CAESAR (1908) The 36 foot gas screw fishing vessel Caesar struck a rock and was lost at Port Frederick in Icy Strait on August 14, 1908. The crew of three captained by J G Rowe of Juneau survived the wreck and salvaged the 16 tons of fish on board worth $200. The Caesar, valued at $9,000, had damage estimated at $8,150. There was no insurance on the vessel or its cargo.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 58 13 N 135 30 W Chart 17300
Comment: This vessel (same ON) was damaged again July 17, 1939 indicating that it was salvaged from this earlier wreck. WG
Additional Information: Tonnage 10 Gross 8 Net, Construction wood, Built 1902 at Ballard, Registration Juneau, ON 127657, Owner Mrs. Ella Rowe of Juneau
Source: U S Customs Wreck Report filed by J G Rowe August 17, 1908
CALEDONIA (1948) The 164 ton 82 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Caledonia was destroyed by a storm and foundered September 6, 1948 off Icy Point in southeast Alaska.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska Unknown
Comment: There are at least two Icy Points in Southeast Alaska. WG
Additional Information: Tonnage 164 Gross 132 Net, Length 82.2, Breadth 26.7, Depth 8.7, Built 1942 at Seattle WA, Former Names BSP-3475 (U S A) and PB-109 (U S A)Crew 9, Horsepower 230, SL WMYU, Owner Uganik Fisheries Inc., Registered Juneau, ON 252389
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1952) Pg 76, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1955) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 937
CALIFORNIA (1910) The steamer California was wrecked at Ward Cove in September of 1910.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 24 30 N 131 43 30 W Chart 17428
Comment: The steamer Princess appears to have been lost at the same time. WG
Source: The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 180
CALLISTO (1997) The 36 foot salmon troller Callisto flooded and sank December 22, 1997 approximately 45 nautical miles south of Sitka. The only person on board made it to safety.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 57 03 N 135 20 W Chart 17320
Additional Information: ON 247485
Sources: 1. U S C G Shipwreck List (1989-2004), 2. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013)
CAMELOT (1986) The 40 foot double ended trolling vessel Camelot left Sitka January 6, 1986 with two persons and a golden retriever aboard and was never seen again. Owner operator of the Camelot Randy Knutson and deckhand Rich Beamlander departed Sitka intending to fish for rockfish in local areas and only expected to be gone for several days. When the Camelot had not returned after a week, a friend notified the Coast Guard and a crew began a helicopter search of Salisbury Sound. The Coast Guard was soon joined by Sitka Civil Air Patrol in searching for the white with gray trim power troller. The search was expanded north through Olga and Neva Straits because of a tip. A C-130 from Kodiak Coast Guard Air Station also joined those looking for the vessel and all aboard. No sign of the Camelot or those on board was ever found.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 57 03 N 135 20 W Chart 17320
Additional Information: Owner Joseph R. Knutson of Elfin Cove, ADF&G #16955, CFED ID#538251
Sources: 1. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 2. Daily Sitka Sentinel (January 14, 1986) “CG Searches For Fish Boat” Pg 4, 3. Daily Sitka Sentinel (January 15, 1986) “Coast Guard” Pg 5, 4. Daily Sitka Sentinel (January 20, 1986) “Search For Fishermen Called Off” Pg 1
CANADA (1898) The American wood bark Canada was lost in a heavy northeasterly gale at Skagway February 19, 1898. Around 2:00 p.m. she broke her moorings and went adrift with $14,000 worth of lumber, some hay and grain, and four horses aboard. “When in danger tug from shore tried to help her, but could not. Capt. got sails up but could not avoid going ashore. When she went ashore Capt. fastened to tree with lines and cables and as she could not stay on account of sea breaking over her and listing badly, went back to Skagway with crew. Was below zero and blowing hard. She broke adrift and went down near Haines Mission ashore. From there …Tug Coleman towed her into Skagway and she went on beach there, and is there now.”
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 59 27 30 N 135 18 45 W Chart 17317
Additional Information: Tonnage 1190.58 Gross 1144.66 Net, Length 176.6, Breadth 36.8, Depth 23.6, Built at Bath Maine in 1859, Registered Port Townsend, ON 5305, Master Fred C Andrews of Tacoma, Owner Walter Oaker of Tacoma, Vessel Value $12,000, Cargo Value $14,000, Vessel Insurance none, Cargo fully insured
Sources: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report of April 14, 1898, 2. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 40
CAPE CHACON (1995) The 33 foot wooden fishing vessel Cape Chacon ran aground and sank January 10, 1996 at Ratz Harbor off of the northeast coast of Prince of Wales Island. The accident was attributed to a cigarette ember blinding the skipper. Both crewmembers abandoned ship to a skiff and were rescued by the U S Coast Guard.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 53 15 N 132 35 45 W Chart 17420
Additional Information: ON 258702
Sources: 1. U S C G Shipwreck List (1989-2004), 2. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013)
CAPE SAINT ELIAS (2007) The fishing vessel Cape St. Elias capsized and was lost in the Eastern Channel near Sitka July 14, 2007. All five crewmembers were rescued from the water by two good Samaritan vessel who responded to a VHF mayday.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 57 01 N 135 20 W Chart 17320
Comment: This vessel may have been salvaged, rebuilt and put back into service in 2009. WG
Sources: 1. Michael Burwell BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List Updates (2013), 2. State of Alaska CFEC Public Lookup
CAPELA (1909) The 33 foot gas screw Capela was lost Wednesday evening, December 29, 1909 along with two crewmen. She was being towed by the gas screw Neptune with owner and master N Parsons at the helm. The Neptune lost power in a heavy northerly wind and both vessels drifted onto the lee shore on northeast Vank Island in Stikine Straits. Seaman Charles Hicks drowned at the stranding and master and owner of the Capela, H Appeldorn died from exposure and exhaustion soon after reaching land. The Capela was a total loss.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 56 29 N 132 38 W Chart 17382
Additional Information: Tonnage 12 Gross 8 Net, Length 33.3, Breadth 12, Depth 5.7, Built 1896 at Edwards Washington, Registration Wrangel, ON 127152, Last Port Wrangel December 29, Destination Petersburg, Vessel Value $400
Source: U S Customs Wreck Report file January 18, 1910 by F E Brownson, Deputy Collector, Wrangel after an inquest held at Wrangel by U S Commissioner
CAPRICE (1940) The 30 foot Anacortes fishing boat Caprice burned and sank June 11, 1940 approximately 12 miles off of Sitka near Saint Lazaria Island. Both crewmembers were rescued by the fishing vessel Terry C.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 56 59 15 N 135 42 W Chart 17320
Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
CARITA (1906) The vessel Carita is reported to have been lost in 1906 in Tongass Narrows near Ketchikan.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 20 30 N 131 38 45 W Charts 17428, 17430
Source: Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992)
CARLENE (1949) The 12 ton 34 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Carlene was consumed by fire in Skookum Chuck (Tlevak Narrows) January 16, 1949.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 16 N 133 07 W Chart 17400
Additional Information: Tonnage 12 Gross 8 Net, Length 34, Breadth 9.8, Depth 4, Built 1947 at Petersburg, Horsepower 140, Owner Philip Lauth, Registered Ketchikan, ON 254120
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1949) Pg 81, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1950) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 925
CARLISLE (1923) The 15 ton 44 foot gas screw fishing vessel Carlisle stranded and was lost October 14, 1923 at Gravina Island. The two persons aboard made it to safety.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 17 N 131 46 W Chart 17420
Additional Information: Tonnage 15 Gross 10 Net, Length 43.9, Breadth 10.8, Depth 5.1, IHP 30, Built1901 at New Whatcom WA, Registered Ketchikan, ON 127507
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1927) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 861, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1923) Pg 154
CARMELLA (1956) The 16 ton 50 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Carmella burned November 5, 1956 at Coon Cove.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 27 20 N 131 29 15 W Chart 17420
Additional Information: Tonnage 16 Gross 10 Net, Length 50.4, Breadth 14.5, Depth 7.8, Built 1946 at Warrenton OR, Horsepower 165, Owner Warren Johnson, Registered Ketchikan, ON 250192
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1956) Pg 93, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1957) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 755
CARMEN (1931) At 7:15 p.m. Tuesday September 15, 1931 the wood gas screw Carmen experienced a back-fire from her engine and was set ablaze along with her 10 ton cargo of shingles. She was a half mile south of the Dupont Powder Company Warehouse in Gastineau Channel when fire consumed the vessel. Her crew of three, including owner operator M E Lane, managed to escape unharmed. They had left Petersburg earlier that day bound for Juneau. The U S Bureau of Fisheries Service boat Brant and oil screw Woodrow were nearby but no aid could be rendered.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 58 16 N 134 20 W Chart 17315
Additional Information: Tonnage 35 Gross 28 Net, Built 1913, Registration Ketchikan, ON 211042, Vessel Value $8,500, Cargo Value $280, Vessel Insurance $6,000, Cargo Insurance $280, Weather calm and dark.
