Alaska Shipwrecks (A)

ABBREVIATIONS:  AluminumALBritish ColumbiaBCCentralCFiberglassFRPFishing VesselFVIndicated Horse PowerIHPLongliner-LLMotor VesselMVNorthNOfficial NumberONRevenue Cutter ServiceRCSSchoonerSchSignal LettersSLSouth CentralSCSoutheastSESouthwestSWSteel oil screwSOSSteam ShipSSUnknownUUnited States ArmyUSAUnited States Coast GuardUSCGUnited States NavyUSNWestcentralWCWood gas screwWGSWood oil screwWOS

A C C #50 (1944)     The 7 ton 32 foot wooden scow A C C #50 was consumed by fire February of 1944 in Lynn Canal.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 10 N 134 58 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 7 Gross and Net, Length 32.1, Breadth 10.1, Depth 2.4, Built 1925 at Houghton WA, Owner William L Paul, Registered Juneau, ON 169148

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1945) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 774, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1944) Pg 349

A E C 41-28 (1973)     The 939 ton barge A E C 41-28 foundered August 5, 1973 between Galankin and Katz Islands near Sitka.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 01 50 N 135 19 W   Chart 17326

Additional Information: Tonnage 939 Gross and Net, Built 1944, ON 261729

Source: Merchant Vessels of the U S (1974) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1635

 

A F L 1654 (1954)     The 1,007 ton 195 foot wooden barge A F L 1654 stranded and was lost on Montague Island May 2, 1954.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 1,007 Gross and Net, Built 1943, ON 250773

Source: Merchant Vessels of the U S (1955) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 737

 

A M (1962)     The 7 ton 27 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel A M burned November 14, 1962 at the mouth of the Kasilof River in Cook Inlet.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 23 15 N 151 17 45 W   Chart 16660

Additional Information: Tonnage 7 Gross 5 Net, Length 27.7, Breadth 9.5, Depth 4.9, Built 1930 at Seattle WA, Former Name T-4453 (U S A), Horsepower 110, SL WC9127, Owner Charles Simon Jr., Registered Juneau, ON 264845

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1962) Pg 16, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) “Vessels Subject to Removal” Pg 730

 

A P A 8 (1970)     The gas screw A P A 8 foundered and was lost June 19, 1970 in Dry Bay.

Mapping and Location: Alaska Unknown

Comment: Many Dry Bays.  WG

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

A P A-S-5 (1958)     The 96 ton 72 foot steel scow A P A-S-5 foundered June 16, 1958 in Bristol Bay.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 96 Gross and Net, Length 72, Breadth 24.5, Depth 5.9, Built 1947 at Bellingham WA, Owner Alaska Packers Association, Registered Juneau, ON 252110

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1958) Pg 13, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1959) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 800

 

A P A-S-10 (1956)     The 95 ton 72 foot steel scow A P A-S-10 stranded and was lost September 11,1956 in the Spanish Islands of Sumner Strait at Lat. 55 59.2 N Long. 134 05.6 W.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 59 12 N 134 05 36 W   Chart 17400

Additional Information: Tonnage 95 Gross and Net, Length 72.1, Breadth 24.5, Depth 5.7, Built 1949 at Bellingham WA, Owner Alaska Packers Association, Registered Juneau, ON 257429

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1956) Pg 12, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1957) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 755

 

A P S CO NO 10 (1964)     The 42 ton 60 foot wooden barge A P S Co No 10 burned November 1, 1964 at Sand Point.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 42 Gross and Net, Length 60.1, Breadth 20.1, Depth 4.5, Built 1944 at Seattle WA, Owner New England Fish Company, Registered Ketchikan, ON 175997

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) Pg 18, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1002

 

A R 3 (1955)     The 8 ton 27 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel A R 3 was lost after a collision with the Alaskan Reefer August 11, 1955 one and one half miles off of Humpy Cove, Kodiak Island.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   56 51 30 N 154 01 W   Chart 16590

Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 7 Net, Length 27.5, Breadth 10, Depth 3.9, Built 1951 at Tacoma WA, Horsepower 90, Owner Alaska Reefer Fisheries, Registered Tacoma WA, ON 261866

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1955) Pg 12, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1956) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 742

 

A R 4 (1961)     The 8 ton 27 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel A R 4 was lost July 1, 1961 near Egegik.  The vessel became caught between a fish brailer and the oil screw Alaska Reefer and was lost near the Egegik River Buoy.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   58 13 N 157 22 W   Chart 16006

Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 7 Net, Length 27.5, Breadth 10, Depth 3.9, Built 1951 at Tacoma WA, Horsepower 90, Owner Alaska Reefer Fisheries, Registered Tacoma WA, ON 261667

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1960) Pg 16, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1962) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 902

 

A R 5 (1953)     The 8 ton 27 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel A R 5 was consumed by fire July 20, 1953 near Red Bluff in Bristol Bay.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   58 04 N 157 29 W   Chart 16323

Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 7 Net, Length 27.5, Breadth 10, Depth 3.9, Built 1951 at Tacoma WA, Horsepower 90, Owner Alaska Reefer Fisheries, Registered Tacoma WA, ON 261868

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1952) Pg 35, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1953-1954) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 747

 

A R B 8 (1944)     The 26 ton 49 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel A R B 8 burned September 7, 1944 at the mouth of the Dangerous River.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 20 55 N 139 18 W   Chart 16016

Additional Information: Tonnage 26 Gross 21 Net, Length 49.1, Breadth 12.8, Depth 5.3, Built 1925 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 100, SL WOJA, Owner A R Brueger, Registered Wrangell, ON 225461

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1946) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 804, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1945) Pg 98

A R B 10 (1959)     The 39 ton 62 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel A R B 10 foundered May 31, 1959 at Lituya Bay.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   58 36 45 N 137 39 30 W   Chart 16016

Additional Information: Tonnage 39 Gross 35 Net, Length 62.8, Breadth 13.7, Depth 5.7, Built 1923 at Philadelphia PA, Former Name No. 3145 (U S N), Horsepower 165, SL WA2505, Owner A J Kelly, Registered Wrangell, ON 235887

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) Pg 19, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1002

 

A RIBICH (1964)     The 36 ton 52 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel A Ribich was destroyed by a tidal wave March 27, 1964 in the small boat harbor at Kodiak.

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

Comment: Unofficial records call this vessel the Ribich owned by Oscar Bailey

Additional Information: Tonnage 36 Gross 24 Net, Length 52.7, Breadth 15.3, Depth 6.8, Built 1917 at Gig Harbor WA, Former Name Homer, Horsepower 115, SL WA5838, Owner Reggie Gunderson, Registered Juneau, ON 214758

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) Pg 19, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) “Vessels Subject to Removal” Pg 759

 

A S P NO 3 (1948)     The 40 ton wooden scow A S P No 3 stranded and was lost July 28, 1948 at Salamatof Beach north of Kenai.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 37 15 N 151 20 30 W   Chart 16660

Additional Information: Tonnage 40 Gross and Net, Built 1944, ON 254863

Source: Merchant Vessels of the U S (1949) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 909

A S P NO 4 (1949)     The 40 ton 60 foot wooden scow A S P No 4 foundered off Ninilchik August 11, 1949.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 03 N 151 40 W   Chart 16640

Additional Information: Tonnage 40 Gross and Net, Length 60, Breadth 18, Depth 4.4, Built 1944 at Alhambra CA, Former Names YFN-1141 (U S N) and BK-3586 (U S A), Owner Alaska Seldovia Packers, Home Port Juneau, ON 254864

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1949) Pg 35, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1950) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 925

 

A S P NO 5 (1949)     The 40 ton 59 foot wooden scow A S P No 5 foundered 75 miles east of Cape Saint Elias on March 28, 1949.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 40 Gross and Net, Length 59.8, Breadth 18, Depth 4.4, Built 1944 at Los Angeles CA, Former Names YFN-1143 (U S N) and BK-3163 (U S A), Owner Alaska Seldovia Packers, Home Port Juneau, ON 255177

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1949) Pg 35, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1950) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 925

 

A S P NO 7 (1958)     The 28 ton 47 foot steel scow A S P No 7 foundered November 22, 1958 approximately 20 miles north of Seldovia in Cook Inlet.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 26 15 N 151 42 30 W   Chart 16640

Additional Information: Tonnage 28 Gross and Net, Length 47.6, Breadth 14, Depth 5.6, Built unknown, Owner Seldovia Bay Packing Company, Registered Juneau, ON 257302

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1958) Pg 14, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1959) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 800

 

A T B NO 41 (1960)     The 389 ton 119 foot steel scow A T B No 41 stranded and was lost September 2, 1960 at Ocean Cape Beach.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 32 30 N 139 51 30 W   Chart 16016

Additional Information: Tonnage 389 Gross and Net, Length 119.8, Breadth 44, Depth 8.4, Built 1941 at Edmonds WA, Former Name BD-1067 (U S A), Owner American Tug Boat Company, Registered Seattle, ON 267913

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1960) Pg 16, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1961) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 860

 

A T T NO 1 (1946)     The 3,577 ton 314 foot steel barge A T T No 1 stranded and was lost November 3, 1946 on the northeast shore of Amukta Island.

Mapping and Location: Southwest Alaska   52 30 N 171 16 W   Chart 16011

Additional Information: Tonnage 3,577 Gross and Net, Length 314.8, Breadth 50, Depth 24.2, Built 1944 at Jeffersonville IN, Owner Arctic Circle Exploration Company, Registered Seattle, ON 176725

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1947) Pg 37, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1948) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 860

ABBIE M DEERING  (1903)     On Friday, September 4th, 1903, at 6 a.m., the 90 foot American wood schooner Abbie M Deering drifted onto a reef on the southern small island on the northwest side of Akutan Pass, in the Aleutian Islands, and was reported a total loss, including cargo.  The schooner had departed from Nome on August 26th, in ballast, with a cargo of thirty tons of cigar case and mats, bound for Seattle and way ports.  The accident occurred in the early morning fog, when the vessel became unmanageable due to a heavy current setting onto the northwest end of the island.  Her crew attempted to avoid the casualty by getting out an anchor, but to no avail.  The crew worked for thirty eight hours trying to pull the vessel off of the reef.  H Ohlemnts of Seattle, Washington, the schooner’s master, assisted the crew of the U S Revenue Cutter Manning, upon their arrival, in the removal of the thirty one passengers and eight crewmen.  The mate was left in charge of the wreck and all passengers and crew, except a few who remained in Dutch Harbor, went on to Seattle.

Mapping and Location: Southwest Alaska   54 N 166 10 W   Chart 16520, 16528

Additional Information: Tonnage 101 Gross 96 net, Length 90.5, Breadth 23.5, Depth 8.7, Built Kennehunk ME 1883, Registration Seattle, ON 106152, SL KBDT,  Owners A.H. Harrington, C. Dankert, H. Ohlemntz, of Seattle, Washington, Estimated vessel value $5,500, Estimated cargo value $100, Vessel Insurance $2,500, Cargo Insurance none.

Sources:  1. U S Customs Wreck Report Alaska Collection District 2. H. W. McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 94, 3.Merchant Vessels of the U S (1903) Pg 2

 

ABBONDANZA (1988)     The 90 foot trawler Abbondanza sank October 1, 1988 off of Cape Chiniak.  No lives were lost in the disaster.

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

Comment: The Abbondanza collided with the 600 foot bulk carrier Weddell Sea February 22, 1988 in Unimak Pass, suffering a 15 foot dent in her starboard bow and the loss of her life raft.

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

ABERDEEN (1923)     On Wednesday, August 8, 1923, at 3:45 p.m., the American 58 foot gas screw fishing vessel Aberdeen burned and became a total loss on the north end of Gravina Island.  The vessel was captained by A G Burton of Ketchikan, where it had departed the same day bound for Clarence Straits with four other crewmen and no cargo.  The fire, which is supposed to have started from an exhaust pipe, could not be put out with the extinguisher aboard the vessel.  The casualty was reported by the vessel’s master at Collection District 31, Ketchikan, on August 9th.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 25 N 131 50 W   Chart 17428

Additional Information: Tonnage 42 Gross 29 Net, Length 58.1, Breadth 15.5, Depth 6.8, Built 1920 at Tacoma WA, IHP 75,  Registration Seattle, ON 220357, Construction Wood, Owner Peter Andrijasavich of Aberdeen, Washington, Estimated vessel value $11,000, Vessel Insurance $11,000.

Source: U.S. Customs Wreck Report Collection District 31

 

ABNER READ (1943)     The United States Navy destroyer Abner Read (DD536) was severely damaged by a floating enemy mine August 18, 1943 near Kiska. 71 crewmembers died and 47 were injured. The stern of the ship was almost completely blown off. Many were killed and injured in the blast but a large number were asphyxiated by fumes from damaged chemical smoke tanks that released toxic fumes over the entire ship. The Abner Read was repaired and returned to service but was sunk by enemy aircraft in the Philippines November 1, 1944 with the loss of an additional 24 men.

