 5.8, Built 1944 at New Orleans LA, Former Name LCM (6) C-52707 (U S N), Service freight, Crew 2, Horsepower 450, SL WB5753, Owner McKinley Electric Company, Registered Juneau, ON 255417
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1952) Pg 49, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1953-1954) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 747
BEAVER (1878) It was 7:00 the morning of May 17, 1878 when captain Nat H Lane Jr spotted a rock dead ahead of the steamer Beaver. The vessel was on a trip from Glenora to Wrangell and was just passing the Stickine River 60 miles south. Captain Lane reported that the “failure of the gong to sound the signal to back” contributed to the accident. The Beaver piled onto a reef and was wrecked. Lane also stated the “with the exception of her machinery, which was saved in fair condition, she became a total loss.”
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 56 20 N 132 36 W
Additional Information: Built on the Willamette several years before
Source: Lewis and Dreyden’s Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1961) Pg 264
BEAVER (1935) The American oil screw Beaver foundered at 7:30 a.m. Sunday October 27, 1935. She was on a fishing trip out of Port McArthur mastered by Einer Hauneg of Port Alexander assisted by one crewman. They had brought 1600 pounds of fresh caught salmon onboard valued at $287 when the Beaver sprung a leak and filled with water. The vessel, valued at $4,000, foundered one and a half miles south of Point Crowley and became a total loss. There was a 35 mile an hour northwest wind blowing and the Beaver went down rapidly, the crew narrowly escaping with their lives.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 56 07 10 N 134 15 30 W
Additional Information: Construction wood, Tonnage 18 Net, Age 32 years, Registration Ketchikan, ON 3965, Owner P A Hauneg of Port Alexander
Source: U S Customs Wreck Report filed at Collection District 31, Port of Ketchikan dated November 15, 1935
BEILBY (1956) The 15 ton 46 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Beilby stranded and was lost October 27, 1956 at Point Lookout.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 57 39 N 133 40 30 W Chart 17360
Comment: There are multiple Point Lookouts but this is the one closest to the home port of the vessel. WG
Additional Information: Tonnage 15 Gross 12 Net, Length 46.5, Breadth 10.5, Depth 3, Built 1921 at Wrangell, Horsepower 140, Owner Alice Conant, Registered Wrangell, ON 221246
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1956) Pg 54, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1957) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 755
BELLE (1930) Otto Rosenblad of Ketchikan was alone aboard the gas screw Belle, December 8, 1930, when an engine malfunction caused her to sink. He had delivered a load of lumber to Ice House Cove and was on a return trip to Ketchikan. At 6 or 7 in the evening the vessel was abreast of Spire Island between Mountain Point and Bold Island. The following is an excerpt from a wreck report filed by Rosenblad:
“I heard a heavy noise in the engine. I looked down at once just in time to see the fly wheel come off and crash through the starboard side of the boat, causing a big hole below the water line. I had no time to save any of my personal effects. I dumped the skiff into the water and got away. I rowed into Ketchikan, a distance of about eight miles and arrived about eleven o’clock P.M.”
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 16 10 N 131 30 W
Comment: This vessel may have been named the Bell E.
Additional Information: Construction wood, Tonnage 8 Gross 7 Net, Built 1904, Registration Ketchikan, ON 201507, Owner Mrs Mary A Charles of Ketchikan, Vessel value $2,000, Cargo none, Insurance $1,500
Source: U S Customs Wreck Report filed at Ketchikan December 10, 1930
BELLE-TECH (1999) The 38 foot fiberglass salmon fishing vessel Belle-Tech grounded and was lost July 19, 1999 on Gilanta Rocks in Dixon Entrance. Both crewmembers escaped to a small boat and were rescued by the U S Coast Guard cutter Liberty.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 54 51 N 130 56 30 W Chart 17420
Additional Information: ON 581613
Sources: 1. U S C G Shipwreck List (1989-2004), 2. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013)
BEN B (2001) The 86 foot fish tender Ben B was consumed by fire and sank July 27, 2001 near Shrubby Island in Snow Passage 30 miles southwest of Wrangell. The two crewmembers aboard abandoned ship to a life raft. They were rescued by the fishing vessel Middleton and transferred to the cruise ship Vision of the Seas. A faulty battery charger was reported to have caused the blaze.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 56 13 N 132 58 W Chart 17360
Additional Information: ON 251491
Source: U S C G District 17 News Release (July 27, 2001) “Fire consumes fishing boat off Wrangell”
BERING SEA (1933) The American gas screw Bering Sea drug anchor and became a total loss at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday February 2, 1933 three miles south of Chomley Sound on Prince of Wales Island. The two aboard including her master, Richard Thompson of Ketchikan, barely survived the incident, but the Bering Sea, valued at $9,750 was lost. The following are quotes from the wreck report filed by Thompson:
“Blowing strong southeaster which increased in force to a gale.” “Anchor cable parted while repairing engine allowing vessel to drift on beach.” “Engineer and myself took to skiff when about 50 feet off shore. Skiff swamped and we were washed onto rocks.”