Source: U S Coast Guard Casualty Report filed at Juneau September 16, 1931 by M E Lane.
CAROL JOY (1956) The 13 ton 33 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Carol Joy stranded and was lost February 18, 1956 between Fishers Creek and Parkers Cove on the west side of Admiralty Island.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 57 36 45 N 134 40 30 W Chart 17320
Comment: Probably Fishery Creek and Parker Point vicinity. WG
Additional Information: Tonnage 13 Gross 9 Net, Length 33.7, Breadth 11, Depth 4.2, Built 1925 at Hoonah, Former Name Dorothy D, Horsepower 143, Owner Johnnie Jack, Registered Juneau, ON 224788
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1956) Pg 94, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1957) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 755
CAROL MAE (1993) The 34 foot salmon seiner Carol Mae was destroyed by fire August 9, 1993 at Haines. There was no loss of life.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 59 14 10 N 135 26 15 W Chart 17300
Additional Information: ON 636182
Sources: 1. U S C G Shipwreck List (1989-2004), 2. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013)
CAROLINE (1937) The wood gas screw Caroline experienced an engine failure and stranded at Point Arden at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday November 27, 1937. The seas pounded her until she broke in two. Her crew of four managed to escape to shore where they were rescued four days later by the Alaska Game Commission Patrol Boat Seal. The Caroline became a total loss but her ton and a half cargo of fishing gear, valued at $800, was salvaged with the help of the oil screw vessel Explorer. The Caroline was valued at $1,500 and had no insurance.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 58 09 30 N 134 10 30 W Chart 17315
Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 5 Net, Built 1927, Registration Petersburg, ON 231738, Master Olaf Aase of Juneau, Owner Chris Knutsen of Petersburg, Last Port Taku Harbor November 27, Bound for Juneau.
Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed at Juneau January 18, 1938 by Olaf Aase.
CASCADE (1963) The gas screw Cascade foundered June 5, 1963 at Duke Island.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 54 55 N 131 20 W Chart 17420
Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
CASTOR (1933) The 8 ton 34 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Castor was destroyed by fire April 1, 1933 at Tree Point Light.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 54 48 15 N 130 55 45 W Chart 17420
Comment: The 40 foot fishing vessel Reliance was lost with four crewmen two weeks before in the same location. WG
Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 6 Net, Length 33.8, Breadth 10.1, Depth 4.6, Built 1918 at Lemola WA, Horsepower 12, Owner Nordby Supply Company of Seattle, Registered Ketchikan, ON 216162
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1933) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 989, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1932) Pgs 258-9
CATHY (1998) The 38 foot salmon troller Cathy was consumed by fire April 9, 1998 in Sitka Sound. The cause of the blaze was believed to be electrical. Both crewmembers made it to safety.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 57 N 135 30 W Chart 17320
Additional Information: ON 548005
Sources: 1. U S C G Shipwreck List (1989-2004), 2. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013)
CAVALIER (1970) The 41 ton 49 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Cavalier foundered September 4, 1970 off of Cape Spencer in Cross Sound.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 58 12 45 N 136 39 30 W Chart 17300
Additional Information: Tonnage 41 Gross 28 Net, Length 49.6, Breadth 15.6, Depth 7.1, Built 1942 at Hoquiam WA, ON 241568
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 132, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1976) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1869
CELT (1953) The 43 ton 62 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Celt burned in September of 1953 in Cholmondeley Sound.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 17 N 132 04 W Chart 17420
Additional Information: Tonnage 43 Gross 29 Net, Length 62.5, Breadth 15.8, Depth 7.2, Built 1912 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 150, SL WA3506, Owner Richard Thompson, Registered Ketchikan, ON 209593
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1955) Pg 97, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1956) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 742
CELTIC (1958) The 8 ton 29 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Celtic collided with a log and was lost September 17, 1958 near Cape Strait in Frederick Sound.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 56 59 55 N 133 05 30 W Chart 17360
Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 6 Net, Length 29.7, Breadth 8.9, Depth 4.3, Built unknown, Horsepower 115, Owner Ross Peterson, Registered Juneau, ON 263878
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1958) Pg 103, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1959) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 800
CENA (1962) The 10 ton fiberglass oil screw Cena foundered April 21, 1962 near Turnabout Island in Frederick Sound.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 57 07 30 N 133 58 40 W Chart 17360
Additional Information: Tonnage 10 Gross, Built 1962, ON 287935
Source: Merchant Vessels of the U S (1963) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 929
CHACON (1936) The 80 foot passenger and mail motor vessel Chacon stranded on a rock and sank in Zimovia Strait in 1936. The eight passengers and six crewmen escaped in a life boat and were later picked up.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 56 13 N 132 20 W Chart 17385
Additional Information: Built 1912, Registration Ketchikan
Source: The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 449
CHANCE (1930) An engine backfire caused the blaze that destroyed the 16 ton gas screw Chance at 1:00 in the morning September 24, 1930. Pat Hollywood was alone taking the vessel from Juneau to Sitka for owner N H Schmolck of Ketchikan. “Was passing Marmion Island when vessel commenced burning. Flames too hot to admit fighting. Went ashore in small boat and came to town to report. Hull is now lying above high water between Marmion Island and Douglas Island.”