Mapping and Location: Southwest Alaska   51 58 N 177 34 E   Chart 16012

Comment: The Abner Read was not lost in Alaska but was included in this compilation because of the severity of the disaster. Evidence may still be on site and of interest. WG

Source: Internet search of Abner Read,  uboat.net Allied Warships

 

ABRAHAM BARKER  (1894)     Sometime in 1894 the 361 ton whaling bark Abraham Barker was reported wrecked 40 miles south of Cape Navarin on the Koryak Coast of the Kamchatka Peninsula in the western Bering Sea

Mapping and Location: Siberia

Sources: 1. Lewis and Dryden’s Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1961), Pg 420, 2. The Northern Mariner (2006) Pg 66

ABUNDANCE (2013)     The 50 foot passenger and fishing vessel Abundance went adrift from the Chickamin River entrance, burned and sank in Behm Canal November 24, 2013. The vessel departed Craig a week before with owner Garrett Hagan (25) of Craig and Adrian Knopps (51) of Michigan bound for a hunting trip in the Chickamin River. On November 22, 2013 the vessel Wilderness Adventure spotted the unoccupied Abundance adrift in Behm Canal near Saks Cove and alerted the Coast Guard. A large search ensued and sometime later an MH-60 helicopter from Sitka Air Station spotted Knopps wandering aimlessly in the woods adjacent to the Chickamin River in a state of severe hypothermia. Knopps reported that Hagan had loaded their seven foot skiff with a bear skin from the hunt and departed a week earlier to take their bounty out to the Abundance anchored near the mouth of the Chickamin River. Garrett Hagan was never seen again. High winds and rain hindered the search for Hagan and likely contributed to the loss of the Abundance.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 55 45 N 131 08 40 W   Chart 17420

Additional Information: Tonnage 43 Gross 39 Net, Length 44.1, Breadth 17.4, Depth 9.6, Built 1978, ON 612832

Sources: 1. Alaska Dispatch (September 22, 2013) “Sitka Coast Guard rescues hypothermic hunter, one man still missing”, 2. USCG News Release (September 22&25, 2013), 3. USCG Marine Information Exchange

 

ACORS BARNES (1876)     On September 12, 1876 no less than a dozen vessels were caught in the ice and abandoned northeast of Point Barrow.  Among these was the 296 ton wooden whaling bark Acors Barnes of New Bedford, Mass.  A gale came on after the fleet was abandoned and the bark was washed onto the northern shore through a break in the ground ice, where natives set her ablaze.  The 900 pounds of whale bone valued at $18,000 were lost along with the vessel valued at $36,000.

Mapping and Location: Northern Alaska   71 20 N 156 40 W   Charts 16003, 16004

Sources: 1. Revenue Cutter Service 1867-1914 Microcopy 641, Rolls 1-20, GSA Washington 1966, 2. U S Commission of Fish and Fisheries Section 5, Vol II  “Destruction of the Arctic Whaling Fleet, 1876” Pgs 83-84

ACTIVE  (1892)     On Wednesday, August 31, 1892, at 4 a.m., the 41 foot American schooner Active became a total loss in Marosco Bay, Cold Harbor.  She departed Sand Point July 9th on a hunting and fishing venture with her owner operator George Ball at the helm.  None of her eight crewmembers were lost, but the vessel, valued at $2,000, and a 20 ton fishing and hunting outfit, also valued at $2,000 were.  The stormy weather which produced a strong gale and rough seas, combined with the darkness of the hour are listed as the cause of the stranding.  The casualty was reported at the San Francisco Collection District on October 25th by George Ball.

Mapping and Location:  South Central Alaska   54 59 N 162 28 W   Chart 16540, 16549

Comment:  This is possibly Cold Bay which was called Morozovski Bay on early charts

Additional Information: Tonnage 14.3, Length 41.2, Breadth 15.5, Depth 4.2, Built Bolinas, CA 1862, Construction wood, Registration San Francisco, ON 1191, Insurance none.

Sources: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report at San Francisco October 25, 1892, 2. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 330

ACTIVE (1928)     At 5 am on July 24, 1928, the 40 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Active struck a submerged pile at Narrow Point, Prince of Wales Island, and beached.  She departed Ketchikan with two crewmen July 3rd under command of her owner, George P Marshal of Ketchikan, and was bound for Coronation Island.  The calm daylight conditions were no help. The vessel valued at $3,500 and cargo of 10 tons of fish valued at $2,079 became a total loss.  Assistance was rendered by the gas boat Chum who helped tie up the boat after it beached.  A wreck report was filed at Collection District 31, Port of Ketchikan on August 31 by the owner.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 47 N 132 28 W   Chart 17420

Additional Information: Tonnage 14 Gross 12 Net, Length 40.6, Breadth 11, Depth 3.8, Built 1911 at Kasaan, Horsepower 20, Registration Ketchikan, ON 208672, Vessel Insurance $2,500, Cargo Insurance none.

Sources: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report August 31, 1928 at Ketchikan by George P Marshal, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1928) Pgs 222-3

ACTIVE (1992)     The 46 foot cod trawler Active got hung up on the bottom and sank June 21, 1992 at Grand Island 15 miles south of Juneau.  Skipper Milo Davis (36) and crewman Nick Plaskon (19) were the only two on board and were both lost.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 08 30 N 134 08 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: ON 557827

Sources: 1. U S C G Shipwreck List (1989-2004), 2. Sitka Sentinel (June 22, 1992) “Fishing Boat Crewman Found” Pg 5

 

ACUSHLA (1919)     The 24 ton 44 foot gas screw fishing vessel Acushla burned in Peans Hole at Bucarelli Bay December 8, 1919.  The six persons aboard escaped to safety.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 13 N 133 32 W   Chart 17400

Additional Information: Tonnage 24 Gross 20 Net, Length 44, Breadth 13.5, Depth 5.5, IHP 23, Built 1915 at Seattle WA, Registered Seattle, ON 213408

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1921) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 454, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1918) Pg 184, 3. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 312

ACUSHLA (1927)     The 10 ton 32 foot gas screw fishing vessel Acushla caught fire and became a total loss in Cook Inlet September of 1927.  The one person aboard made it to safety.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 10 Gross 9 Net, Length 32.2, Breadth 9, Depth 4.4, Built 1914 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 12, Owner J C Foord, Home Port Ketchikan, ON 212291

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1929) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 911, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1927) Pgs 224-5

ACUSHNET (1851)     On August 16, 1851 the 359 ton whaling ship Acushnet went ashore in a fog and sank in 10 fathoms of water at Saint Lawrence Island.  250 Barrels of her 1300 barrel cargo of whale oil were salvaged, but the remaining cargo and the vessel were lost.  She was listed as having departed Fairhaven, MA for a whaling voyage in the Arctic.  It was said that this is the same ship Herman Melville deserted in the Marquesas in 1842.

Mapping and Location: West Central Alaska   63 N 170 W   Chart 16006

Additional Information: Vessel value with cargo $50,000.

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

ADA (1956)     The 13 ton 41 foot wooden oil screw Ada was consumed by fire September 17, 1956 in Gnat Cove, Carroll Inlet.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 23 N 131 19 40 W   Chart 17420

Additional Information: Tonnage 13 Gross 9 Net, Length 41.7, Breadth 9.6, Depth 4.7, Built 1930 at Ketchikan, Service freight, Horsepower 90, Owner Stanley G Cox, Registered Ketchikan, ON 230914

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1956) Pg 16, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1957) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 755

 

ADA MAY (1956)     The 10 ton 31 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Ada May stranded and was lost at Haines September 25, 1956.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   59 14 10 N 135 26 15 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 10 Gross 9 Net, Length 31.3, Breadth 9.4, Depth 4.4, Built 1924 at Ketchikan, Horsepower 103, Owner James Paddock, Registered Juneau, ON 223966

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1957) Pg 16, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1958) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 777

 

ADAK (1964)     The 13 ton 32 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Adak was destroyed by a tidal wave March 27, 1964 at Kodiak.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 13 Gross 9 Net, Length 32.1, Breadth 11.9, Depth 4.5, Built 1945 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 100, SL WC2074, Owner C W C Fisheries Inc., Registered Seattle, ON 176233

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) Pg 21, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1002

 

ADAK (1971)     The gas screw Adak foundered April 12, 1971 in the vicinity of Eliza Harbor, Admiralty Island.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 09 N 134 17 W   Chart 17320

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

ADDINGTON (1972)     The 40 ton 54 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Addington foundered May 27, 1972 near Cape Uganik in the Shelikof Strait.  Skipper Melvin Torson of Kodiak, Leonard Niemi of Anchorage and John Cheplak of Kodiak were lost with the vessel.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 30 N 155 W   Chart 16580

Additional Information: Tonnage 40 Gross 27 Net, Length 54, Breadth 14.9, Depth 8.1 Built 1927 at Seattle WA, ON 226224

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1974) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1635, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 23, 3. Anchorage Daily News (June 9, 1972) “Addington is located” Pg 2

 

ADMIRAL (1905)     On October 8, 1905 the gas screw fishing boat Admiral was wrecked at Andreafski (Saint Marys) on the Yukon River and became a total loss.

Mapping and Location: Central Alaska   62 03 N 163 10 W

Additional Information: Tonnage 35 Gross 24 Net, Built 1896, ON 127123, Crew 8, Vessel Value with cargo $10,000.

Sources: 1. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 115, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1906) Pg 385

ADMIRAL (1915)     In October of 1915 the motor fishing vessel Admiral was lost at Andreanofski according to The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) pg 258. The similarity to the previous mentioned wreck of 1905 warrants further research.

ADMIRAL EVANS (1918)     On March 9, 1918 the 2,393 gross ton passenger steamship Admiral Evans struck a reef and was beached in Hawk Inlet.  “The 91 passengers aboard were removed and the salvage steamer Salvor called in to refloat the vessel.  A hole in her bottom had to be patched before she could be pumped out.  The Evans, built at Toledo, Ohio in 1901 went back to work and was finally scrapped in Japan in the 1930’s.”  This information is included in this compilation as some shipwreck lists put down this incident as a total loss, which it wasn’t.  There may also be evidence of this wreck on site and of interest.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 05 N 134 46 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 2,393, Built 1901, Master Captain Charles Glasscock, Owner Pacific Steamship Company, Destination P E Harris Cannery, ON 3904

Sources: 1. Peril at Sea (1986) pg 170, 2. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 301, 3. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1918) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 437

ADMIRAL LAND (1989)     The 82 foot processor Admiral Land was consumed by an engine room fire and sank March 18, 1989 in Sumner Strait.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 32 N 132 36 W   Chart 17360

Additional Information: ON 242584

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

ADRIAN KLEIN  (1922)     On September 4, 1922 the gas schooner Adrian Klein was lost at the Okalee River.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 03 N 144 01 W   Chart 16723

Source: The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 330

ADRIANA (2005)     The 50 foot salmon seiner Adriana lost her reduction gear, drifted ashore and broke apart February 9, 2005 approximately 50 yards off of Cape Trinity on the south end of Kodiak Island.  The four men and one of two dogs that were on board were able to reach the beach with only minor injuries and mild hypothermia.  A second dog, Kodi, was lost attempting to make shore.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   56 44 50 N 154 08 30 W   Chart 16580

Sources: 1. Unofficial Shipwreck List (Kodiak), 2. Kodiak Daily Mirror (February 10, 2005) “Waves took over the boat, F/V Adriana skipper said one dog was lost after skipper and crew swam for the beach”

 

ADVANCE (1947)     The 17 ton 40 foot wooden gas screw Advance was consumed by fire October 6, 1947 between Rosa Reef and Channel Island, on the beach at Gravina Island.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 26 48 N 131 52 45 W   Charts 17420, 17428

Additional Information: Tonnage 17 Gross 12 Net, Length 40, Breadth 12.2, Depth 4.2, Built 1908 at Seattle WA, Former names Advance and Hippo (British), Horsepower 20, Owner W S Balcom, Registered Ketchikan, ON 205756

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1947) Pg 7, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1948) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 860

ADVANTAGE (2012)     The 58 foot Cordova based crab and longline fishing vessel Advantage sank 14 miles southeast of Sitkalidak Island August 31, 2012 with four crewmembers aboard. The Advantage was hauling crab gear out to the fishing grounds when she capsized. One crewman was trapped in the vessel as she sank and the other three were able to crawl onto the vessel’s keel and later board her zodiac skiff. Their EPIRB alerted the U S Coast Guard who responded and picked the three survivors from the raft with an MH-60 Jayhawk. All were hypothermic and one of them died on the way to Kodiak of respiratory failure and saltwater aspiration. The two crewmen lost were Jaime Gallegos and Leif Bolan.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 07 N 153 14 W   Chart 16580

Additional Information: Length 48.9, Breadth 20.7, Depth 8.7, Built 1981, ON 639016

Sources: 1. 17th Coast Guard District Enforcement Report (Jun-Sep 2012), 2. ADN Alaska News (August 31, 2012) “Coast Guard rescues 3 fishermen, seeks 4th after sinking off Kodiak, 3. USCG Marine Information Exchange, 4. USCG MISLE Case # 611262

 

ADVENTURE (1899)     At 12:30 a.m. Monday November 27, 1899 the 37 foot American wood schooner Adventure drifted to shore and was lost at Point Arden off Admiralty Island.  A hole seven feet long was torn in the port side of the vessel when she grounded. A very dark night, heavy swells, and no wind to keep her off shore were listed as contributing to her demise.  The crew attempted to set anchors but no holding ground could be found.  Her cargo consisted of three tons of provisions and stores, nets and tackle valued at $200, only a small portion of which was saved.  The vessel’s value was listed at $300 and was considered a total loss. Three men and a woman on board were able to make shore and survive the disaster.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 09 30 N 134 10 30 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 12, Built 1886 Seattle, Registration Juneau, ON 106459, Length 37.4, Breadth 12.3, Depth 3.5, Master Chas. A Joyce of Seattle, Owner Leonora Joyce of Seattle, Last Port Juneau November 26th, Destination Wrangell Straits, Insurance none, Crew 3.