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 17 N 132 04 W
Comment: Now called Cholmondeley Sound. WG
Additional Information: Tonnage 44 Net, Age 16 years, Registration Seattle, ON 215039, Owner Skowl Arm Packing Company, Last Port Ketchikan, Destination Skowl Arm via Ingram Bay, Cargo none, Vessel Insurance $5,000
Sources: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report filed at Collection District No 31, Port of Ketchikan on February 6, 1933, 2. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 425
BERING SEA (2003) The 45 foot halibut longline vessel Bering Sea stranded and was lost March 21, 2003 on the northwest coast of Yakobi Island near Cape Bingham. All three crewmembers and a dog abandoned ship to a life raft and were rescued by a U S Coast Guard Helicopter and transported to Juneau.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 58 05 30 N 136 31 W Chart 17300
Additional Information: ON 593306
Source: U S C G News Release (March 21, 2003) “Coast Guard saves three after boat grounds”
BERNICE (1948) The 14 ton 35 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Bernice was consumed by fire April 3, 1948 at Carroll Inlet near Ketchikan.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 17 N 131 30 W Chart 17420
Additional Information: Tonnage 14 Gross 11 Net, Length 35.1, Breadth 11.9, Depth 4.2, Built 1929 at Ketchikan, Horsepower 70, Owner John Smith, Registered Ketchikan, ON 228802
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1948) Pg 47, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1949) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 909
BERNICE (1983) The fishing vessel Bernice flooded and sank August 24, 1983 approximately 20 miles southeast of Icy Bay and Cape Yakataga.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 60 03 40 N 142 26 W Chart 16016
Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
BERTHA (1916) The 9 ton 30 foot fishing vessel Bertha foundered in Klag Bay in September of 1916. The one person aboard at the time of the disaster made it to safety.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 57 38 N 136 06 W Chart 17320
Additional Information: Tonnage 9 Gross 6 Net, Length 30.7, Breadth 10, Depth 4.8, Built 1898 at Portland OR, Registered Juneau, ON 3756
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1918) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 440, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1916) Pg 203
BERTIE II (1963) The 12 ton 36 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Bertie II burned November 19, 1962 at Tenakee Springs.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 57 46 50 N 135 13 W Chart 17300
Additional Information: Tonnage 12 Gross 9 Net, Length 36.3, Breadth 9.5, Depth 4.2, Built 1918 at Gig Harbor WA, Horsepower 143, SL WE8109, Owner Harold O Kravik Sr., Registered Juneau, ON 216279
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1963) Pg 68, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 963
BERTRAM I (1977) The Department of Public Safety patrol boat Bertram I drifted without power and sank in heavy seas January 25, 1977 in Portage Bay, 21 miles west of Petersburg.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 57 N 133 20 W Chart 17360
Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
BESSIE (1926) It was 11:30 in the morning on Sunday October 24, 1926 when the engine aboard the gas screw Bessie backfired catching the vessel on fire. There was a strong southeaster blowing and seas were rough three quarters of a mile off of Wards Cove Cannery where the incident occurred. The crew endeavored to quench the fire with Pyrene extinguishers without result. The Bessie burned to water’s edge and drifted ashore near Wacker City. The crew of two escaped but the vessel, valued at $7,000 became a total loss.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 24 30 N 131 43 30
Additional Information: Tonnage 8, Age built 1916 rebuilt 1926, Registered at Ketchikan, ON 222297, Master George Baggin of Ketchikan, Owner Charles Snipes of Ketchikan, Vessel Insurance $5,000, Cargo none
Source: U S Customs Wreck Report filed by Charles Snipes at Ketchikan on October 26, 1926
BESSIE M (1935) The wood hulled gas screw Bessie M caught fire Tuesday July 18, 1935 at 1:30 p.m. while at the float dock at Excursion Inlet. No one was on board at the time. The vessel was towed away from the dock and a hole was chopped in her side subsequently sinking the Bessie M and “checking the flames”. Because of the sinking, her engine and the lower part of the hull were saved. The cause of the blaze has been attributed to “gas fumes”.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 58 25 N 135 26 W