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 58 12 N 134 15 W Chart 17315
Additional Information: Tonnage 16 Gross 13 Net, Built 1929, Registration Ketchikan, ON 220811, Vessel Value $5,000, Cargo none, Vessel Insurance $4,400, Weather clear and calm
Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed September 24, 1930 by master Pat Hollywood
CHARGER (1909) It was midnight on Sunday October 10, 1909 when the 203 foot 1,334 ton wood scow barge Charger began having problems. She had taken on a load of 2,250 tons of copper ore and sprung a leak. She was beached in Karta Bay to prevent foundering. “…as pumps not able to gain, tug Tyee ordered at 9:30 p.m. to tow vessel to shallow water; owing to rocky nature of coast it was difficult in darkness to find good ground. At 9 a.m. 11th Oct. vessel fell over on her side. Water covered her to forehatch.” Both the vessel and her cargo were reported as total losses. The crew of six escaped without harm.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 34 15 N 132 34 W Chart 17426
Additional Information: Length 203.2, Breadth 39.8, Depth 24, Built in Boston in 1874, ON 125236, Master J Haust of Seattle, Owner Coastwise Steamship & Barge, Departed Seattle October 2 for Ketchikan, Vessel Value $22,500, Cargo Value $19,000, Vessel Insurance $5,500, Cargo Insurance $19,000
Source: U S Customs Wreck Report filed at Ketchikan October 12, 1909 by I Griffiths, President Coastwise Steamship and Barge Co
CHARMER (1991) The 34 foot shrimp trawler Charmer capsized and sank July 14, 1991 off Level Island. The shrimp trawl hung up on the bottom in a strong tidal current. The cable parted causing the Charmer’s load to shift and the vessel capsized and sank. Both crewmembers were rescued.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 56 28 N 133 05 W Chart 17360
Additional Information: ON 284121
Sources: 1. U S C G Shipwreck List (1989-2004), 2. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013)
CHATHAM (1938) The 650 ton wood schooner Chatham caught fire while loading fertilizer at Wards Cove near Ketchikan and was virtually destroyed August 31, 1938. Second engineer George Bennett and fireman John Morrison suffered minor burns in the blaze. Most of the vessel’s cargo was salvaged.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 24 30 N 131 43 30 W Charts 17428 17430
Additional Information: Owner Alaska Transportation Co, Built as the Johan Paulson and later became the Evelyn Berg.
Source: The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pgs 465, 113
CHATHAM (1949) The seiner Chatham settled on a rock a tipped over September 19, 1949 in Slocum Arm. The crew abandoned ship to a life boat and were picked up by a cannery tender and taken to Pelican. The vessel and her cargo of 10,000 fish were a total loss.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 57 34 N 136 03 W Chart 17300
Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
CHATHAM (1991) The 82 foot fishing vessel Chatham caught fire and became a total loss November 23, 1991 while on the beach for winter maintenance. U S Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Juneau was notified of the incident December 2, 1991. The fire was believed to have originated near an electric heater in use near an operating generator.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska Unknown
Additional Information: Length 82.3, ON 251840, Call Sign WA3592, Former Name BSP 3141 USA
Source: MISLE Case # 861811 Investigation Activity Report
CHEERIO (1957) The 18 ton 37 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Cheerio burned March 1, 1957 in Knat (Gnat) Cove, Carroll Inlet.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 23 N 131 19 40 W Chart 17420
Additional Information: Tonnage 18 Gross 12 Net, Length 37.2, Breadth12.3, Depth 4.8, Built 1944 at Wrangell, Horsepower 84, SL WC8285, Owner Delbert M Richardson, Registered Ketchikan, ON 249157
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1957) Pg 105, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1958) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 777
CHELAN (1954) The 154 foot wooden Vancouver, B.C. tug Chelan and the 240 foot barge she was towing were lost off of the entrance to Sumner Strait April 15, 1954 along with the entire 14 man crew. The tug and barge departed Skagway bound for Vancouver with a cargo of silver, lead and zinc ore concentrates. The Chelan sent out a brief MAYDAY before sinking four miles west of Cape Decision. Heavy weather with snow and strong winds was present at the time of the disaster. Captain Cecil H Roberts, chief engineer Brock Haines, crewman Frank Hykaway and 11 others were lost. Only the bodies of Hykaway and Haines were recovered. Doug Anderson and associates of Alpac Underseas Inc. located the wreck site of the Chelan in June of 1979 and obtained salvage rights from Lloyds of London. A one man submarine leased by Anderson from the Antonsen Brothers and manned by Chris Antonsen was first to see the wreck. The 205 foot salvage vessel Northern Retriever was to be used in the salvage attempt. Anderson died in another salvage effort off of Port Wilson, Washington and his Chelan salvage effort was never completed.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 56 00 10 N 134 08 W Chart 16016
Additional Information: Tonnage 541, Built in Bellingham WA 1944 for the U S Army, Owner Frank Waterhouse & Co., Previous Names Veta C, Libby Island and U S Army Coastal Freighter FS 245, Barge originally Canadian passenger steamer Princess Mary
Sources: 1. Seattle Times (April 16, 1954) “CANADIAN TUG SINKS: 14 MEN FEARED LOST” Front Page, 2. Seattle Times (April 17, 1954) “Boat may be clue to fate of tug’s crew” Pg 7, 3. Daily Sitka Sentinel (April 23, 1954) “Body of Engineer of Chelan Found” Front Page, 4. Seattle Times (September 9, 1979) “Salvage firm will try to recover silver cargo from sunken ship” Pg C-15.