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report by Charles A Joyce

AENA (1967)     The gas screw Aena burned September 4, 1967 at Southwest Cove on Etolin Island.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 04 30 N 132 08 30 W   Chart 17360

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

AFOGNAK (1946)     The beam trawler Afognak went hard aground on the beach punching two holes in her bow December 23, 1946 two miles north of Point Gardner.  The mail boat Yakobi spotted the signal light of the Afognak and rescued the skipper and his wife along with six crewmembers and their belongings.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 01 N 134 37 W   Chart 17320

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

AFOGNAK (1949)     The 95 ton 76 foot wooden oil screw Afognak foundered September 15, 1949 on Palm Point, Controller Bay.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 11 N 144 33 W   Chart 16723

Additional Information: Tonnage 95 Gross 65 Net, Length 76.1, Breadth 20.2, Depth 10.2, Built 1889 at San Francisco, Service freight, Crew 2, Horsepower 300, SL KGNQ, Owner James V Cole, Home Port Juneau, ON 106623

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1949) Pg 7, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1950) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 925

 

AGATE (1951)     The 9 ton 29 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Agate foundered July 12, 1951 in Cook Inlet.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 9 Gross 6 Net, Length 29.2, Breadth 9.8, Depth 4.5, Built 1947 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 92, Owner Arthur A Berg, Registered Seattle WA, ON 253061

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1951) Pg 8, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1952) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 955

 

AGNES (1933)     The 9 ton 36 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Agnes foundered August 24, 1933 at Todd.  The four aboard made it to safety.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 27 40 N 135 02 30 W   Chart 17320

Comment: Todd was a small settlement in Lindenburg Harbor, Peril Strait. WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 9 Gross 7 Net, Length 36.7, Breadth 11, Depth 2.9, Built 1919 at Hoonah, Horsepower 16, Owner James Grant of Hoonah, Registered Juneau, ON 219653

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1934) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1006, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1932) Pgs 202-3, 3. Dictionary of Alaska Place Names (1967) Pg 578 “Lindenberg Harbor”

AGNES (1942)     The 10 ton 33 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Agnes burned at Brothers Island in Frederick Sound September 21, 1942.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 18 N 133 50 W   Chart 17360

Additional Information: Tonnage 10 Gross 8 Net, Length 33.6, Breadth 9.4, Depth 4.6, Built 1925 at Hoodsport WA, Horsepower 95, Crew 3, Owner Frank Wooten, Registered Petersburg, ON 224453

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1943) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 753, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1942) Pg 71

AGNES ANN (1936)     Friday at 1:00 pm on the 29th of October 1936, the 31 foot gas screw Agnes Ann caught fire at Escape Point in Behm Canal and became a total loss.  She had departed Ketchikan on October 27th captained by J B Jackson assisted by one other crewman and expected to return to Ketchikan in due course.  The estimated value of the vessel at the time of her loss was $3,000, which was fully covered by insurance.  She was carrying no cargo, but was towing logs.  The following is a description of the accident by her master found in the wreck report filed by him at Collection District 31, Ketchikan on November 2nd:

“When abreast of Escape Point with tow of logs something went wrong with the engine allowing it to race and cause a lot of vibration before I could shut off the engine.  I immediately stepped on deck and tried to attract the attention of a vessel that had just passed going in the opposite direction.  I fired several shots from a shotgun and the deckhand waved a slicker coat, but failed to attract attention.  When on returning to wheel house found flames pouring up from engine room making it impossible to go below.  Took all possible measures to save ship.  Applied fire extinguisher through skylight.”

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 39 N 131 43 W   Chart 17420

Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 5 Net, Length 31.1, Breadth 8.9, Depth 4.1, IHP 40, Built 1927 at Seattle WA, Registration Ketchikan, ON 226489, Owner Mrs. Harry Benolkin.

Source: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report November 2, 1936 by J B Jackson at Ketchikan, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1936), Pgs 190-1

AGNES E BOYD (1908)     On May 23, 1908 the 55 foot wooden stern wheel steamer Agnes E Boyd was destroyed by the break-up of ice in the Kobuk River.  The steamer was built at Oakland, California in 1898 and had most recently been used for freight hauling.  Her estimated value at the time of the disaster was $2,500.

Mapping and Location: Northern Alaska   67 N 162 W   Chart 16005

Additional Information: Tonnage 31 Gross 23 Net, Length 55, Breadth 17, Depth 4.6, ON 107351, Home Port San Francisco.

Sources: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report 2. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg156.

AGNES W (1916)     The 8 ton 37 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Agnes W was crushed by ice and lost in Lynn Canal August 16, 1916.  The 5 crewmen aboard made it to safety.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 10 N 134 58 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 5 Net, Length 37.8, Breadth 10.9, Depth 3.9, Built 1905 at Ballard WA, Registered Port Townsend WA, ON 202173

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1918) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 439, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1916) Pg 191

AGRAM (1923)     On October 12, 1923 at 8:45 am the American wooden gas screw cannery tender Agram was washed ashore and became a total wreck on a beach between Chinik Bay and Amakdedori Native Village.  She had been anchored in 10 fathoms of water with her captain, A K Thompson of Tacoma and two other crewmen aboard with “a very high sea running together with worst wind and storm ever witnessed in Cook Inlet.”  The following are also excerpts from the accident report filed at Juneau on February 15, 1924:

“Wind, high seas, rain and sleet.  Constant sounding all night, anchored in 10 fathoms of water, line broke, put second anchor out (250#) also broke away and drifted on beach.”  “This storm seems to be the worst that any living natives in Alaska know anything about.  The native village of Amukadorey was entirely wiped out of existence, and the oldest residents say that nothing like this was ever heard of before, and that they think that there is not a gas boat in Alaska that would have withstood this storm.”

The vessel was valued at $8,000 at the time of the wreck, but only insured for $4,000.  There was no cargo.  H W McCurdy reports that “Her crew and passengers reached shore where they subsisted on clams and porcupines until a rescue vessel reached them.”

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 59 16 N 154 07 W   Chart 16648

Additional Information: Tonnage 22 Gross 18 Net, Built 1913, Registration Juneau, ON 211812, Owner Cook Inlet Packing Company, Last Port Seldovia October 11th 12:30 am, Destination Iniskine Bay.

Sources: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report, 2. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 344.

AGULLEIT (1971)     The 23 ton 54 foot oil screw Agulleit was destroyed by ice June 2, 1971 at Emmonak.

Mapping and Location: Alaska Unknown

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

AHALIQ (1977)     The 187 ton 100 foot steel oil screw tug/barge Ahaliq foundered in rough seas June 29, 1977 in Bristol Bay, 118 miles southwest of Dillingham.  She was carrying materials and equipment to build a sewage treatment plant for the village of Kwigillingok when she began taking on water.  Because of low freeboard, some of her deck cargo became buoyant in heavy weather and caused damage to the deck allowing water to flood her tanks. The vessel’s captain, David Summerfield Moon (43) of Seattle, was lost with the ship.  Four other crewmen boarded a lifeboat with a stray Border Collie they had picked up in Homer named Tippy and were rescued four days later. Their raft was spotted by a U S Coast Guard C-130 and crewmembers Daniel Adams, Tim Jenkins, Raymond Sharp and Gary Sherman were picked up by the Coast Guard cutter Boutwell.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   Chart 16006

Additional Information: Tonnage 187 Gross 157 Net, Length 99.9, Breadth 31.9, Depth 5, Built 1944 at Philadelphia PA, Former Names LCT 1451, LCU1451 and LCT 6 1451 (U S N), Horsepower 750, ON 563189

Sources: 1. Unofficial Wreck List, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1976) Pg 48, 3. BOEM Alaska Wreck List (2011), 4. Seattle Daily Times (July 5, 1977) “Memorial on ferry run for Capt. David Moon” Pg 60, 5. Fairbanks Daily News Miner (June 30, 1977) “Four Crew Members Found on Raft” Pg 6, 6. U S Coast Guard Investigation notes

 

AHRNKLIM (1922)     On Thursday September 14, 1922 at 5:30 p.m. the 64 ton wooden gas screw Ahrnklim lost power while heading out of the Acqua (?) River and stranded in bad weather becoming a total loss.  The accident occurred about one half mile west of the river entrance during a strong easterly wind.  Not only was the vessel, valued at $8,000 lost, but her cargo of 13,800 pounds of salmon, valued at $200 was lost as well.  The captain, a Mr. Megeard of Arlington, Washington tried to head the vessel clear of the beach but had lost steerage along with the engines.  An accident report was filed on November 22, 1922 at Collection District 30, Seattle, Washington, by F. Svensson for Libby McNeill and Libby, the owners.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 17 N 130 03 W   Chart 16760

Comments : There is no Acqua or Aqua River, but there is an Akwe River, approximate to the vessel’s destination, which is where I have mapped this wreck site. This vessel is often spelled Ahrnklin or Ahrnklint but is registered as Ahrnklim. WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 64 Gross 33 Net, Length 66, Breadth 19.5, Depth 5.2, Built 1910 Seattle WA, Registration Seattle, O.N. 207391, Destination Yakutat, Crew 4, Vessel insurance $8,000, Cargo insurance none.

Sources: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1923) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 447, 3. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1922) Pg 186

AILANTHUS (1944)     The 194 foot U S Navy net layer Ailanthus (AN-38) was driven ashore in a storm while at anchor February 26, 1944 at Attu.  Because of the extensive damage, the Ailanthus was declared a total loss and stricken from Navy list of ships June 9, 1944.

Mapping and Location: Southwest Alaska   52 56 25 N 173 15 E   Chart 16012

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

AJAX (1851)    On June 19, 1851 the 474 ton whaling ship Ajax out of LaHavre, France hit the rocks approximately 10 to 12 miles south of Saint Lawrence Island and became a total loss.

Mapping and Location: West central Alaska   63 N 168 50 W   Chart 16006

Comment: There are no rocks 10 to 12 miles south of Saint Lawrence Island.  WG

Sources: 1. Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992), 2. Daily Union (April 8, 1852) “Proposed Reconnaissance of the Seas Around China and Japan” Col. 2-3

AJAX (1980)     The fishing tender Ajax grounded and was lost May 15, 1980 on Tongass Rock just north of Tongass Island.  All six crewmembers were rescued by the U S Coast Guard cutter Cape Romain.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   54 47 N 130 44 W   Chart 17420

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

AKAGANI MARU (1943)     The 3,121 ton Japanese cargo ship Akagani Maru burned, exploded and sank February 20, 1943 northwest of Attu.  The vessel was bound for Attu with troops, munitions and supplies when she was engaged in battle by the heavy cruiser Indianapolis (CA-35) and destroyers Coghlan (DD-606) and Gillespie (DD-609).  A salvo from the eight inch guns of the Indianapolis set the Akagane Maru ablaze from stem to stern and she exploded soon after.  All 140 crewmembers on board were lost.  She slid under February 20, 1943.

Mapping and Location: Southwest Alaska   52 56 25 N 173 15 E   Chart 16012

Sources: 1. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 2. combinedfleet.com (2013) “IJN Escort Hachijo: Tabular Record of Movement” Revision 1

 

AKEBONO MARU NO 28 (1982)     The 549 ton Japanese trawler Akebono Maru No 28 capsized and sank January 5, 1982 approximately 120 miles north of Adak in the Bering Sea.  One person survived and 32 crewmembers were lost in the disaster. The vessel was owned by Nichiro Gyogyo of Tokyo. The U.S. Coast Guard, a Navy aircraft and 15 Japanese vessels participated in a search for survivors but only 8 bodies were found.

Mapping and Location: Southwest Alaska   51 45 N 176 45 W   Chart 16012

Sources: 1. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 2. Seattle Times (January 8, 1992) “Search ends for Japanese fishermen” Pg A-11

 

AKHIOK (1964)     The 12 ton 31 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Akhiok was destroyed by a tidal wave March 27, 1964 at Kaguyak.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   56 51 40 N 153 46 W   Chart 16580

Additional Information: Tonnage 12 Gross 8 Net, Length 31, Breadth 11.5, Depth 5.3, Built 1940 at Anacortes WA, Horsepower 100, SL WA2090, Owner Kadiak Fisheries Company, Registered Juneau, ON 239442

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) Pg 25, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1002

 

AKSALA (1925)     At 10:50 on the morning of Tuesday August 11, 1925 the American gas screw Aksala caught fire from an overheated stove and became a total loss.  She had departed Skowl Arm that day captained by Clyde Jackson of Ketchikan and was abandoned in Skowl Passage inside Skowl Island by Jackson and his crew of four.  They had attempted to douse the flames with fire extinguishers and water but were unable to get it under control.  They beached the vessel and sought safety.  There was no cargo aboard, but the estimated value of the vessel at the time of the loss was $4,000 of which only $3,000 was insured.  A wreck report was filed at Collection District 32, Ketchikan, by one S.T. Harrington the treasurer for the owner, Straits Packing Company of Seattle.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 25 N 132 16 W   Chart 17420, 17426

Comments: H W McCurdy has this wreck listed in 1920. WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 13 Net, Age 8 years, Registration Ketchikan, ON 214829, Destination Island Point, S.E. Island.

Sources: 1. US Customs Wreck Report 2. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 313

AKSALA (1955)     The 8 ton 31 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Aksala foundered August 23, 1955 in Natkwa (Nutkwa) Inlet.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 02 N 132 36 W   Chart 17420

Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 5 Net, Length 31.3, Breadth 8.9, Depth 3.8, Built 1919 at Seattle, Horsepower 18, SL WE2406, Owner Louise Arrington, Registered Ketchikan, ON 238817

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1956) Pg 19, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1957) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 755

 

AKUTAN (1968)     The oil screw Akutan stranded and was lost March 23, 1968 at Kodiak.