Additional Information: Tonnage 13 Gross 10 Net, Built 1920, Registration Juneau, ON 220280, Master Shorty Wilson, Owner Astoria & Puget Sound Canning Co. of Bellingham Washington, Vessel Value $1,000, Cargo none
Source: U S Customs Wreck Report filed September 27, 1935 by cannery superintendant
BETTY (1951) The 16 ton 43 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Betty struck a reef and was lost October 19, 1951 one mile off the east coast of Bronson Island.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 59 N 132 10 W Chart 17360
Comment: Most likely Brownson Island. WG
Additional Information: Tonnage 16 Gross 11 Net, Length 43.5, Breadth 12.7, Depth 4.2, Built 1920 at Wrangell, Horsepower 143, SL WC4958, Owner E J Wheeler, Registered Wrangell, ON 221017
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1951) Pg 54, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1952) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 955
BETTY S (1964) The 12 ton 38 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Betty S foundered in 1964 off of Ketchikan.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 20 30 N 131 38 45 W Chart 17420
Additional Information: Tonnage 12 Gross 10 Net, Length 38.6, Breadth 8.3, Depth 3.6, Built 1925 at Ketchikan, Horsepower 90, SL WC7763, Owner T H Miller, Registered Ketchikan, ON 224922
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 77, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1164
BILLY (1902) The wood scow Billy drug anchor in a 40 mile an hour storm about midnight on August 13, 1902 and piled up on the rocks becoming a total loss. The vessel had been left at anchor the day before, three miles north of Point Alava at the southern tip of Revillagigedo Island for fishermen to load salmon into.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 11 30 N 131 11 W
Additional Information: Tonnage 16, Built 1901 at Ballard Washington, Registered Ketchikan, ON 31692, Master J D Stedman, Owner Fidalgo Island Packing Co of Anacortes Washington, Vessel Value $600, Insurance none
Source: U S Customs Wreck Report filed by J D Stedman on August 16, 1902
BILLY B (1996) The 30 foot fishing vessel Billy B went awash in the surf and sank December 2, 1996 off of Warren Island near Klawock. Both crewmembers made it to safety.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 53 N 133 53 W Chart 17400
Additional Information: ON 254618
Sources: 1. U S C G Shipwreck List (1989-2004), 2. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013)
BINKI (1987) The 43 foot fishing vessel Binki rolled over and sank July 25, 1987 south of Admiralty Island. Four crewmembers were rescued by two passing fishing vessels the day after the disaster. One crewmember was plucked from the water by a United States Coast Guard Helicopter. Lee Welsh(25) of Del Mar, California was lost.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 57 40 N 134 20 W Chart 16016
Sources: 1. The Marietta Daily Journal (July 28, 1987) “Survival suits save 5 fishermen, 1 dies” Pg 2-A, 2. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
BIRD (1999) The 52 foot sailboat Bird was believed lost November 5, 1999 in Glacier Bay with one person aboard; David Poole of Mt. View, California.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 58 22 N 136 W Chart 16700
Source: Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013)
BLUE BIRD (1935) The gas screw Blue Bird, owned and operated by Joe Barnes of Ketchikan, caught fire and was lost on Wednesday August 21, 1935 at 5:00 p.m. in Cholmondeley Sound. The crew of four escaped but the Blue Bird, valued at $2,000 was a total loss. The report filed by Barnes lists a flooded gas tank as the cause of the blaze. The diesel screw Atlas offered what assistance they could.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 17 N 132 04 W
Additional Information: Tonnage 7 Net, Construction wood, Age 8 years, Registered Ketchikan, Last Port Ketchikan August 17, ON 224982
Source: U S Customs Wreck Report filed October 8, 1935 at Ketchikan
BLUE FIN (2004) The 42 foot longline fishing vessel Blue Fin capsized and was lost October 31, 2004 two miles south of Bold Island near Ketchikan. Both of the occupants of the Blue Fin were rescued from the overturned hull wearing only life jackets. The Hall Point was the Good Samaritan Vessel who pulled the two crewmembers from the water. The Hall Point fouled their propeller with a line from the Blue Fin and required a tow to Ketchikan from the Coast Guard vessel that responded from the Ketchikan Station. The Blue Fin was believed to have sunk in 600 feet of water.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 15 N 131 25 W Chart 17420