CHEROKEE (1980) The fishing vessel Cherokee sank in Behm Canal October 17, 1980 with three persons aboard. Brian Svenson and Bruce Dunlap were picked up from a life raft by the tug Edith Olson and taken to Ketchikan. Skipper Gene Doudy was lost.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 28 N 131 55 W Chart 17420
Comment: This is likely the 36 foot F/V Cherokee (ON 41031) owned by Eugene Darity of Ketchikan. WG
Sources: 1. Sitka Daily Sentinel (October 20, 1980) “Four Feared Lost in Ketchikan Boat Accidents” Pg 1, 2. CFEC State of Alaska Public Lookup (2016) “Cherokee” 1980
CHERYL ANN (1998) The 58 foot salmon seiner Cheryl Ann broke loose from her moorings in bad weather, grounded and was lost October 26, 1998 at Saxman. No one was aboard at the time of the disaster.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 19 05 N 131 35 45 W Chart 17420
Additional Information: 236233
Sources: 1. U S C G Shipwreck List (1989-2004), 2. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013)
CHERYL SUZANNE (1992) The 32 foot crab fishing vessel Cheryl Suzanne struck the rocks and sank June 30, 1992 at Point Couverden. The one person aboard made it to safety.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 58 11 25 N 135 03 10 W Chart 17300
Additional Information: ON 666186
Sources: 1. U S C G Shipwreck List (1989-2004), 2. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013)
CHESTER L (1930) The 11 ton wooden gas screw Chester L caught fire at 3 p.m. Monday December 15, 1930 and became a total loss. C B Wyatt of Wrangell was the only one aboard and attempted to douse the flames by cutting a hole in her bow. He then towed the vessel to the beach 6 miles southeast of Boss Island where she sank. He was able to salvage some of the stores on board.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 56 30 N 134 12 W Chart 17376
Additional Information: Tonnage 11 Gross 7 Net, Built 1926, Registration Wrangell, ON 225925, Owner Alfred Cramer and M W Wyatt of Wrangell, Vessel Value $3,000, Cargo none, Insurance none
Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed at Wrangell January 10, 1931 by C B Wyatt
CHICHAGOFF (1946) The 44 ton 57 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Chichagoff foundered December 20, 1946 at Khaz Head off of Piehle Passage. The vessel lost rudder control and was abandoned after a breaker swept the pilot house away. All three crewmembers escaped in a dory.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 57 31 45 N 136 01 W Chart 17322
Additional Information: Tonnage 44 Gross 30 Net, Length 57.3, Breadth 14.5, Depth 8, Built 1915 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 125, Crew 2, Owner Jack Calvin, Registered Sitka, ON 213387
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1946) Pg 88, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1955) “Vessels Subject to Removal” Pg 569, 3. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
CHILKAT (1837) The Russian American Company schooner Chilkat was lost off of Cape Edgecumbe with all hands January of 1837. Captain Vasilii Kirillovich Voronkovskii and 14 other crewmembers were lost along with the Chilkat. Wreckage of the vessel and her cargo of furs were found strewn along the Cape and on Saint Lazaria Island where she had been beached during a storm.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 56 59 N 135 42 W Chart 17325
Sources: 1. Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992), 2. Russian Maritime Catastrophes (1741-1867) Pg 189
CHILKAT (1907) The Chilkat was listed as a total loss at Chilkoot Inlet near Haines in 1907.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 59 N 135 13 W Chart 17317
Source: Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992)
CHILKOOT (1946) The 14 ton 51 foot wooden gas screw Chilkoot stranded and was lost at Guide Island, 10 miles northwest of Sitka, on May 27, 1945.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 57 08 N 135 31 10 W Chart 17324
Additional Information: Tonnage 14 Gross 10 Net, Length 51, Breadth 11.4, Depth 4.3, Built 1903 at Astoria OR, Service freight, Horsepower 50, Crew 2, Owner Wallace Westfall, Registered Sitka, ON 127742
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1946) Pg 89, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1947) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 822
CHIPPEWA (1948) The 11 ton 32 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Chippewa stranded and was lost August 1, 1948 at Harris Cove, Kuiu Island.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 56 19 30 N 134 17 W Chart 17320
Additional Information: Tonnage 11 Gross 7 Net, Length 32.3, Breadth 10, Depth 5.2, Built 1909 at Hope Island WA, Horsepower 40, Owner Edgar C Wood, Registered Tacoma WA, ON 250848
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1948) Pg 92, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1949) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 909
CHRISTINA MARIE (1983) The 29 foot gillnet fishing vessel Christina Marie grounded and was lost September 4, 1983 at Humpy Point in Dixon Entrance south of Ketchikan. Bill Hamilton was lost.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 54 49 15 N 130 56 30 W Chart 17420
Sources: 1. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 2. Daily Sitka Sentinel (September 6, 1983) “Coast Guard” Pg 6
CHUBBY (1999) The 29 foot fishing vessel Chubby caught fire and sank September 4, 1999 three miles south of Haines. Both persons on board made it to safety.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 59 14 10 N 135 26 15 W Chart 17300
Comment: A fishing vessel Chubby was found adrift with no one on board September 18, 1971 near Eldred Rock in Lynn Canal. One person was lost. Probably the same vessel. WG
Sources: 1. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 2. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013)
CHUM (1940) The 20 ton 41 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Chum was destroyed by fire August 18, 1940 three miles from the cannery at Tenakee Inlet. No lives were lost in the disaster.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 57 47 N 134 57 W Chart 17320
Additional Information: Tonnage 20 Gross 13 Net, Length 41, Breadth 13.2, Depth 4.8, Built 1917 at Cordova, Horsepower70, Crew 6, Owner Superior Packing Company of Washington, Registered Seattle, ON 215511
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1941) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 510, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1939) Pg 116
CHUM (1956) The 11 ton 32 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Chum foundered November 6, 1956 at Sukoi Island in Frederick Sound.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 56 53 30 N 132 55 25 W Chart 17360
Additional Information: Tonnage 11 Gross 7 Net, Length 32.3, Breadth 12.6, Depth 3.3, Built 1939 at Petersburg, Horsepower 75, Owner Alexander McGilton, Registered Wrangell, ON 238901
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1956) Pg 108, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1957) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 755
CITATION (1975) The oil screw Citation foundered August 10, 1975 in Sitka Sound.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 57 N 135 30 W Chart 17320
Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
CITY OF ANACORTES (1933) The 41 ton 63 foot wooden oil screw City Of Anacortes was wrecked in Portland Canal (near the Alaska Canada Border) on May 8, 1933. The six persons aboard made it to safety.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 02 N 130 12 W Chart 17427
Additional Information: Tonnage 41 Gross 28 Net, Length 62.8, Breadth 12.8, Depth 7.4, Built 1909 at Decatur WA, Service passenger, Horsepower 60, Owner Wallace W Noyes, Registered Ketchikan, ON 206462