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

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

AKWE (1957)     The 15 ton 36 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Akwe collided with an iceberg in Stephens Passage and was lost September 17, 1957.  The disaster occurred 60 miles south of Juneau, 3 miles south of Midway Island and 3 miles west of Coke Point.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 47 35 N 133 46 45 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 15 Gross 10 Net, Length 36.2, Breadth 11.3, Depth 5.8, Built 1939 at Seattle, Horsepower 105, SL WA2096, Owner Harold E Fredrickson, Registered Seattle, ON 238830

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1957) Pg 19, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1958) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 777

 

AL (1922)     On a calm cloudy November 24, 1922 the American wood boat Al experienced a gasoline explosion and caught fire south of Dixons Entrance at North Dundas and became a total loss.  She had departed Seattle April 22 captained by her owner, John Wilson of Seattle. In addition to her Captain, there was one crewman aboard as the Al headed for Alaska.  At the time of the accident the vessel had no cargo and was valued at $1,200.  Assistance was rendered by the launch Ralph, who picked up the two aboard.  A wreck report was filed at Collection District 30, Seattle on December 1, 1922 by her owner.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska (B.C.) 54 35 N 130 45 W

Additional Information: Tonnage 6 Gross 5 Net, Registration Seattle, ON 218325, Insurance none.

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report

AL (1954)     The 35 foot wooden gasoline powered troller Al was reported missing July 3, 1954 with her owner Carl J. Johnson the only person aboard. The vessel departed Sitka June 28 for Maid Island for what was supposed to be a six day trip. An extensive search, some of which was paid for by contributions from the Sitka Trolling fleet, was conducted with no success. Carl Johnson worked with Vita Food Products of Sitka and was home ported in Friday Harbor, Washington.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 50 10 N 135 27 45 W   Chart 17326

Comment: Some reports spell the name as A-1. WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 5 Net, Length 31.5, Breadth 9.5, Depth 4.4, Built 1918 Seattle, ON 248182, HP 85, SL no radio

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1952) Pg 10, 2. The Seattle Times (July 18, 1954) “Friday Harbor Boat Missing In Sitka Area” Pg 59, 3. Alaska Shipwreck website (October 2, 2017) letter from family member with attachments

 

AL-KI (1917)     The Al-Ki, one of the most famous steamers of the Alaska gold rush era, was lost on November 1, 1917 at Point Augusta, 26 miles southwest of Juneau.  She had first gained fame in 1897 as the first scheduled vessel to leave the Seattle waterfront after the arrival of the Portland from the Klondike goldfields with “A Ton of Gold”, thus beginning the Klondike Gold Rush.  The following are a few of the peaks and valleys of the Al-Ki’s illustrious career:

“The new steamer Al-Ki, for the coal trade, has been completed at Bath, Maine and will soon sail from New York for San Francisco, passing through the Straits of Magellan.  She is 201 feet long, 22 feet 7 inches breadth of beam, and 16 feet depth of hold.  The saloon is handsomely finished and she possesses stateroom accommodations for 50 passengers.”…West Shore, X(1884) Pg 222

“…the Pacific Coast Steamship Company’s Al-Ki, advertised to leave the Oregon Improvement Company Wharf at 9 a.m. on July 18 (1897), for Juneau, Douglas, Wrangell, Skagway, and Dyea.  A rush of last minute freight and passengers delayed her sailing until 5 p.m.  She was crowded to full passenger capacity, with more passengers already booked and waiting for arrival at Port Townsend and Victoria.  In addition to her regular cargo, she was laden with 350 tons of miners’ supplies, 900 sheep, 65 head of cattle and 50 horses, all in a small wooden steamer of 1200 gross tons.” H W McCurdy Pg 13

“The October (1897) the United States Customs agents at Seattle were moved by complaints of Alaskans that northbound ships were carrying “too much whiskey and not enough food” to carry out the first really thorough inspection of a ship’s cargo ever made at that port.  Barrels, boxes, and cans in the holds of the Pacific Coast Steamship Company’s Al-Ki, scheduled to sail October 2, were opened and a full wagonload of undeclared whiskey, brandy and wine found in containers marked “sugar”, “coffee”, “oatmeal”, “kerosene”, “etc”. H W McCurdy Pg 18

“The noted old Alaska steamer Al-Ki, laid up at Eagle Harbor in October, 1909 following her final voyage from the north in Pacific Coast Steamship Co. service, had been destined for reduction to a barge, but was sold, instead to Capt. Wallace Langley, who planned to enter her under British registry for service between Vancouver and Portland Canal ports.  In June, libels totaling $10,388 were filed against the veteran steamer as she lay at Eagle Harbor and she was sold to Struve and Bollong of Seattle.  The wooden vessel of 1,259 tons, 200 feet in length, was built at Bath, ME in 1884, her 600 horsepower compound engine giving her a speed of about 8 knots.  Surprisingly, when she was refitted with oil burners and given a new wheel, her commander, Capt. J.E. Guptill, found her capable of doing 11 knots, a speed which she had not attained in the memory of man.  Equally amazed Alaskans, who had followed her plodding progress for years, bestowed upon her the title of “the Sitka Flyer”. (H W McCurdy Pg 184)

When the Al-Ki stranded at Point Augusta the 1st of November, 1917, a bizarre series of events brought her back into public notice, the particulars of which add a feeling of true legend to her already colorful history.  When the Al-Ki stranded, the crew was picked up by the steamer Mariposa.  Soon after the vessel left the scene, another vessel, the halibut steamer Manhattan, came upon the wreck and took it upon themselves to claim anything of use or value as their own.  Unfortunately the Manhattan herself ran into trouble a few days later, and her crew was forced to abandon ship coincidentally onto the same vessel, Mariposa, that had taken in the crew of the Al-Ki.  The Manhattan’s crew were taken to Juneau and promptly arrested for looting the Al-Ki.  In a final twist of fate, the Mariposa which had brought in the crews from both lost vessels, struck a reef and was lost on the next voyage.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 02 N 134 57 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: See Manhattan, Mariposa

Sources: 1. Shipwreck of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992) Pgs 36-7 2. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pgs 13, 18, 184, 293.

ALAMENT (1989)     The 40 foot troller Alament caught fire, grounded and sank January 10, 1989 at Big Gavanski Island near Sitka.  The master of the vessel, Paul Pearson (49) was the only one on board and was lost in the disaster.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 08 N 135 25 30 W   Chart 17320

Sources: 1. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 2. Sitka Daily Sentinel (January 4, 1989) “Coast Guard Continues Search for Fisherman” Pg 1

 

ALANNAH (1947)     The 41 ton 51 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Alannah stranded and was lost October 18, 1947 off Cape Fox Island in Dixon Entrance.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   54 45 50 N 130 51 W   Chart 17420

Additional Information: Tonnage 41 Gross 32 Net, Length 51.1, Breadth 16.1, Depth 7.1, Built 1945 at Sitka, Horsepower 80, SL AXBE, Owner Fred E Brandes Jr., Registered Sitka, ON 248933

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1948) Pg 8, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1949) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 909

ALASCO (1952)     The 22 ton 44 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Alasco foundered June 27, 1952 near Cordova.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 33 N 145 45 W   Chart 16700

Additional Information: Tonnage 22 Gross 15 Net, Length 44, Breadth 14, Depth 5.4, Built 1912 at Seattle WA, Former Name Sirius, Horsepower 140, Owner Roy P Harrow, Registered Aberdeen WA, ON 209742

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1952) Pg 11, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1953-1954) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 744

 

ALASCO 2 (1972)     The 17 ton 43 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Alasco 2 foundered April 6, 1972 at David Island.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 02 N 156 30 W   Chart 16013

Additional Information: Tonnage 17 Gross 5 Net, Length 43, Breadth 12.7, Depth 5.1, Built 1918 at Sausalito CA, SL WA2112, ON 216028

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 28, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1974) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1635

 

ALASCO 3 (1955)     The 22 ton 47 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Alasco 3 stranded and was lost July 17, 1955 at Deer Harbor, Alaska.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 56 30 N   136 33 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 22 Gross 8 Net, Length 46.9, Breadth 14.1, Depth 5.1, Built 1918 at Sausalito CA, Horsepower 112, Owner John A Hull, Registered Sitka, ON 217006

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1955) Pg 20, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1956) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 742

 

ALASKA (1885)     According to Tornfelt and Burwell’s Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992), the Alaska, a two masted schooner of 138 tons was lost in the Bering Sea in 1885.  No further information is given.

ALASKA (1898)     In January of 1898 the small steamer Alaska, which had been “operating as a ferry between Wrangell and the Stikine River”, struck a rock and became a total loss.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 40 N 132 20 W   Chart 17360

Source: The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 40

ALASKA (1900)     At 10:00 a.m. on the morning of June 6, 1900 during a gale, the American whaling bark Alaska stranded 200 yards south of the A.E. Company warf at Nome while the towboat Mary D Hume was endeavoring to tow her offshore.  The following is an excerpt from the wreck report filed by her Master and Owner, B. Cougan of Oakland, California:

“Gave chain and held ship, set signal for assistance, hailed towboat Hume, which offered to tow me out for $1,000.  He ran his hawser and I made fast, then slipped my port chain.  While she was towing ship struck bottom aft, unslipped her rudder.  Sounded pumps, making no water, about five minutes afterward still in tow of Hume, ship struck heavily twice, knocking false keel off and commencing to fill rapidly.  I let go hawser, set the jib and ran her as high up as possible to keep her deck above water.  In about three minutes after, ship grounded heavily in about three fathoms, her spar deck nearly even with the water, then cut her spars away.  After launching her lee boats, then watched our opportunities and launched the other lifeboats, of which we had four, then divided passengers and crew among the boats and pulled out through the breakers, when steam launch Islam took boats and towed them alongside U.S.R. steamer Bear, who received us onboard and treated us as well as they could.  Later in the day, seas moderating, Captain Tuttle sent an officer with the first officer of the Alaska onboard the wreck to protect the cargo.  There was then hopes of saving a portion of the cargo, hull being intact, except full of water, but that evening gale increasing with heavy sea ship commenced to break up.  The lieutenant was brought ashore by a boat sent out by Captain Jarvis.”

According to the wreck report the Alaska was carrying a 300 ton cargo of coal, lumber, machinery, provisions and liquors valued at $15,000.  The vessel herself was valued at $40,000 and both vessel and cargo were listed as total losses.

Mapping and Location: West central Alaska 63 29 N 162 02 W   Chart 16200

Additional Information: Construction Wood, Tonnage 337, Built San Francisco 1868, ON 1378, Last port San Francisco April 14, 1900, Bound for Nome and whaling, Passengers 41, Crew 30, Vessel Insurance none.

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report

ALASKA (1906)     The steel steamer Alaska burned while at winter quarters at Saint Michael on May 2, 1906.  The vessel was used for inland towing and had a crew of eight men.

Mapping and Location: West central Alaska   63 29 N 162 02 W   Chart 16200

Additional Information: Tonnage 60 Gross 19 Net, Length 73.7, Breadth 18.9, Depth 5.2, Built at Seattle 1899, ON 107458

Sources: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1906) Pg 385

ALASKA (1928)     On February 19, 1928 at 4:30 a.m. the American wood halibut schooner Alaska became disoriented in the fog and stranded on a reef between Kaguyak and the Geese Islands on the south end of Kodiak Island. The vessel became a total loss.  She had left her home port of Ketchikan on February 13 bound for sea fisheries with 10 crewmen and no cargo, except for $200 worth of bait and ice.  Her Master, Conrad Patterson of Seattle, along with the other 9 crew aboard made it to safety.  The vessel, valued at $28,000, was lost.  A wreck report was filed at Collection District 31 Port of Ketchikan by the vessel’s Master on May 7, 1928

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   56 45 N 153 45 W   Chart 16580

Additional Information: Tonnage 67 Gross 54 Net, Power Diesel, Built 1913 Seattle, ON 211016

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report

ALASKA (1929)     On Saturday November 9, 1929 the rotted hull of the wood steamer Alaska was towed three miles south of Wrangell to Zimovia Strait and at 2:00 p.m. was abandoned.  The vessel’s owner, Wilson and Sylvester Mill Co. Inc., considered the vessel to have lost all value.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 25 N 132 23 W   Chart 17360

Additional Information: Tonnage 53 gross 39 net, Built 1916, Registration Wrangell, ON 213960

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report

ALASKA CHIEF (1938)     At 6:30 on the morning of March 28, 1938, the wooden gas screw cannery tender Alaska Chief exploded and foundered off N.E. Grindall Island with the loss of four of her five crewmen.  The following is an accounting of the tragedy from the wreck report filed at Ketchikan on April 5 by her Master and only survivor, Frank Ford:

“Left Kassan at 5:00 a.m. bound for Ketchikan.  At about 6:20 a.m. I went into the engine room of the vessel to oil up at which time all was well.  After oiling the engine I went on the afterdeck to pump bilges by hand when suddenly an explosion occurred in the engine room and the vessel immediately began to sink. Delaman was on deck and after the explosion I could not see him and he must have gone overboard.  McCue did not reach the shore and Hatch died after regaining the beach.”

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 27 N 132 08 W   Chart 17360

Additional Information: Tonnage 16 Gross 10 Net, Age 31 years, Registration Seattle, ON 204302, Owner Pacific American Fisheries, Crew Lost A.A. McCue A.C. Delaman Earl Hatch Henry Andrews, Weather NW wind choppy sea.