Sources: 1. U S C G News Release (November 1, 2004) “Coast Guard boat crew rescues the rescuer”, 2. A D E C Situation Report (November 12, 2004) “F/V Blue Fin”
BLUEBIRD (1987) The 46 foot fishing vessel Bluebird flooded and sank in a snow storm December 10, 1987 approximately 12 miles southwest of Sitka. Winds were blowing at 70 miles an hour and seas were at 30 feet. Jim Blades (33) and his six year old son Clinton were rescued by a U S Coast Guard Helicopter in the midst of these impossible conditions.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 57 03 N 135 20 W Chart 17320
Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
BLUEFIN (1959) The 48 foot seiner Bluefin was consumed by fire March 14, 1959 on Station Island in Sumner Strait. Owner Burt McKay was delivering supplies to a logging camp on Station Island and not aboard at the time of the disaster. He escaped in a skiff to nearby Vank Island.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 56 29 35 N 132 46 W Chart 17360
Source: Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013)
BOB (1910) The 8 ton 34 foot schooner Bob foundered and became a total loss at Juneau in June of 1910. The value of the vessel with cargo at the time was $3,000.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 58 18 15 N 134 24 30 W
Additional Information: Tonnage 8, Length 33.9, Breadth 10.2, Depth 3.9, Built 1895 at Tacoma WA, Registered Juneau, ON 3682
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1911) Pg 410, 2. Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992)
BOBBY LEE (1990) The 32 foot wooden fishing vessel Bobby Lee became disabled in heavy weather and sank January 28, 1990 in Frederick Sound. Both crewmembers were hoisted off of the vessel by a U S Coast Guard Helicopter.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 56 50 N 134 25 W Chart 17360
Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
BONNIE JEAN (1922) The 11 ton 36 foot gas screw Bonnie Jean foundered in Scow Bay November 15, 1922. No one was aboard at the time of the loss.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 56 46 20 N 132 57 50 W Chart 17375
Comment: I have charted this wreck at the Scow Bay near Petersburg, but it could have been the Scow Bay SE of Goddard. Further research is warranted. WG
Additional Information: Tonnage 11 Gross 8 Net, Length 36, Breadth 10.2, Depth 4, Service passenger, Crew 1, IHP 20, Built 1910 at Seattle WA, Registered Port Townsend WA, ON 207863
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1927) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 861, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1922) Pg 201
BOOMER (1949) The 8 ton 35 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Boomer burned near Cape Georgiana August 26, 1949.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 57 19 45 N 135 51 30 W Chart 17320
Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 5 Net, Length 30.6, Breadth 9.2, Depth 4, Built 1920 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 110, Owner William T Johnson, Registered Juneau
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1949) Pg 64, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1950) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 925
BORNEO (1819) The 233 ton fur trading ship Borneo was wrecked in a gale near Cape Muzon January 28, 1819. She had left Boston December 3, 1817. Her officers and crew were taken aboard the ship Volunteer after escaping local natives. The ship and her entire cargo of furs were lost. The survivors were taken to the Sandwich Islands.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 54 39 50 N 132 41 30 W
Sources: 1. History of the Northwest Coast (1886) Pg 340, 2. Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992), 3. New York Evening Post (May 16, 1820) “Marine List” Pg 2
BREMERTON (1963) The gas screw Bremerton burned September 27, 1963 in Kasaan Bay.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 24 N 132 06 W Chart 17420
Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
BRIXHAM (1898) The 530 net ton iron steamer Brixham stranded at the southeast end of Blashke Island, Clarence Strait, near Zarembo Island, at 2:47 a.m. on Thursday October 13, 1898 and became a total loss. She had departed Seattle October 8, 1898 with 18 passengers, 42 crewmen and a 240 ton cargo of mostly hogs, sheep and cattle, bound for Dyea and Skagway. The contributing factors listed in the wreck report include a southeast gale, a dark, stormy, rainy night and the vessel overran her distance. The casualty took place before any danger was realized. The crew and passengers all landed on Blashke Island and were spared, but the Brixham, valued at $75,000 and her cargo, valued at $12,500, were lost.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 56 07 N 132 54 W