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1933) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 989, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1932) Pgs 264-5, 3. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 425
CITY OF ASTORIA (1898) The 72 foot wooden towing steamer City of Astoria hit a submerged rock at 4:30 in the morning August 3, 1898 “near Sullivans Island about 250 feet off the point marked Taiya Sahnka”. She had sailed from the port of Dyea (Skagway) bound for Taiya Sahnka (Lynn Canal) with no cargo towing a barge when the accident occurred. Soon after the vessel stranded a wind came up preventing anything from being done. “After rough weather set in the boat rolled off the rock into deeper water and sank.” The wreck report filed by E W Johnston, a manager for the Pacific Clipper Line, said that Chart 8303 which was being used at the time of the casualty did not have the rock or reef marked. He noted that chart 8300 did. He also noted that the vessel had not been raised at the time of the accident report filing and would become a total loss if not raised soon. The casualty report was filed August 25, 1898.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 58 33 N 135 19 W Chart 17317
Additional Information: Tonnage 56.47 Gross 29.64 Net, Age 8 years, Registered Seattle, Master E H Bragdon, Owner Warren C Stetson of Seattle ½, Passengers none, Crew 5 (none lost), Vessel Value $7,000, Vessel Insurance $5,000, Length 72 feet, breadth 16.5 feet, depth 5 feet, HP 50, Built 1889 East Portland, Oregon
Source: U S Customs Wreck Report
CITY OF SITKA (1898) The small two masted schooner City Of Sitka foundered and was lost with three persons aboard March 8, 1898 off of Cape Ommaney. She was on a voyage from Sitka to Wrangell when the casualty occurred. On board were Sitka merchant C H Bate, Herman Thomas and Ah Poy from China.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 56 10 N 134 40 20 W Chart 17320
Comment: This is likely the same vessel as Sitka(1898). WG
Sources: 1. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 40, 2. The Evening Star (June 20, 1898) “Two Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 2
CLAM (1937) An explosion and fire destroyed the wood gas screw Clam at the mouth of Very Inlet on Sunday December 12, 1937 at 9:30 in the morning. Charles Cooper, the master of the vessel remarked in the wreck report he filed February 2, 1938 “After fire I was stranded on the beach where I had a cabin and I was unable to come into Ketchikan to report the accident until this date.” The Clam was owned by J T Bumgarner and valued at $1,000 at the time of the loss.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 54 58 45 N 130 55 30 W Chart 17434
Additional Information: Tonnage 12 Gross 8 Net, Age 30 years, Registered Ketchikan, ON 203913, Last Port Ketchikan Dec 6, 1937, Destination Very Inlet, Crew of One
Source: Report of Casualty filed at Collection District 31 Ketchikan
CLARA (1927) The wooden gas screw fishing vessel Clara broke her anchor chain in a heavy blow in Puffin Bay, Baranof Island at 11 a.m. October 14, 1927. Olaf Haram, master and owner of the vessel and the only one aboard, attempted to get the engine started but the Clara’s prop fouled in the kelp near shore. He mentions in the wreck report filed at Ketchikan October24, 1927 that the winds were the worst he had seen in years, “probably 75 miles per hour.” The Clara piled up on the beach and was destroyed. Haram narrowly escaped with his life. The vessel was valued at $3,000 at the time and insured for $2,000.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 56 15 30 N 134 48 W Chart 17320
Additional Information: Tonnage 9 Gross 6 Net, Age 18 years, Registered Ketchikan, ON 206384, Last Port Port Conclusion October 12, 1927 bound for fishing grounds
Source: Treasury Dept U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty October 24, 1927
CLARA BLANCHE (1930) The wooden gas screw purse seiner Clara Blanche was destroyed by a fire of unknown origin which started at 7 p.m. Friday July 11th, 1930 in port at Tyee. The crew of four escaped, but the Clara Blanche valued at $2,000 became a total loss.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 57 02 30 N 134 32 30 W Chart 17360
Additional Information: Tonnage 15 Gross 10 Net, Built 1914, Registration Ketchikan, ON 212035, Master Henry Davis of Ketchikan, Owner Sebastian Stuart Fish Co, Insurance $2,000
Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty July 21, 1930 by H A Seephames, VP of SSFC
CLARA NEVADA (1898) February 5, 1898 the 154 foot steel passenger steamer Clara Nevada disappeared in Lynn Canal. The vessel departed Seattle January 27th bound for Skagway with 42 crewmembers and as many as 40 passengers. She was on her return trip southbound from the gold fields with as many as 65 passengers on board when she vanished. Rumors at the time told of a large quantity of gold from the Klondike went down with the vessel. In 1908 a late February storm coupled with extreme neap tides exposed the wreckage of the ill fated Clara Nevada in the shallows north of Eldred Rock. The exposed wreckage also brought to light a revelation that two divers, George Stowell and H. Sanford had located the wreck in past years and salvaged much of the machinery and cargo. They were also able to determine a cause of the disaster. The divers’ investigation revealed that a fire had started in the boatswain’s locker that had spread to the wheel house forcing the crew aft. Emergency tackle was rigged for steerage but it failed in the ferocious winds. The vessel was blown onto uncharted Eldred Reef where a hole was stove into her port bow. The Clara Nevada slid off the reef and sank in the shallow water nearby. The fire was likely extinguished along with the lives of all those aboard. Stowell and Sanford claimed that they were not able to locate any of the gold rumored to have been aboard the vessel.
In 1916 famous deep sea diver and wrecker C. F. Stagger also found the Clara Nevada and salvaged half a ton of copper and brass from the hulk. Mr. Stagger’s investigation of the wreck came to the conclusion that the wreck was not caused by a fire, but more likely, the vessel struck a submerged rock. The hull was completely encased in kelp and marine growth at the time of Stagger’s investigation 18 years after the disaster which could explain his conflicting report as to the cause of the sinking. He also claimed that there was no gold to be found aboard the vessel where he had been able to reach with his efforts.
Many stories and speculations have been printed about the loss of the Clara Nevada, but a complete picture has yet to surface. There are questions about not only the cause of the loss, but who was on board and what valuable cargo was she carrying? Those who have located and reached the wreck claim that the soft mud where she lies and the damaged condition of her hull make it unlikely that the gold that was aboard will ever be found. Her hull is said to be in a sad state either from collision, boiler explosion or the explosion of the dynamite she was carrying for the Treadwell Mine at Douglas.
It has been difficult to determine exactly how many people were aboard the Clara Nevada and who they were. There were no survivors and the purser’s records went down with the ship. Among those reported lost from the crew were captain C H Lewis, pilot Ed Kelly, first officer Smith, engineer David Reed, purser George Foster Beck, steward O’Donnell, Quartermaster Bat Hurley, Quartermaster Edward O’Brien, Fireman Billy Carey, Fireman Billy McDonald, Fireman Arthur Finnegan, Steerage Steward W.J. Jackson, Night Watchman H.M. Benton, Steam fitter George G. Hill, Cabin Boy John L. Butler, Cabin Boy C.E. Perkins, Cabin Boy George Rose and freight clerk George Rogers. Some of the passenger thought to have been lost with the Clara Nevada include Frank Whitney of Cripple Creek CO, Al Noyes of Juneau, a young man named Hill of Seattle, Harry Hunt of Montana, George Rowe of Seattle, Al Nebocker of Portland OR, A. Bennicke of Portland OR, A.J. Selong of New York and Mr. and Mrs. Dros.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 58 58 15 N 135 13 10 W Chart 17317