Sources: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report 2. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 466

ALASKA CONSTRUCTOR (1988)     The 113 foot supply barge Alaska Constructor was consumed by fire November 2, 1988 off of Trading Bay in Upper Cook Inlet. A tank truck containing 3,000 gallons of gasoline caught fire on the deck of the barge and exploded.  Lost were captain Stan Hanson (36) of Homer, engineer Bruce Babcock (34) of Anchor Point and Carl Anderson (58) fuel truck driver of Anchorage. First mate Stephen Hobbs survived by lowering himself by rope from the burning vessel and wading to shore. The Alaska Constructor was later towed to deeper water where it was sunk by a demolition team.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 55 N 151 35 W   Chart 16660

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

ALASKA DAWN (1996)     The 90 foot fishing vessel Alaska Dawn grounded and became a total loss October 5, 1996 on the north end of Andronica Island.  The Alaska Dawn had arrived at Sand Point from the Bering Sea the afternoon of October 4, 1996. After taking fuel, water and having dinner, the crew departed the area around midnight. The captain took the first watch with a destination of Mitrofania Bay. Two hours later he slept through the bridge alarm and the vessel grounded on the north side of Andronica Island. Good Samaritan vessels Vardal and Exodus responded to the distressed vessel. The water level in the Alaska Dawn was a foot from the ceiling of the engine room when the crew abandoned ship. All four crewmembers of the Alaska Dawn were transported by the Vardal’s skiff to the Exodus and subsequently back to Sand Point. 7,000 gallons of fuel was removed from the Alaska Dawn before she was eventually scuttled.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   55 20 N 160 05 W   Chart 16011

Additional Information: ON 978517, Call Sign WBB6295

Sources: 1. U S C G Shipwreck List (1989-2004), 2. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013), 3. USCG MISLE Case #76631

 

ALASKA MARINER (1980)     The 86 foot power scow fishing vessel Alaska Mariner caught fire and sank November 3, 1980 near Sitkalidak Island.  The crew was rescued by the fishing vessel Pacific Lady and a U S Coast Guard helicopter.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 07 N 153 14 W   Chart 16580

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

 

ALASKA PRIDE (1993)     See ALASKAN PRIDE (1993)

 

ALASKA QUEEN (1965)     The 40 ton 61 foot wooden oil screw tug Alaska Queen was consumed by fire July 17, 1965 at Rocky Point, Bechevin Bay on Atka Island in the Aleutians.  The fire originated in the engine room.  The captain of the vessel suffered burns attempting to put out the fire.  He and the two other crewmembers escaped to a skiff.

Mapping and Location: Southwest Alaska   52 03 N 175 06 W   Chart 16486

Additional Information: Tonnage 40 Gross 27 Net, Length 61.4, Breadth 17.5, Depth 7.3, Built 1943 at Oakland CA, Former Name Curtola #1 (U S N), Horsepower 360, SL WC5483, Owner Alaska Queen Inc., Registered Los Angeles CA, ON 258828

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 28, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1163, 3. Seattle Times (July 21, 1965) “Skipper of Seattle Tug hurt in fire” Pg 32

 

ALASKA RANGER (2008)     The 184 foot catcher-processor Alaska Ranger lost her rudder, flooded and sank March 23, 2008 approximately 120 nautical miles west of Dutch Harbor.  The vessel was on her way to fish Mackerel in the Aleutian Islands with 47 crewmembers aboard.  The U S Coast Guard was able to lead the rescue of 42 of the crewmembers using a Helicopter from Saint Paul Island, a C-130 Aircraft from Anchorage and the USCGC Munro.  The Alaska Warrior, sister ship of the Alaska Ranger rescued 22 crewmembers and the U S Coast Guard rescued 20.  Conditions at the time were beyond treacherous.  Lost from the Alaska Ranger were captain Eric Peter Jacobsen, David Silveira, Byron Carrillo, Daniel Cook and Satoshi Konno.

Mapping and Location: Southwest Alaska   Unknown   Chart 16011

Sources: 1. Unofficial Shipwreck List (Alaska), 2. Anchorage Daily News (March 23, 2008) “4 die after fishing vessel sinks”, 3. U S C G Enforcement Report (March 23, 2008)

 

ALASKA ROUGHNECK (1979)     The 130 foot steel landing craft Alaska Roughneck foundered after running aground February 28, 1979 near King Cove.  Lost were skipper Eugene Love and Dan Buarnard of Western Washington.  Crewmen Bruce Campbell and Don Rude were picked up by the fishing vessel Seven Seas, transported to Cold Bay and airlifted by commercial jet to the hospital in Anchorage. The Alaska Roughneck was being chartered by Deep Sea Inc. of Seattle.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 198 Gross 135 Net, Length 113.5, Breadth 34, Depth 8, Built 1944 Houston TX, ON 288328, Former Name LSM 116 USN, SL WT3536, 1,000 HP, Owner Foss Launch and Tug Co.

Sources: 1. Unofficial Wreck List (Kodiak), 2. Seattle Daily Times (March 4, 1979) “2 missing crewmen from Alaska ship identified” Pg 16, 3. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1979) Pgs 64 & 1854, 4. The Seattle Times (March 2, 1979) “2 Rescued 2 Missing as Boat Sinks” Pg E10

 

ALASKA ROUSTABOUT (1962)     The 119 ton 100 foot steel oil screw tug Alaska Roustabout foundered September 28, 1962 in the Gulf of Alaska.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   Unknown

Additional Information: Tonnage 119 Gross 99 Net, Length 99.9, Breadth 31.9, Depth 5, Built 1944 at Vallejo CA, Service towing, Former Name YFU-40 (U S N), Horsepower 495, SL WS9003, Owner Foss Launch & Tug Company, Registered Tacoma WA, ON 287855

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1963) Pg 26, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 963

 

ALASKA STAR (1988)     The 153 foot processing vessel Alaska Star was lost February 20, 1988 in Nikolski Bay on Umnak Island.  All 15 crewmembers were rescued by the fishing vessel Neahkahnie in blinding snow and 60 mile an hour winds.  The Alaska Star grounded on a rock 100 yards from the beach, rolled over and sank the following day.

Mapping and Location: Southwest Alaska   52 57 30 N 168 54 W   Chart 16011

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

 

ALASKA UNION (1899)     In December of 1899 the American stern wheel steamer Alaska Union, after leaving the Yukon River, encountered a heavy NE gale at the northeast end of St. Michael Island.  Both anchors were put out to keep the vessel offshore to no avail, as she stranded and became a total loss.  The crew made it to shore.  No cargo was onboard but the vessel, valued at $10,000 was lost.

Mapping and Location: West central Alaska   63 30 N 162 05 W   Chart 16240

Additional Information: Construction wood, Tonnage 141 Net 214 Gross, Built 1898, Registration Saint Michael, ON 107495, Owner Alaska Exploration Company.

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report of August 20, 1901 by company agent I N Hubbard

ALASKAN (1936)     At 8:00 p.m. on Saturday February 29, 1936 the American gas screw Alaskan foundered “about two miles north of Slocum Inlet, Stephens Passage, in about 115 fathoms of water.”  According to her master and owner, Arthur J. Lagasa of Juneau “…the line shaft carried away just forward of the tail shaft coupling allowing tail shaft to slip back out of stuffing box and stern bearing permitting water to enter.  Unable to pull tail shaft back in again due to sleeves being outside of shaft.”

“Choppy seas would spin wheel which would force caulking from around the shaft.  Water finally got so high was unable to do anything more.”

“Took Alaskan about 8 hours to sink during all of which time efforts were made by myself to keep her afloat until help could arrive.  Coast Guard Cutter Talapoosa went out to make search at scene of foundering about 1:30 a.m. Sunday March 1, 1936, and continued search until about 3:00 p.m. Sunday afternoon, without success of locating vessel.”

“Vessel may tip over where sunk in such a manner that hatch cover might lift off and salvage gear be disenlodged, permitting vessel to raise of itself; such chances are small.”

“Attempted to beach Alaskan with small gas boat Nip&Tuck, without success.”

The Alaskan, her two crew, and cargo of diving equipment (salvage gear) departed from Hobart Bay, Frederick Sound, bound for Juneau.  The weather during the incident is reported to have been “about 20 miles wind; choppy seas; clear water.”  Although the crew was saved, her three tons of cargo valued at $1,000 and the vessel valued at $5,000 were total losses.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 09 N 134 05 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 29 Gross 19 Net, Built 1912, Registration Juneau, ON 209643, Insurance none.

Sources: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report 2. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 449

ALASKAN MONARCH (1990)     The 92 foot steel crab fishing vessel Alaskan Monarch became trapped in ice and grounded while attempting to enter Saint Paul Harbor March 15, 1990.  The vessel’s rudder and depth sounder transducer were destroyed by the ice.  High winds drove the Alaskan Monarch against the beach and 25 foot waves broke over her.  The U S Coast Guard Cutter Storis was in the area and responded to the scene. Several attempts were made to get a towline to the Alaskan Monarch but heavy ice and huge seas prevented success. An HH-3 helicopter from U S Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak piloted by veteran commander Lt. Laura H. Guth arrived on scene and began airlifting the six crewmembers to safety from the unsteady deck of the Alaskan Monarch. After four had been pulled into the chopper, a large ice filled wave washed over the distressed vessel depositing the remaining two crewmen into the frozen saltwater. Both were quickly pulled from the ocean into the rescue helicopter and flown to safety. The Alaskan Monarch broke up on the beach. Wreckage was later removed by Magone Marine Diving and Salvage.

Mapping and Location: Southwest Alaska   57 10 N 170 15 W   Chart 16011

Additional Information: ON 613118

Sources: 1. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 2. U S Coast Guard Storis blogspot (April 2014) “Alaska Monarch Rescue Remembered”, 3. U S Coast Guard Aviation History website (1991) Alaskan Monarch, 4. ANMWR website “St. Paul Island Wrecks” Alaskan Monarch

 

ALASKAN PRIDE (1993)     The 120 foot steel oil screw crab fishing vessel Alaskan Pride flooded and sank February 7, 1993 90 miles northwest of Cape Sarichef, Unimak Island. All seven crewmembers were rescued by the F/V Brittany and transported to Dutch Harbor.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 54 35 50 N 164 55 30 W   Chart 16006

Additional Information: Tonnage 461 Gross 389 Net, Length 111.5, Breadth 32, Depth 10.3, Built 1975 at Dakota Creek Bellingham WA, Former Name Aleut Pride, ON 566399

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1979) “Aleut Pride” Pg 68, 2. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

ALASKAN SPIRIT (1995)     The 28 foot sea cucumber urchin dive boat Alaskan Spirit flooded and sank December 12, 1995 in Stone Rock Bay.  All three persons aboard made it to safety.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   54 45 30 N 132 W   Chart 17420

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

 

ALASKAN STAR (1995)     The 86 foot Joint Venture stern trawler Alaskan Star flooded, capsized and sank January 16, 1995 near Forrester Island in 1000 feet of water.  The loss was attributed to a catastrophic failure in the shaft alley/engine room space. Flooding occurred quickly and little time was available for the crew to get out a May-Day and abandon the rapidly flooding overturning vessel. Skipper Gary Hanson, engineer Robert Hicks, and deckhands Thomas Mallory and Paul Madsen abandoned ship in survival suits. Fortunately a nearby vessel heard their call and they were soon  picked up by the Pacific Alliance. Robert Hicks sustained an injury to his back while sliding down the overturning hull of the Alaskan Star. The U S Coast Guard Marine Safety Center analyzed the circumstances surrounding an engine room flooded from the shaft alley and concluded that this condition made the vessel vulnerable to capsizing.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   54 48 N 133 31 W   Chart 17400

Additional Information: ON 909394

Sources: 1. U S C G Shipwreck List (1989-2004), 2. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013), 3. USCG MISLE Case #942379

 

ALASKAN WARRIOR (1982)     The 52 foot fishing vessel Alaskan Warrior sank September 11, 1982 off of Dangerous Cape near Kodiak.  The five on board were picked up by the vessels Miss Brenda and Abby Jo.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 17 N 152 42 W   Chart 16580

Source: Unofficial Shipwreck List (Kodiak)

 

ALBACORE (1974)     The gas screw Albacore burned June 1, 1974 at Pelican.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 57 30 N 136 13 30 W   Chart 17300

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

ALBATROSS (1892)     At 6:30 on the morning of August 20, 1892, while trying to enter Lituya Bay in bad weather, the wood schooner Albatross went on the rocks and broke up.  She was carrying two crew and five tons of provisions and stores (valued at $800) bound for Lituya Bay.  According to the wreck report filed at Sitka on October 15, 1892 by her master and owner, Eric Anland of Juneau, “very strong ebb tide and failure of wind at critical time…fine breeze and fine weather…good daylight but this being a difficult harbor to make and the wind dying out at the time, we had to choose between the beach or drifting in the breakers.”

“Crew walked to Yakutat and was taken to Sitka by mail steamer Salmo.”