Additional Information: Tonnage 626.68 Gross, Age 13 years, Registered Boston, ON 3455, Master James Durie of Brooklyn NY, Owner Boston and Alaska Transportation Co of Seattle, Length 183, Breadth 27.1, Depth 21.1, Horsepower 96, Built 1885 at Sunderland England
Source: U S Customs Wreck Report filed at Seattle by Boston & Alaska Transportation Co secretary October 24, 1898
BUCKEYE (1926) The American gas screw Buckeye was destroyed by fire while at anchor in Whiskey Cove on the north shore of Pennock Island just south of Ketchikan at 2:30 p.m. January 26, 1926. The vessel’s master, Glen R Day of Ketchikan heard an explosion found the vessel on fire. He attempted to douse the flames with fire extinguishers without success. He was soon assisted by the U S Coast Guard Cutter Cygan and several men from General Petroleum Corporation. They sank the Buckeye to put out the blaze. An accident report was filed the following day at Ketchikan by her master.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 19 40 N 131 37 45 W Chart 17430
Comment: H W McCurdy has this vessel lost in 1920 (Pg 313)
Additional Information: Tonnage 15 Gross 10 Net, Construction wood, Built 1919, Registered Ketchikan, ON 218589, Owner Jane E Angel of Ketchikan, Vessel Value $5,000, Vessel Insurance $3,750, Cargo none
Source: U S Customs Wreck Report
BULL MOOSE (1969) The 47 foot purse seiner Bull Moose capsized and sank July 20, 1969 in Glacier Bay near Point Gustavus, Icy Strait. David Burns (24) of Studio City CA and Monte Boden (20) of Seattle were lost. Four other crewmembers were rescued by another fishing vessel. The Bull Moose was on her way to Bartlett Cove when the disaster took place.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 58 23 N 135 55 W Chart 17300
Sources: 1. Seattle Daily Times (July 22, 1969) “Seattle Boat Capsizes; 2 Drown; 4 Safe” Pg 12, 2. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
BUSTER (1926) The American gas screw Buster was destroyed by fire and sank just outside Funter Bay at 11:00 p.m. on Saturday July 17, 1926. She had just departed Funter Bay with captain T J O’Rourke at the helm and 5 crewmen aboard bound for Icy Strait. The following is an accounting of the casualty from the wreck report filed at Ketchikan:
“She left the cannery here at about 10:30 PM with her regular crew and brailing or lifting crew aboard to fish traps in Icy Strait. Engine generating lights gave trouble, and engineer disconnected wiring to endeavor to locate and adjust trouble. In some way the wires were crossed, creating a spark which ignited gasoline, and fire quickly spread despite the use of pyrenes. Distress signal brought the Anna Barron and Driva to her assistance.” “…steam tug Anna Barron pumped water on the vessel. The M.S. Driva also stood by, and assisted in towing her into a dolphin in Funter Bay. The line burned out, and she drifted into the Bay. Burned all night and sank in deep water about 6:30 a.m. July 18, 1926.”
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 58 14 15 N 134 55 W Chart 17300
Additional Information: Construction wood, Tonnage 31 Gross 10 Net, Built 1889, Registration Ketchikan, ON 14481, Owner Sunny Point Packing Company of Seattle, Vessel Value $6,000, Cargo none, Vessel Insurance $4,000, Weather light wind calm sea
Source: U S Customs Wreck Report filed August 21, 1926 by W N Williams superintendant of Funter Bay Cannery agent for Sunny Point Packing Company
BUSY BEE (1938) Richard Young, owner and master of the vessel Busy Bee, and three crew narrowly escaped with their lives while fishing July 13, 1938. The crew of four had left Todd on Tuesday, July 12, 1938 on a fishing trip. The following day, after catching 10 to 12 tons of fish, the overloaded Busy Bee foundered inside Kelp Bay as they were leaving. There was no wind and seas were calm but the vessel filled too quickly to do anything. Assistance was rendered by the gas screw Redoubt who helped the crew get away from the wreck.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska Chart 17320
Additional Information: Construction wood, Tonnage 9 Gross 8 Net, Age 19 years, Registered Juneau, ON 219170, Vessel Value $3,500, Cargo Value $180, Insurance none
Source: U S Customs Wreck Report filed at Sitka by Young December 7, 1938
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