Additional Information : Length 154 feet, breadth 24.7 feet, Depth 11.8 feet, Built Camden NJ in 1872, Former Name U S C G S Hassler, Registered Seattle, ON 127222, Master C H Lewis of Portland Oregon, Owner P and A T Co of Seattle, Vessel Value $90,000, Vessel Insurance $20,000
Sources: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report filed by H P McGuire President of P and A T Co April 25, 1898, 2.San Francisco Chronicle (March 18, 1908) “Says Wreck Was Due To Fire” Pg 3, 3. Ann Arbor Argus (February 18, 1898) “Forty May Be Dead” Pg 6, 4. Daily Alaska Dispatch (June 28, 1916) “Relics From Clara Nevada Brought Here” Pg 5, 5. Oregonian (February 18, 1898) “None Left To Tell” Pg 6, 6. San Diego Union (February 20, 1898) “Skaguay Crowded” Pg 1
CLARE (1915) It was 4 p.m. Tuesday November 9, 1915 when a missing electrode caused the engine to stop aboard the wooden fishing vessel Clare. An anchor was put out near Wedge Island but it dragged in the stormy weather. The Clare stranded and pounded to pieces in a gale but the crew of two escaped. According to the wreck report filed November 18th by her master, M E Lane, the vessel was valued at $1,500 and her cargo of 6,000 pounds of canned and salt fish was valued at $450; both lost. Lane did not know if the Clare was insured. The last port was listed as Dolomi November 9th, 1915 with a destination of Ketchikan.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 08 45 N 131 57 45 W Chart 17420
Comment: The wreck report calls this vessel Clare of Juneau. H W McCurdy Pg 258 spells the vessel Claire
Additional Information: Tonnage 5, Age 5 years, Registered Ketchikan, ON 200186, Owner Eng. Weise Inc of Seattle
Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty November 18, 1915
CLYDESDALE (1957) The 38 ton 55 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Clydesdale was destroyed by a storm and lost February 22, 1957 at Slocum Arm on the west coast of Chichagof Island.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 57 34 N 136 03 W Chart 17320
Additional Information: Tonnage 38 Gross 30 Net, Length 55.6, Breadth 15.6, Depth 6.6, Built 1917 at Gig Harbor WA, Horsepower 100, SL WB5635, Owner Daniel R MacHale, Registered Sitka, ON 214968
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1957) Pg 114, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1958) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 777
COAST NO 3 (1973) The 49 ton 63 foot wooden barge Coast No 3 foundered May 15, 1973 at Hawk Inlet.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 58 07 40 N 134 45 15 W Chart 17300
Additional Information: Tonnage 49 Gross and Net, Length 63.4, Breadth 20, Depth 4.5, Built 1939 at Seattle WA, ON 174387
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 151, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1974) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1635
COASTAL TRADER (1997) The 168 foot fish tender Coastal Trader caught fire and was abandoned October 6, 1997 near Dixon Entrance, 70 miles off of Cape Muzon. The vessel was travelling from Saint Paul Island to Seattle. The seven crewmembers abandoned ship and were rescued by U S Coast Guard Helicopters and transported to Sitka. A salvaging vessel towed the Coastal Trader to Port Caldera where the cargo was removed. The vessel was then towed to Seattle.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 54 39 50 N 132 41 30 W Chart 16016
Comment: This vessel was originally reported as a total loss off of Cape Muzon. WG
Additional Information: Length 168.5, ON 285716, Call Sign WCQ6020, Owner New England Fish Company ME
Sources: 1. Unofficial Shipwreck List (Kodiak), 2. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 3. USCG MISLE Case # 827357
COASTER (1929) It was Tuesday January 22, 1929 when the wooden gas screw Coaster exploded and was destroyed by fire six miles west of Tenakee Springs. The three man crew had been unloading the 2,000 pounds of camp supplies when the casualty occurred. The following is an accounting given by a native crewmember:
“The accident occurred whilst anchored in Tenakee Alaska. The stern of the boat swung in to the beach and became fast. When the tide went out about three feet of bilge water ran through to the forecastle causing oil from the bilge to float on the surface to ignite and so burned the hull to the water’s edge. Nothing was saved but the engine which is of course spoilt owing to it being submerged at high water”
The vessel’s master James Kasko gave the following description in the wreck report filed at Juneau February 2, 1929:
“was unloading supplies and camp equipment. Tide was falling and Coaster swung with Tide and grounded by stern, all bilge water ran to the bow and ignited from a stove in the forecastle. I was in Pilot House and was blown overboard, balance of crew also blown overboard.”
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 57 46 50 N 135 13 W Chart 17320
Additional Information: Tonnage 14 Gross 10 Net, Built 1908, Registered Seattle, ON 205602, Owner F J Wettrick of Seattle, Vessel Value $2,200, Cargo Value $250, Insurance unknown
Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed at Juneau February 2, 1929
COASTY (1929) A shipwreck report was filed in Seattle March 19, 1929 by the owners of the above vessel Coaster (J T Tenneson and F J Wettrick) using the name Coasty.
COBRA (1990) The 58 foot fishing vessel Cobra flooded and was abandoned February 22, 1990 at Swanson Harbor. All four crewmembers were rescued by the fishing vessel Jenny.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 58 11 30 N 135 05 W Chart 17300
Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
COLORADO (1901) Monday, April 22, 1901 the 983 ton wooden barge Colorado was in tow of the British steam tug Pilot commanded by a Captain Cutter when at 5:15 p.m. the Colorado stranded on a reef in Wrangel Narrows opposite Anchor Point. According to the master of the Colorado, F C Andrews, about 225 tons of the 1098 tons of sulphurite concentrates were lost, which at the time were worth about $12,000. The barge, valued at $8,000 became a total loss as well. Captain Cutter cited the cause of the accident as an out of place buoy. He says in the wreck report “stranded owing to Red Buoy at Spruce Pt being 300 yards west of correct position.” They had left Juneau April 20th bound for Tacoma, Washington.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 56 38 15 N 132 55 35 W Chart 17375
Additional Information: Tonnage 983, Built 1864 at Boston, Registered San Francisco, ON 4227, Owner R Dunsmain Sons of San Francisco, Crew 7 none lost, Vessel Value $8,000, Cargo Value $40,000, Insurance none.
Source: U S Customs Wreck Report filed June 16, 1901 by F C Andrews
COLUMBIA (1898) It was Friday November 4, 1898 at 7 p.m. when the towline parted on the 170 foot wooden bark Columbia which was under tow of the tug Wallowa. The two were near Port Simpson and Prince of Wales Island, having departed Skagway bound for Seattle with a cargo of 100 tons of general merchandise. Owing to the severe sea and gale the Wallowa was unable to retrieve the Columbia and she drifted and washed ashore on Prince of Wales Island.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 54 53 45 N 132 29 30 W Chart 17433
Additional Information: Tonnage 900 Net, Length 169.5 feet, Breadth 37 feet, Depth 21.4 feet, Built 1846 New York NY, Registration Seattle, ON 4842, Master J H Clifford of Seattle, Owner Pacific Clipper Line of Seattle, Crew 7 none lost, Vessel Value $10,000, Cargo Value $4,000, Insurance none.