The vessel left Juneau on August 13, 1892 and wrecked inside Harbor Point, Lituya Bay.  The damage to the vessel (valued at $800) is reported as total, but the damage to the cargo is listed as only $100 of the $800 worth on board.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   58 37 N 137 39 W   Chart 16762

Additional Information: Tonnage 7.22 Gross 6.8 Net, Length 31.1, Breadth 11, Depth 3.4, Built 1884 Seattle, Registration Juneau, ON 106317

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report

ALBATROSS (1926)     The gas screw Albatross caught fire and was destroyed on October 8, 1926 four miles NW of Ketchikan at the entrance to Wards Cove.  Captain and owner Harry W Benolkin and his single crewman escaped injury but the Albatross, valued at $5,000 was a total loss.  The fire was caused by an engine backfire around 4:00 p.m. and quickly spread.  The Helen H towed the Albatross to the beach in an attempt to have the fire extinguished by the Ketchikan Fire Department but the tide went out leaving the vessel high and dry where the fire department truck was unable to reach it.  The wood hulled vessel burned completely.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 23 30 N 131 44 30 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 21 Gross 14 Net, Built 1917, Registration Ketchikan, ON 215319, Last Port Ketchikan, Destination Ward Cove and return, Cargo none

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report filed at Ketchikan

ALBATROSS (1954)     The 8 ton 30 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Albatross was consumed by fire August 31, 1954 in Warren Channel between Warren Island and Cape Pole.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 57 25 N 133 49 W   Chart 17400

Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 5 Net, Length 30.6, Breadth 9.4, Depth 4.8, Built 1928 at Tacoma WA, Horsepower 78, Owner Stanley G Cox, Registered Ketchikan, ON 227259

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1952) Pg 12, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1955) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 737

 

ALBATROSS (1964)     The 73 ton 60 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Albatross was reported lost in the Good Friday earthquake of March 27, 1964 at Kodiak.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 73 Gross 50 Net, Length 60.7, Breadth 17.7, Depth 9.7, Built 1910 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 100, SL WA2129, Owner Harvey A Harbaugh, Registered Seattle, ON 208274

Sources: 1. Unofficial Wreck List, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) Pg 27

 

ALBERT WALTER (1893)     On Saturday September 23, 1893 the American wood schooner Albert Walter of 44 tons burden left Kodiak, Alaska bound for Lange Island, but at 5:00 p.m. “missed stays and drifted on the rocks”, at “NNE point several miles from Kodiak.”  In the wreck report filed by the co-owner, Julius Christiansen, remarks as follows:

“At 5:00 p.m. wind became light, vessel missed staid, striking the rocks and carrying away rudder and centerboard.  Lowered the anchors and run out kedge.  Heavy swells.  At 8:00 p.m. vessel was unsafe to remain by and all hands left her.”

The vessel’s value was listed as $4,400 with no cargo and 8 tons ballast.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 50 N 152 20 W   Chart 16580

Comment: Lange Island mentioned is probably Long Island just northeast of Kodiak. WG

Additional Information: Vessel rebuilt in 1883, Registration San Francisco March 25, 1891, ON 94, Master Charles Avery of Kodiak, Owners Julius & Lawrence Christiansen, Crew 5, Loss total, Insurance $4,000.

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report

ALCO (1927)     At 2:30 on the afternoon of September 29, 1927 while fueling gasoline at the Standard Oil Dock at Juneau, the wooden gas screw Alco caught fire and burned.  The two crew and three passengers escaped, but the vessel, valued at $5,000 was a total loss.  According to the wreck report filed at Juneau on September 30, 1927 by her master, Peter Simpson of Sitka, the boat caught fire probably from exhaust while fueling.  “The Progress and Three Brothers towed Alco to nearest beach where vessel burned to the waterline.”

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 18 N 134 24.5 W   Chart 17315

Additional Information: Tonnage 15 Gross 10 Net, Built 1917, Registration Seattle, ON 214982, Owner Alaska Sanitary Package Company, Last Port Douglas September 29, Cargo none.

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report

ALDEBARAN (2007)     The fishing vessel Aldebaran struck Bold Island, flooded and sank in 79 fathoms of water August 17, 2007 approximately 10 miles south of Ketchikan.  A crewmember on wheel watch fell asleep precipitating the grounding. All five crewmembers abandoned ship to the fishing vessel Champion.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 15 N 131 25 W   Chart 17420

Additional Information: Length 54.5, Tonnage 54 Gross 43 Net, ON 279129, Call Sign WL7206

Sources: 1. U S Coast Guard Enforcement Report (August 17, 2007), 2. USCG MISLE Case #374572

 

ALDEN (1938)     On Monday October 24, 1938 during a 60 mile an hour gale eight miles west of Dry Bay, Alaska and eight miles offshore, the clutch of the wooden oil screw Alden became disabled and the vessel became adrift with her master, Tom Thompson of Seattle and seven other crew aboard.  They had left Thumb Bay on October 21, and were traveling south for Seattle with the gas screw Christine when the incident occurred.  The following are remarks from the wreck report filed by Tom Thompson on October 25, 1938:

“After clutch became disabled, batteries tipped over and it was impossible to get steerage way; Christine unable to tow vessel Alden in weather prevailing.”

“60 mile gale, heavy choppy sea, breakers washing over vessel, disabled in trough of sea.”

“…Christine took off crew; when last seen Alden was drifting toward beach.”

The report indicates that there was no cargo aboard, but the vessel herself, worth $15,000, was a total loss.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 07 N 139 W   Chart 16760

Additional Information: Tonnage 47 Gross 36 Net, Built 1926, Registration Cordova, ON 225644, Owner Alden Boat Co. Latouche, Alaska.

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report

ALECTO (1922)     At 2:00 a.m. on September 29, 1922 on a trip from Juneau to Seldovia, the diesel screw launch Alecto experienced engine trouble due to water in her fuel tank and stranded ¼ mile west of Ocean Cape Light near Yakutat.  The one person aboard made it to safety, but the cargo of three tons of merchandise and oil (valued at $450) was a total loss.  The vessel herself (valued at $1,100) was only a $625 loss as the engine was salvaged after the stranding and breakup.  The following are remarks from the wreck report filed November 11, 1922 at Seldovia by her master and owner:

“Ocean Cape near Yakutat, Alaska about 1:30 a.m. oil in tank I was running on gave out.  I turned on oil from another tank but engine quit running…too much water in tank…boat drifted about fifteen minutes then I put anchor over with 12 fathoms of line and on bottom vessel drifted about fifteen minutes more while I was below decks trying to get water out of tank so as to start engine.  When brought up on her anchor, line parted and vessel went ashore stern first at nearly low tide.  Three days later on October 2 engine was saved after vessel pounded over rocks for about 1/8 of a mile, by help of Billy Gray and some natives of Yakutat.”

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 33 N 139 50 W   Chart 16760

Additional Information: Vessel Construction wood sloop, Tonnage 8.92 Gross 6 Net, Age 29 years, Registration Juneau, ON 197137, Owner T.O. Perry of Seldovia, Master same, Last sailing Juneau September 24, 1922.

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report

ALERT (1914)     At 10:00 p.m. September 9, 1914, on a voyage from Juneau to Tyee, the American gas screw Alert broke a tail shaft and went on the rocks at Point Styleman, Snettisham Inlet.  The following are excerpts from the wreck report filed at Juneau on September 11, 1914 by the master of the vessel, Alfred Cramer of Tyee:

“Tail shaft broke causing vessel to go on rocks”

“S.E. wind strong; rough sea; dark.”

“Raised sail but tail shaft fouled rudder and we were unable to steer ; tried to tow but sea too rough; put over anchors but no bottom.”

“Owing to depth of water anchor did not catch and tide carried vessel to point where she pounded holes in hull and finally sunk after Alfred Cramer and Andrews Johnson, crew swam ashore.”

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 58 30 N 133 53 45 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 12 Net, Age 4 years, Registration Juneau, ON 207215, Owner Vendeyssel Packing Co. Seattle, Crew 2, Value $4,500, Loss total.

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report

ALERT (1915)     The 14 ton 56 foot gas screw passenger vessel Alert foundered October 31, 1915 near Point Aloa.  The six persons aboard made it to safety.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 11 30 N 131 11 W   Chart 17420

Comment: The 1916 Merchant Vessels Reported Lost puts this wreck at Point Aloa. I have charted the wreck at Point Alava. WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 14 Gross 9 Net, Length 56.5, Breadth 11.2, Depth 3.7, IHP 50, Built 1893 at Port Blakely WA, Registered Ketchikan, ON 107048

Sources:  1. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 258, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1916) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 420, 3. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1915) Pg 200

ALERT (1956)     The 7 ton 35 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Alert stranded and was lost October 20, 1956 on the beach at Hydaburg.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 12 20 N 132 49 28 W   Chart 17400

Additional Information: Tonnage 7 Gross 5 Net, Length 35.4, Breadth 10, Depth 3.2, Built 1931 at Craig, Horsepower 110, Owner Paul Cogo, Registered Ketchikan, ON 235550

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1958) Pg 23, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1959) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 800

 

ALERT (1968)     The gas screw Alert stranded and was lost May 17, 1968 at Point Couverden.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 11 25 N 135 03 10 W   Chart 17300

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

ALERT (1985)     The 94 foot steel fishing vessel Alert disappeared with all hands February 14, 1985 near Bumble Bay in the Shelikof Strait.  The vessel was mid-water trawling for Pollack in the Shelikof Strait with several other vessels when the wind and tide direction shifted simultaneously causing a rapid increase in wind and wave height accompanied by a substantial decrease in temperature.  The Alert was last seen making heavy ice and was reported heading toward Bumble Bay on the southwest side of Kodiak Island.  All that was found during an intense search in the days that followed was a slight oil slick in the area where the Alert was last reported.  Lost with the Alert were her skipper and owner Mel Wick (42) of Kodiak, Sean T Heaney (25) of Kodiak, Ray Basel (42) of Kodiak, Paul Rowe (18) of Ballard and Svernin Ben-Adalsteinson (42) of Edmonds.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 16 30 N 154 41 30 W   Chart 16580

Comment: The Alert underwent a trawl conversion at Marco in 1981 or 1982. WG

Additional Information: 129 Gross 87 Net, Length 70.5, Breadth 22.3, Depth 11.5, Built 1978 at Fort George Island FL, ON 590992, SL WYB9543, 520 HP, Owner Melvin J. Wick

Sources: 1. Unofficial Wreck List (Kodiak), 2. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 3. Personal Experience (WG), 3. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1979) Pg 68, 4. USCG Maritime Information Exchange (2016)

 

ALEUT PRINCESS (2000)     The 70 foot wooden salmon tender Aleut Princess was consumed by fire August 25, 2000 at Angoon.  There was no loss of life.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 30 N 134 35 W   Chart 17320

Additional Information: ON 236663

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

 

ALEUTIAN (1929)     At 5:29 a.m. May 26, 1929 the American Steamship Aleutian struck a rock in mid channel off of the south end of Amook Island in Uyak Bay and sank.  Crewman M. Borras was said to have gone below deck to retrieve his good luck horseshoe and was lost.  The vessel (valued at one million dollars) was a total loss, as was her cargo of 115 tons of general merchandise and three cars of copper ore.  The 39 passengers and remaining 114 crewmen were rescued.  The following are statements from the wreck report filed July 29, 1929 at Collection District 10, New York, by the Mechanical Superintendent of the Alaska Steamship Company, the owners:

“Struck rock in mid channel off south end of Amook Island, Uyak Bay, and sank.”

“Small gas boat took a few of the passengers to Larson Bay where cannery tender was employed to go back to scene of wreck and take all others to Larson Bay.”

“Vessel struck rock…going about 14 knots.  Filled very rapidly and sank in between seven and ten minutes.  Everybody was taken off with the exception of one member of crew who went back to his room and was never seen again.”

USS Surveyer came to Larson Bay and took all survivors to Seward, Alaska.”

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 25 30 N 153 50 30 W   Chart 16580

Comments: This wreck has recently been located and dive tours are being offered.

Additional Information: Tonnage 5708 Gross 3510 Net, Built 1898, Registration New York, ON 96435, Master J G Nord of Seattle, Last Port Zachar Bay, Destination Uyak Bay.

Sources: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report (July 29, 1929) by E M Mulcahy, Mechanical Supt. Alaska S.S. Company, 2. Alaska Steam Pgs 77-78

ALEUTIAN (1957)     The 57 ton 62 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Aleutian was destroyed by a storm July 16, 1957 on Chiniak Rock, Kodiak.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 37 35 N 152 09 W   Chart 16580

Comment: I have charted Chiniak Rock at Chiniak Island near Cape Chiniak, Kodiak.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 57 Gross 38 Net, Length 62.6, Breadth 16.6, Depth 7.7, Built 1926 at Tacoma WA, Former Name Mt. Baker, Horsepower 150, SL WA2171, Owner Parks Canning Company, Registered Seattle, ON 225562

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 31, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1163

 

ALEUTIAN (2000)     The 31 foot fiberglass salmon fishing vessel Aleutian took on water from a leaking shaft packing, grounded and was lost June 15, 2000 at the mouth of the Naknek River.  All four crewmembers were rescued by the fishing vessel Sockeye.

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

Additional Information: ON 619962

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

 

ALEUTIAN I (1960)     The 12 ton 29 foot steel oil screw fishing vessel Aleutian I collided with an unidentified object and sank April 10, 1960 in King Cove.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   Unknown

Comment: This could be either the King Cove near Cold Bay on the Alaska Peninsula or the King Cove on Afognak Island north of Kodiak.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 12 Gross 11 Net, Length 29.5, Breadth 11.5, Depth 5.3, Built 1953 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 110, Owner Herbert N Fiske, Registered Seattle, ON 265327

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1960) Pg 25, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1961) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 860

 

ALEUTIAN II (1962)     The 12 ton 29 foot steel oil screw fishing vessel Aleutian II foundered August 8, 1962 near Makushin Bay.

Mapping and Location: Southwest Alaska   53 44 N 167 W   Chart 16011

Additional Information: Tonnage 12 Gross 11 Net, Length 29.6, Breadth 11.5, Depth 5.3, Built 1955 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 87, SL WE7034, Owner Roy Buck Jr., Registered Juneau, ON 265328

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1963) Pg 29, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 963

 

ALEUTIAN ENTERPRISE (1990)     The 142 foot fish processing trawler Aleutian Enterprise capsized and sank March 22, 1990 approximately 60 miles south of Saint Paul Island in the Bering Sea.  The vessel had just taken a large cod end (loaded net) up the stern ramp.  Multiple vessels responded and 22 crewmembers were rescued from the water and life rafts.  Nine were lost including eight crewmembers and one observer.  Crewmembers lost were Nello Marciel (55) of San Diego CA, John Dietrich (31) of Seattle WA, Matthew J Schneider (22) of Issaquah WA, Joseph J Alaimo (45) of Yakima WA, Robert W Davies (26) of Renton WA, Jeffrey A Houston (21) of Warren OR, Javier Martin V Castro (27) of Seattle WA and David J Jefferies (19) of Fontana CA.  The observer lost was Robert McCord (35) of Englewood CO.