Source: U S Customs Wreck Report filed by Master Clifford November 22, 1898 at Seattle
COLUMBIA (1904) It was a dark night Wednesday November 30, 1904 with a heavy gale blowing when at 2:00 a.m. the 60 foot wooden schooner Columbia was driven ashore at McLeods Bay on Montague Island. The four man crew was able to salvage the 5 tons/$500 worth of provisions aboard, but the Columbia, valued at $1,000 was a total loss with no insurance.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 59 53 N 147 15 W Chart 16701
Comment: I have charted this wreck at McLeod Harbor on Montague…WG
Additional Information: Tonnage 41, Length 60, Breadth 17.7, Depth 7.2, Built 1893 in Seattle, Registered Valdez, ON 126941, Master/Owner T W Doherty of Valdez
Source: U S Customs Wreck Report filed at Valdez by Doherty January 30, 1905
COLUSA (1899) The bark Colusa ran up on the rocks in Sitka Sound during a storm December 12, 1899. She was valued at $20,000 with cargo at the time of the loss. The vessel was bound from Kahului, Hawaii to Sitka Sound in ballast to intending to load a cargo of lumber. Captain Hewitt, his wife and the crew of 13 abandoned ship and made Sitka in four days.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 57 N 135 30 W Chart 17326
Source: The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 52
COMET (1916) The launch Comet was wrecked in a storm February 19, 1916 near Pup Island. The vessel was en route from Ketchikan to Loring with three men aboard. When found on the beach, two of the men had succumbed to hypothermia. A third was transported to Ketchikan to be treated for the same malady.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 29 N 131 49 W Chart 17420
Source: Daily Alaska Dispatch (February 24, 1916) “Found Dead on Beach” Pg 2
COMET (1964) The 36 ton 48 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Comet stranded and was lost November 11, 1964 at Shaft Rock, Noyes Island.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 27 15 N 133 19 10 W Chart 17400
Additional Information: Tonnage 36 Gross 29 Net, Length 47.9, Breadth 15.6, Depth 6.9, Built 1949 at Bellingham WA, Horsepower 165, SL WC4449, Owner William Demmert Sr., Registered Ketchikan, ON 258293
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) Pg 147, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1003
COMRADE (1928) The wooden gas screw Comrade was driven ashore in a storm at one in the morning December 22, 1928 at Lung Island at the south end of Duncan Canal. When the vessel grounded, a lantern was tipped causing an explosion and fire which destroyed the Comrade, valued at $2,500. The crew of two escaped injury but their provisions of a ton of coal and clothing worth $500 was lost along with the vessel. There was no insurance.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 56 30 45 N 130 04 15 W Chart 17360
Additional Information: Tonnage 9 Gross 7 Net, Built in 1916, Registered Petersburg, ON 217257, Master James W Rhodes of Petersburg, Owner C Hoogandorn of Petersburg
Source: U S Coast Guard Casualty Report filed at Petersburg by Hogandorn December 24, 1928
COMUS (1908) The five ton 30 foot schooner Comus was wrecked in Lynn Canal near Berners Bay October 30, 1908 outbound from Skagway. The Comus was valued at $2,500 with cargo
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 58 43 N 135 W Chart 17316
Additional Information: Tonnage 5, Length 30. Breadth 10, Depth 4, Built 1894 at Port Angeles WA, Registered Skagway, ON 127093
Sources: 1. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 156, 2. Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992), 3. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1907) Pg 30, 4. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1909) Pg 388
CONSTANCE (1927) The gas screw Constance stranded on an uncharted rock at the entrance to Last Chance Harbor, Gambier Bay at 9 p.m. Wednesday October 24, 1927. Captain Selmer Jacobson of Juneau was seeking shelter from strong SE winds when he hit the rock. The 1,000 pound cargo of $500 worth of groceries and hardware became a total loss but Jacobson was later able to tow the wrecked vessel to Gambier Bay Cannery and salvage the engine.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 57 28 N 133 55 W Chart 17362
Additional Information: Tonnage 15 Gross 10 Net, Age 18 years, Registered Juneau, ON 207072, Master/Owner Selmer Jacobson of Juneau, Insurance none
Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed at Juneau October 31, 1927
CONVENTION (1922) The 23 ton 45 foot gas screw fishing vessel Convention foundered in Hecate Strait November 2, 1922. Her five crewmen were lost in the disaster.
Mapping and Location: Unknown Southeast Alaska or Northern British Columbia
Additional Information: Tonnage 23 Gross 20 Net, Length 45, Breadth13.4, Depth 6, IHP 20, Built 1917 at Poulsbo WA, Registered Seattle, ON 215255
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1931) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 939, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1922) Pg 213
CORA (1924) The wooden gas screw Cora was destroyed by fire at Point Ward Cannery Sunday October 12, 1924 at 12:30 p.m. The blaze was reported to have been caused by an engine backfire. The following is a quote from the remarks section of the wreck report:
“Used salt water to drown fire as Pyrene extinguishers aboard were unfit for service.”
“Vessel Burned to water’s edge. Engine cylinders and manifold cracked. Hulk was later towed by G S Monoghan to lagoon at Anan Creek and there beached.”
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 56 10 55 N 131 53 10 W Chart 17385
Additional Information: Tonnage 13 Gross 10 Net, Built 1917, Registered Seattle, ON 214807, Owner Point Warde Packing Co of Seattle, Crew 3 all survived, Vessel Value $3,000, Insurance none
Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed at Wrangell December 18, 1924
CORAL SEA (1960) The 148 ton 96 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Coral Sea burned July 19, 1960 in Frederick Sound.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 56 50 N 134 25 W Chart 17360
Additional Information: Tonnage 148 Gross 101 Net, Length 96.3, Breadth 21.3, Depth 10.8, Built 1943 at Bristol RI, Former Name APC-95 (U S N), Horsepower 400, Owner Coral Sea Boat Company, Registered Seattle, ON 254813
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1960) Pg 129, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1961) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 860
CORONA (1929) The wooden gas schooner Corona was destroyed by fire August 26, 1929 approximately 15 miles WSW of Noyes Island. The fire was discovered at 12:15 p.m. while the eleven man crew was endeavoring to catch halibut. The wreck report states as follows:
“Dories had just been launched for second set, Engineer smelt something burning, got as far as cabin but could not get to engine room on account of flames, explosion occurred and engineer burned on legs, arm and face, blowing overalls off of body and other clothes afire.”
“Fought fire with water, unable to control, started to explode & forced to take to dories.”
“Ga S Tordenskold arrived too late to assist in putting out fire but carried crew to Steamboat Bay, Alaska, from thence to Craig, Alaska by New England Fish Company’s vessel Chinnook.”