Mapping and Location: Southwest Alaska   57 10 N 170 15 W   Chart 16011

Additional Information: ON 664123

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

 

ALEUTIAN HARVESTER (1985)     The 94 foot trawler Aleutian Harvester disappeared with all hands November 26, 1985 during a North Pacific storm.  The vessel is believed to have been lost 30 miles south of Unalaska.  Only her EPIRB was found.  Lost were Mark Zimney of Anacortes WA, Danny Martin of Homer and Stan Anderson of Naples ID.

Mapping and Location: Southwest Alaska   53 52 30 N 166 32 W   Chart 16011

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

 

ALEUTIAN MONARCH (1981)     The 460 foot fish processing ship Aleutian Monarch caught fire, burned for five days, and was taken out to sea and scuttled November 12, 1981 near Beaver Inlet.  The vessel was a converted WWII cargo ship.

Mapping and Location: Southwest Alaska   53 50 N 166 15 W   Chart 16011

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

ALEUTIAN REEFER (1967)     The 125 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Aleutian Reefer burned at Homer March 29, 1967.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 38 40 N 151 33 W   Chart 16640

Additional Information: Tonnage 252 Gross 128 Net, Length 125.5, Breadth 24.4, Depth 11.4, Built 1943 Benton Harbor MI, Former Names YMS-163 (U S Navy minesweeper) and Michelle Eve, SL WC3524, ON 257597

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1974) Pg 1253, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pgs 31, 834

 

ALEUTIAN SALVOR (1974)     The 90 foot tug Aleutian Salvor was towing log rafts to Farragut Bay when her engine exploded and the vessel burned and sank July 1, 1974 northeast of Pinta Point near Kake.  All six crewmembers were rescued by the tug Kiowa.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 07 12 N 133 53 20 W   Chart 17360

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

ALEXANDER (1892)     At 3:30 a.m. Tuesday April 12, 1892 the American whaling brig. Alexander stranded on a reef on the NW end of Saint Paul in the Pribilof Islands.  The wreck is reported to have happened on a breezy, thick, heavy, dark night due to a miscalculation in tides.  The vessel (valued at $21,000) had no cargo as it was outbound from Honolulu on a whaling voyage, having departed March 17, 1892 with 29 crew aboard.  “All were saved, but being destitute were cared for by the Northern Commercial Company until removed to Unalaska by Revenue Cutter Bear.”

Mapping and Location: Southwest Alaska   57 10 N 170 25 W   Chart 16011

Additional Information: Tonnage 128.88, Built 1886 at Cambridge Maryland, Registration San Francisco, ON 106416, Master W T Shorey of San Francisco, Owner John A Magee of San Francisco, Length 87 feet, Breadth 25 feet, Depth 10 feet.

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report

ALEXANDER (1906)     On August 18, 1906 the steam whaling bark Alexander was wrecked at Chugak while bound for a whaling voyage.  She was built in New York in 1855 as the Astoria and previously operated under Russian ownership in the North Pacific prior to the purchase of Alaska by the United States.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   58 40 N 152 30 W

Comment: Safeguard the Gateways maps this wreck at Shuyak Island which is where I have mapped it.

Additional Information: Tonnage 294, Owner Liebes and Co.

Sources: 1. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pgs 128-9, 2. Safeguard the Gateways of Alaska (1918)

ALEXANDER (1925)     On the night of December 1, 1925 during a severe storm at Seldovia, the vessel Alexander drug anchor and became a total loss.  The master and owner, J R Smith of Seldovia and one other crewman aboard escaped unharmed.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 26 N 151 42 W

Additional Information: Tonnage 13 Gross, Age 15 years, Registration Seattle, ON 204301, Vessel value $1,000, Cargo none.

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report filed at Seattle by H W Achison on October 21, 1926

ALEXANDRA (1897)     At 1:00 p.m. on December 22, 1897 during a stormy NW gale the American wood schooner Alexandra drug anchor and became a total loss.  The casualty occurred at Goose Island (one of the Geese Islands at the SW end of Kodiak Island) where the vessel had been out of commission for two years.  The three crewmembers responsible for the vessel escaped without injury.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   56 42 N 154 07 W

Comments: H W McCurdy has this wreck listed the same day the same place one year later with 10 men lost.  Goose Island is more commonly called Aiaktalik Island.

Additional Information: Tonnage 7.66, Registration Kodiak, ON 106422, Owner and Master A C Brown of Kodiak, Value $800, Length 35.6, Breadth 11.3, Depth 4.1, Built 1886 at Kodiak.

Sources: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report 2. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 41

ALEXANDRIA C (1999)     The 56 foot salmon fishing vessel Alexandria C was consumed by an engine room fire and lost September 19, 1999 at Old Harbor.  The vessel had just arrived from fishing off the south end of Kodiak and tied to other vessels on the pier when smoke was detected coming from the engine room. Upon examination by Ken Christiansen, a crewmember, a fire appeared to be located on or below the port engine. The Alexandria C was quickly towed by skiff away from the other vessels and beached while attempts were made to extinguish the blaze. She burned to the waterline and became a total loss.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 12 15 N 153 18 W   Chart 16580

Additional Information: Length 56.0, Tonnage 39 Gross 31 Net, ON 940320

Sources: 1. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013), 2. USCG MISLE Case # 928574

 

ALF AND JIM (1961)     The 12 ton 34 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Alf and Jim was destroyed by fire September 12, 1961 at Port Wakefield.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   58 03 N 153 03 10 W   Chart 16594

Comment: There was a reduction and saltery plant named Port Wakefield reported in 1952 by the USGS on the east coast of Raspberry Island at the above coordinates. It was later moved to the west side of Kizhuyak Bay after being partially destroyed by the earthquake and title wave of March 1964.

Additional Information: Tonnage 12 Gross 8 Net, Length 34.6, Breadth 12.3, Depth 3.5, Built 1943 at New Bedford MA, Former Name C-16541 (U S N), Horsepower 110, SL WH9902, Owner Alfred Anderson, Registered Juneau, ON 257970

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1962) Pg 28, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 963, 3. Dictionary of Alaska Place Names (1971) “Port Wakefield” Pg 773

 

ALFA (1907)     The 5 ton 30 foot sloop Alfa stranded and was lost at Ugashik November 28, 1907.  The two persons aboard made it to safety.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 5, Length 30.2, Breadth 10.5, Depth 2.7, Built 1897 at Northland WA, Registered Sand Point, ON 107290

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1907) Pg 7, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1909) Pg 388

ALFE (1929)     At about 1:00 a.m. on March 6, 1929 the gas screw Alfe (or Alf E) broke her moorings at Steve Gee anchorage in Yakutat Bay and was a total wreck when found the following morning.  J Frank Wright of Anacortes, Washington, who filed the wreck report in Seattle on October 21 of the same year, says the vessel was scheduled to sail the day of March 6th with Jens Hansen as master and four other crew, bound for Dry Bay.  The casualty is reported to have happened at Point Carrew, Yakutat Bay completely destroying the $3,000 vessel.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 33 30 N 139 50 15 W

Additional Information: Tonnage 11 Gross 9 Net, Age 11 years, Registration Seattle, ON 216439, Insurance $2,000, Cargo none.

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report

ALFRED J BEACH (1898)     On July 4, 1898, while under tow of the steam schooner Noyo, on a trip from Vancouver to Saint Michael, the river steamer Alfred J Beach foundered 250 miles off of Dixons Entrance.  The passengers were taken to Saint Michael by the Noyo and some returned to Seattle aboard the Roanoke.  The steamer W H Evans is reported to have been traveling north with the other vessels.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   54 15 N 141 W

Additional Information: Owner Alaska Mutual Transportation and Mining Company, Last Port Vancouver June 21, 1898, Value $42,000 with cargo.

Source: The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 41

 

ALICE (1894)     At 3:00 a.m. on July 10, 1894 the wooden schooner rigged vessel Alice parted her hawser in a heavy south westerly sea and drifted ashore at Anchor Point.  The master and crew of the schooner Ettie assisted the three crew of the Alice, but she became a total loss none the less.  She had departed Sitka, with her master John D Boland of Seattle at the helm, on June 13th bound for Cook Inlet with a stop at Kodiak.  No lives were lost but the vessel, valued at $1,200, was.  There was no cargo on board at the time.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 46 45 N 151 49 50 W

Additional Information: Tonnage 13.2, Built 1888 Seattle, Registration Sitka, ON 106576, Owner George W Torrey, Length 34.5, Breadth 13.3, Depth 4.9

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report

ALICE (1907)     At 2:40 a.m. on August 16, 1907, while on a fishing venture out of Petersburg, the wood steamer Alice struck a rock at Danger Point in Wrangell Narrows and sank with about 60,000 pounds of fish aboard.  The seven crewmen, captained by C W Call of Tacoma, were all able to make shore.  Fog is reported to have been the cause of the casualty.  The $8,000 vessel has since been raised and repaired with only minor damage except for the loss of her cargo of fish valued at $250.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 31 N 132 55 W   Chart 17360

Additional Information: Tonnage 55 Gross 27 Net, Built 1897 at  Tacoma, Registration Wrangel, ON 107327, Owner Pacific Coast and Narway Pkg Co of Petersburg, Length 61.6, Breadth 16.2. Depth 6.0

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report

ALICE (1914)     At 12:45 on January 31, 1914, while on a trip from Ketchikan to Fish Egg, the wooden gas halibut schooner Alice stranded on a rock in the dark during a strong westerly breeze and became a total loss.  Her master, A A Selig of Seattle, signaled for the engine full speed astern when he realized his proximity to the shore, but hit before the vessel responded.  An attempt was made to pull the vessel off but was unsuccessful, and the $9,000 Alice became a total loss.  Her 11 person crew made shore safely.  The casualty occurred at Cape Pole, Kosciusko Island, Sumner Strait.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 57 25 N 133 49 W   Chart 17400

Additional Information: Tonnage 29 Net, Age 10 years, Registration Port Townsend Washington, ON 200704, Owners E A and M L Simms of Port Townsend.

Sources: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report, 2. U S Coast and Geodedic Survey Special Publication No.50 “Safeguard the Gateways of Alaska” (1918) Pg 24

ALICE (1930)     At 10:00 a.m. on December 17, 1930, while anchored in the Karta River, an engine backfire caused the gas screw Alice to catch fire and burn.  According to the wreck report filed at Ketchikan December 23, 1930 by her owner and master Steve Selig of Ketchikan, he and a trapper by the name of Davis, both in skiffs, “attempted to tow the vessel to shore but were unable to do so and the vessel burnt to water’s edge in about one hour and sank in eight or nine fathoms of water.”

The vessel was valued at $10,000 with no cargo.  She was listed as having departed Ketchikan on December 13, 1930 bound for Karta Bay, with two persons aboard, and to have met her fate at the Karta River.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 34 N 132 34 W   Chart 17420

Additional Information: Tonnage 11 Gross 7 Net, Built 1921, Registration Ketchikan, ON 221275, Insurance $7,000, Cargo none

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report

ALICE (1931)     At 11:00 in the evening Tuesday July 21, 1931, the American gas screw Alice caught fire and was completely destroyed.  She left Ketchikan on July 20, 1931, with master and owner John G Young at the helm and one other crewman, on a trip to Port Alexander.  The following are excerpts from the wreck report filed by Young at Wrangell on July 22, 1931:

“Used up all our fire apparatus and used buckets to bail water from the sea”

“After working on the fire for about one-half hour we thought it out and began pumping the vessel when the man on watch looked into the engine room and said he thought there was still fire there.  The master then stuck his head in the hatchway and immediately there was an explosion in the engine room and both men were hurled to the deck and immediately the vessel was in flames.  We took to the dory and layed away from the vessel about 600 feet until she burned up and sank.”

The Alice (valued at $8,000) is reported to have burned eight miles south of Point Baker with no cargo on board.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 21 15 N 133 37 15 W   Chart 17360

Additional Information: Tonnage 27 Gross 21 Net, Built 1923 at Seattle WA, Registration Ketchikan, ON 222927, Insurance $6,000

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report

ALICE (1936)     On July 7, 1936 the 31 ton fishing steamer Alice burned while on the ways at Bristol Bay and became a total loss.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska

Additional Information: Built 1909, ON 209224

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1937) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 526, 2. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 449

ALICE (1940)     The 23 ton wooden gas screw fishing vessel Alice was destroyed by fire at Saint Ivan Harbor in Pavlof Bay July 4, 1940.  The six crewmen made it to safety.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   55 20 N 161 38 W   Chart 16551

Additional Information: Tonnage 23 Gross 15 Net, Built 1912 at Tacoma WA, Service Freight, Registered Cordova

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1941) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 539, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1939) Pg 84

ALICE B (1929)     In March of 1929 the halibut schooner Alice B was driven ashore at West Bay and lost.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 54 N 146 47 W

Comment: The only West Bay listed in the Dictionary of Alaska Place Names is West Bay Cove, which is where I have mapped this wreck. WG

Sources: 1. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 403 2. Dictionary of Alaska Place Names (1967) Pg 1034

ALICE COOK (1931)     At 1:00 in the morning on Tuesday November 17, 1931 the American wood schooner Alice Cook caught fire outside Johnstone Point in Prince William Sound and became a total loss. The vessel with her crew of nine men was on a fishing trip, and was reported to be travelling from Sawmill Bay to Cordova when fire broke out.  The following are excerpts from the wreck report filed at Cordova on November 18 by her master, P Kruse of Seattle:

“Fire…thought to have been caused by short in electrical system.”