The vessels master and owner, John Courage of Seattle valued the Corona at $23,000 and her 2,500 lbs. of fresh halibut at $250, both lost. The crew all survived.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 30 N 133 40 W Chart 17400
Additional Information: Tonnage 36 Gross 19 Net, Age 19 years, Registered Seattle, ON 207806, Last Port Ketchikan August 21, Vessel Insurance $10,000, Cargo Insurance none
Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed August 30, 1929 at Ketchikan by Courage
CORRINE (1966) The 22 ton 39 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Corrine foundered April 24, 1966 off of Craig.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 28 30 N 133 09 W Chart 17400
Additional Information: Tonnage 22 Gross 17 Net, Length 39.5, Breadth 12.6, Depth 7.3, Built 1948 at Bremerton WA, Horsepower 165, Registered Ketchikan, ON 255647
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 159, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1165
CORSON (1913) The motor vessel Corson was lost at Ketchikan August 10, 1913.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 20 30 N 131 38 45 W Chart 17430
Source: The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 231
COTTAGE CITY (1902) The steamship Cottage City stranded September 7, 1902 at Island Point, Etolin Island with 150 passengers aboard. The vessel was owned by Pacific Coast Steamship Company and was valued at $50,000 with cargo at the time of the casualty. All passengers were transferred to the steamer Spokane several hours later and taken to Juneau. The Cottage City was bound for Seattle. 100 tons of cargo were jettisoned and the remainder, consisting 10,000 cases of salmon, was taken ashore by lighters. The stem, forefoot and 40 feet of keel were torn away from the Cottage City when she struck the shelf of rock where she stranded. Three weeks after the wreck, the Cottage City was refloated and made it to Seattle under her own steam.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 56 06 N 132 21 W Chart 17385
Comment: This entry is included because evidence of the wreck may still be found. WG
Additional Information: Tonnage 1885 Gross 981 Net, Length 293, Breadth 40.6, Depth 23.3, Built Bath ME 1890, 1,300 IHP
Sources: 1. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 84, 2. San Francisco Chronicle (September 10, 1902) “Runs on Rocks but Passengers are Safe” Pg 1, 3. Daily Alaska Dispatch (September 9, 1902) “The Steamer Cottage City On Rocks At Etolin Island Pg 1, 4. Daily Alaska Dispatch (October 8, 1902) “Cottage City at Seattle” Pg 4
CRESCENT (1974) The 24 ton 57 foot wooden oil screw Crescent stranded and was lost October 14, 1974 at Totem Bay, Kupreanof Island.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 56 28 N 133 23 W Chart 17360
Additional Information: Tonnage 24 Gross 16 Net, Length 57, Breadth 14.8, Depth 5, Built 1914 at Sunrise Beach WA, Former Name Arlyn Nelson, ON 212556
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 161, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1978) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 2117
CREST (1999) The 48 foot wooden salmon seiner Crest capsized and sank in 60 fathoms of water August 14, 1999 at Chasina Point in Clarence Strait. All five crewmembers abandoned ship to a skiff and were escorted to Wards cove by the fishing vessel Wendy.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 16 50 N 132 01 30 W Chart 17420
Additional Information: ON 250399
Sources: 1. U S C G Shipwreck List (1989-2004), 2. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013)
CRICKET (2008) The fishing vessel Cricket foundered June 10, 2008 in southern Sitka Sound about 17 miles from Sitka. The two persons aboard abandoned ship in survival suits and were rescued by the NOAA research ship Rainier.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 57 00 N 135 30 W Chart 17320
Sources: 1. Anchorage Daily News (June 10, 2008), 2. U S C G Enforcement Report (June 10, 2008)
CROSS SOUND (1933) Darkness and a shifting river bar are listed as the causes of the stranding and loss of the wooden gas screw Cross Sound. The casualty occurred at 8:00 p.m. October 19, 1923 near Francis Anchorage in Farragut Bay. The following are excerpts are from the wreck report filed by Carl Venelstad October 30, 1933:
“strong NE breeze, dark and cloudy.” “Proceeding at moderate speed and keeping lookout.” “stranded and foundered” “Capt Malver on the Diesel boat Urania tried to raise the vessel but was unsuccessful on account of the depth of water, about 6 fathoms and too much sand.”
The Cross Sound had departed Petersburg October 10th with two aboard on a fishing, hunting and prospecting trip and was valued at $3,000 at the time of the loss.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 57 09 N 133 10 W Chart 17367
Additional Information: Tonnage 7.53 Gross 6 Net, Age 16 years, Registered Juneau, ON 214790, Crew 2 none lost, Insurance none
Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed at Petersburg October 30, 1933
CROWN NO 2 (1954) The 1,295 ton 260 foot steel scow Crown No 2 stranded and was lost February 27, 1954 near Tree Point.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 54 48 15 N 130 55 45 W Chart 17420
Additional Information: Tonnage 1,295 Gross and Net, Length 260, Breadth 48.1, Depth 12, Built 1946 at Everett and Seattle WA, Former Name APL-6 (U S N), Owner Crown Zellerbach Corporation, Registered Seattle, ON 251515
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1952) Pg 123, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1955) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 937
CRUSADER (1991) The 27 foot longline fishing vessel Crusader lost steering while hauling gear, grounded and sank June 11, 1991 on Indian Rocks in Cross Sound.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 58 15 N 136 20 W Chart 17300
Comment: Probably Inian Rocks. WG
Additional Information: ON 264063
Sources: 1. U S C G Shipwreck List (1989-2004), 2. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013)
CURACAO (1913) The 241 foot iron steam schooner Curacao struck an uncharted rock 1.5 miles WSW of Culebra Island Tonowak Bay and was lost 7:20 a.m. Saturday June 21, 1913. The Curacao had 39 passengers and 51 crewmen all of whom were transported from the wreck by the USCG SS Gedney to Ketchikan soon after the stranding. The Curacao, valued at $200,000 was listed as a total loss as a result of the wreck. She was also carrying 1200 tons of cargo listed as general merchandise.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 39 20 N 133 28 10 W Chart 17404
Comments: The location of this wreck is on the reef with its name. There is a casualty report filed in Ketchikan June of 1930 by this vessel which firmly evidences the Curacao’s salvage.
Additional Information: Length 241.3, Breadth 38, Depth 16.3, Tonnage 1503 Gross 895 Net, HP 1,170, Built 1895 Philadelphia, Registered NY, ON 127113, Master William Thompson of Seattle, Owner The Pacific Coast Company Seattle, Last Port Craig June 21st, Destination Heceta Island Swifts Cannery, Vessel Insurance $153,500
Source: U S Customs Wreck Report filed at New York and San Francisco Sept 13, 1913
CYDONIA (1972) The 63 ton 68 foot wooden oil screw Cydonia foundered January 4, 1972 near Point Hugh, Stephens Passage.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 57 34 10 N 133 48 30 W Chart 17360
Additional Information: Tonnage 63 Gross 43 Net, Length 68, Breadth 19.2, Depth 8.6, Built 1915 at Seattle WA, ON 212948
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 163, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1978) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 2117
CYNTHIA REA (1975) The gillnet fishing vessel Cynthia Rea grounded and sank June 16, 1975 on Zarembo Island, 30 miles south of Petersburg. Three crewmembers were lost in the disaster.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 56 20 N 132 50 W Chart 17360
Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
CYPRESS (1920) The 33 ton gas fishing boat Cypress stranded on the west spit of Dry Bay Bar and was lost about 9 p.m. May 29, 1920. John G Edensword, the master of the vessel, stated that it was daytime in a heavy fog when the Cypress stranded but “breakers set in after stranding…tried to release boat from spit…could not on account of heavy sea and breakers.” The 4 man crew was assisted by the gas boat Spencer of Northwest Fisheries Co and gas boat Eagle of Deep Sea Salmon Co.
Mapping and Location: Unknown SE or SC Alaska
Comment: There are many Dry Bays but my money would be on the one along the SE Gulf of Alaska east of Yakutat where the Alsek River comes out. WG
Additional Information: Tonnage 33 Gross 21 Net, Built 1917, Registered Seattle, ON 214704, Owner Booth Fisheries of Seattle, Last Port Dry Bay, Destination Dundas, Vessel Value $6,500, Cargo 17-18 ton fish, Cargo Value $3,600, Vessel Insurance unknown, Vessel Loss entire engine salvaged, Cargo partially salvaged
Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed June 24, 1920 by Edenword at Juneau