“Investigated at once and found fire too far advanced to be able to check.  Unable to get to pumps.  Tender Francis came along side to assist with pumps to no avail.  Vessel was then beached and crew taken aboard Francis and brought to Cordova, Alaska.”

“Tender and crews stood by wreck until they had made sure that the hulk would not drift out to sea and thereby becoming a menace to navigation.  Two anchors now holding remaining portion to the beach.”

The vessel valued at $10,000 and her 250 ton cargo of fishing gear, salt fish, salt, and supplies, valued at $12,000 were both a total loss.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 28 N 146 37 W

Comments: H W McCurdy mentions this wreck happening in Cook Inlet while the vessel was being used as a fish saltery. WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 782 Gross722 Net, Age 40 years, Registration Cordova, ON 106899, Owner Kalgin Packing Co of Cordova, Vessel Insurance $5,000, Cargo Insurance $12,000

Sources: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report 2. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 412

ALICE G II (1955)     The 7 ton 29 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Alice G II foundered November 10, 1955 in Young Bay on Admiralty Island.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 10 N 134 40 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 7 Gross 5 Net, Length 29.7, Breadth 8.6, Depth 4, Built 1919 at Wrangell, Horsepower 90, Owner Arnold Johnson, Registered Juneau, ON 234427

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1956) Pg 24, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1957) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 755

 

ALICE KAY (1986)     The 36 foot vessel Alice Kay burned and sank July 19, 1986 off of Cape Unalishagvak.  All persons on board were rescued.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 32 45 N 155 43 40 W   Chart 16580

Source: Unofficial Shipwreck List (Kodiak)

 

ALICE M (1904)     During December of 1904, while on a trip from Juneau to Kayak, the wood schooner Alice M ran on a sand bar in the dark of the night during a southeast gale and was lost.  Her master, D E Wallace of Juneau, was attempting to run behind Kanuck Island for safety when the casualty occurred.  The three passengers and three crewmen escaped to safety, but the vessel, valued at $350, and the 11 tons of merchandise aboard, valued at about $1,000, were lost.  After the persons aboard had reached safety,”the tide took the boat to sea and it sunk.”

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

Comment: There is no Kanuck Island but Kanak Island in Controller Bay fits the location given in the wreck report as approximate to Kayak, and is reasonably good anchorage during a southeasterly gale. WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 13, Built 1892 in Port Angeles Washington, Registration Juneau, ON 106992, Owners William Crocker and John Davidson of Kayak, Length 45.3, Breadth 12.5, Depth 4.4

Sources: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report 2. Dictionary of Alaska Place Names (1967) Pgs 492&504

ALICE M (1996)     The 29 foot salmon gillnet fishing vessel Alice M burned and sank August 7, 1996 in Nushagak Bay.  The one person on board made it to safety.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   58 30 N 158 30 W   Chart 16006

Additional Information: ON 647238

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

 

ALICE STOFEN (1914)     The 18 ton 40 foot schooner Alice Stofen stranded and was lost at Herschel Island, Arctic Ocean August 16, 1914.  The two persons aboard the vessel made it to safety.

Mapping and Location: Yukon Territory, Canada

Additional Information: Tonnage 18 Gross 17 Net, Length 40.5, Breadth 17.5, Depth 4.4, Built 1866 at San Francisco CA, Registered San Francisco, ON 1199

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1915) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 420, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1914) Pg 5

ALICE T (1952)     The 131 ton 107 foot wooden oil screw vessel Alice T stranded and was lost August 5, 1952 on the northwest corner of Perl Island in Chugach Passage.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 07 N 151 40 W   Charts 16640, 16647

Additional Information: Tonnage 131 Gross 82 Net, Length 107.5, Breadth 17.9, Depth 9.3, Built 1913 at Leesburg NJ, Service freight, Crew 6, Horsepower 1,000, SL WA4540, Owner Seldovia Bay Packing Company, Registered Juneau, ON 252235

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1952) Pg 17, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1953-1954) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 744

 

ALISA K (2014)     The 38 foot wooden fishing vessel Alisa K was destroyed on the rocks after dragging anchor and running aground at Lyman Anchorage in Clarence Strait October 15, 2014. The sole person aboard was rescued by USCG Station Ketchikan CGR45767.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 33 N 132 17 W   Chart 17420

Additional Information: Alaska Reg. No. AK4196E, Built 1965

Sources: 1. 17th Coast Guard District Enforcement Report (Oct-Nov 2014), 2. USCG Marine Information Exchange, 3. USCG MISLE Case # 710092

 

ALL ALASKAN (1987)     The 340 foot steel fish processing ship All Alaskan ran aground in a gale March 20, 1987 north of Big Lake on Saint Paul Island.  All 142 persons aboard the vessel were safely removed.  What remained of the vessel was later demolished and taken away.  Evidence of this wreck may still be on site and of interest.

Mapping and Location: Southwest Alaska   57 10 N 170 15 W   Chart 16011

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

 

ALL AMERICAN (1996)     The 148 foot steel crab fishing vessel All American stranded and was lost February 29, 1996 on the north shore of Saint George Island.  The master of the vessel left the bridge to investigate an unusual vibration in the engine room and the All American grounded.  The vessel sustained damage to the forward hull and began to flood immediately. All five crewmembers were rescued by an H-65 helicopter launched from the U S Coast Guard cutter Sherman. Magone Marine of Dutch Harbor was called upon to remove diesel fuel, lube oil, hydraulic oil, bilge and waste oil after which the vessel was to be “disposed of at sea”.

Mapping and Location: Southwest Alaska   56 35 N 169 35 W   Chart 16011

Additional Information: Length 147.6, Breadth 36, Depth 12, Tonnage 289 Gross 265 Net, 1530 HP, Built 1965 New Orleans LA, ON 511849, Call Sign WY2400

Sources: 1. U S C G Shipwreck List (1989-2004), 2. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013), 3. USCG MISLE Case #75054

 

ALL HANDS (1994)     The 36 foot fishing vessel All Hands capsized and was lost February 13, 1994 off of Point Retreat, 14 miles west of Juneau.  The vessel had a one ton load of gray cod and was experiencing icing when a wind whipped swell hit her broadside and flipped the All Hands over.  Both crewmembers were rescued by another fishing vessel.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 24 45 N 134 57 15 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: ON AK4195K

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

 

ALLAVINA JOHNSON (1900)     At 8:00 a.m. on August 14, 1900 the wood schooner Allavina Johnson drug her anchors during a 50 mile an hour gale in Goodnews Bay and blew ashore becoming a total loss.  George Tyler, who had leased the schooner from a party at Nome, had left Bristol Bay on July 22 and had accumulated 7 tons or $900 worth of salmon and furs when the casualty occurred.  He and his crew of two managed to save approximately $700 worth of cargo, but the Allavina Johnson was lost.  The following are comments from the wreck report filed by Tyler on August 31 at Unalaska:

“22 miles north of Cape Newenham…Blew Ashore, dragging anchors.  Heavy gales, and wind shifting.  Very heavy sea.  Wind 50 miles per hour.  Day time.  Impossible to avoid on account of no room to make sail.”

“…Cargo is my own, which I have saved partially.  Vessel is total loss.  4 years experience in these waters, and this is the hardest blow I have seen at this point and time of year.”

Mapping and Location: West central Alaska   59 03 N 161 49 W

Additional Information: Tonnage 35.85 Net, Age four years, Registration Port Angeles Washington, ON 136601, Vessel value $500, Insurance none

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report

ALLEN A (1919)     On the morning of April 3, 1919, while moored at Baranoff, Unga Island, the three masted schooner Allen A broke her lines during a hurricane and was thrown 30 feet up on the beach, becoming a constructive total loss.  What cargo was aboard was discharged except for salt which accounted for an additional $900 loss.  The schooner at the time was valued at $20,000 according to A Greenbaum of Alaska Codfish Company, the managing owner, who filed the accident report at San Francisco on June 17.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   55 14 30 N 160 32 55 W

Comments: According to H W McCurdy, the Allen A “…was sold following her stranding in Alaskan waters and rebuilt by Liebes & Company of San Francisco as the whaling and fur trading vessel Fox.”

Additional Information: Tonnage 342 Gross 266 Net, Age 31 years, Registration San Francisco, ON 106521, Master Louis Hanson of San Francisco, Last sailing November 2, 1918 from San Francisco, Crew 9.

Sources: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report 2. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest

ALLIANCE (1985)     The 63 foot fishing tender Alliance exploded and sank July 12, 1985 near Axel Lind Island in Prince William Sound.  The Alliance was refueling the fishing vessel Dawn L which also exploded and sank.  The seven persons aboard the two vessels all survived.  The Alliance was later salvaged.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 47 30 N 147 43 30 W   Chart 16700

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

 

ALLIANCE (2005)     The 93 foot fish tender Alliance struck a rock and sank in 50 fathoms of water at 1:40 a.m. August 26, 2005 at Cape Resurrection on the north side of Barwell Island.  There were six persons on board including four adults and two children.  The vessel was loaded with 244,000 pounds of king salmon from Prince William Sound.  All six aboard abandoned ship to a skiff and were picked up by the Good Samaritan Vessel Black Velvet.  They were transferred to a U S Coast Guard Auxiliary vessel and transported to safety.  The disaster was attributed to the skipper sleeping at the wheel.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 51 35 N 149 16 45 W   Chart 16680

Sources: 1. U S C G News Release (August 26, 2005) “Coast Guard Auxiliary and Good Samaritan assist Alliance”, 2. Anchorage Daily News (August 31, 2005) “Salmon laden crab boat smashes into cliff, sinks”

 

ALLOWAY (1929)     During a southeast gale at 11:30 a.m. on February 12, 1929, the American Steam Ship Alloway stranded on Ugamak Island in Unimak Pass and became a total loss.  She had departed Seattle, Washington on January 29th bound for Yokahama, Japan with a crew of 35, captained by H S Throckmorton of Seattle.  The ship’s cargo was approximately $80,000 worth of lumber.  On February 10th the engine failed and on February 11th she was taken in tow by the S S Montauk of the American Mail Line bound for Shanghai, China.  “The towing cable broke on February 12 in Unimak Pass and near Ugamak Island.  Steamer being helpless, anchor was let go, failed to hold, ship dragged fast toward breakers, ship was abandoned.”

The S S Montauk collided with the Alloway just after the towing cable parted sustaining $10,000 worth of damage to her superstructure. The Alloway, valued at $200,000, was lost for good along with her 4,500 ton cargo of lumber.

One crewmember, a 20 year old oiler named James L. Posey refused to leave the Alloway after all others had abandoned ship. His intent was to claim salvage rights but his effort only lasted two days. The vessel broke up in the surf soon after Posey left the ship aboard a U S Coast Guard cutter. The Alloway was scheduled to be scrapped on her arrival in Japan.

Mapping and Location: Southwestern Alaska   54 12 30 N 164 50 W

Comments: H W McCurdy has this wreck listed at Uganik Island.

Additional Information: Tonnage 6113 Gross 4383 Net, Built 1918 at Oakland California, Construction Steel, Registration Seattle, ON 216557, Owner C P Cox Corp of Seattle, Insurance unknown.

Sources: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report 2. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg403, 3. Seattle Times (February 17, 1929) “Ghostly Cruise of Alloway is Ended”

ALMA (1964)     The 118 ton 87 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Alma was destroyed by fire March 1, 1964 about 20 miles southeast of Long Island in Chiniak Bay.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 118 Gross 80 Net, Length 87.2, Breadth 19, Depth 8.9, Built 1914 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 220, SL WA2265, Owner Lloyd N Whaley, Registered Ketchikan, ON 212209

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) Pg 32, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1002

 

ALMARIE (1964)     The 12 ton 36 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Almarie stranded and was lost May 27, 1964 at Rosa Reef about two miles north of Ketchikan.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 24 45 N 131 48 05 W   Chart 17428

Additional Information: Tonnage 12 Gross 8 Net, Length 36.8, Breadth 10.6, Depth 5.1, Built 1928 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 140, SL WA2271, Owner Richard Sanchez, Registered Ketchikan, ON 227632.

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) Pg 33, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1002

 

ALMEDA (1964)     The 34 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Almeda was destroyed by the earthquake tidal wave of March 27, 1964 at Seward.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 06 30 N 149 26 30 W   Chart 16013

Additional Information: Tonnage 13 Gross 9 Net, Length 34.5, Breadth 10.2, Depth 4.2, Built 1945 at Olympia WA, 150 HP, SL WK8492, ON 248796

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1974) Pg 1253, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 35

 

ALMIGHTY (1991)     The 144 ton 85 foot trawler Almighty struck a submerged object and sank May 28, 1991 approximately two miles off shore from Right Hand Point and seven miles north of Round Island in Bristol Bay.  All five crewmembers were rescued by a nearby fishing vessel.  The U S Coast Guard and U S Army Corps of Engineers attempted to mitigate the damage to the walrus sanctuary and herring hatchery close by.  The vessel was eventually salvaged.  Evidence of the wreck may still be on site and of interest.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   58 46 10 N 159 54 W   Chart 16006

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

 

ALMIRA (1870)     On August 26, 1870, while on a whaling cruise in the Arctic, the 310 ton ship Almira was stove in by ice and lost near Point Barrow.  She had departed Edgartown, Massachusetts on August 5, 1869 and had accumulated 400 barrels of whale oil, making her loss with cargo $42,000.

Mapping and Location: Northern Alaska   71 23 29 N 156 28 30 W

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

ALOHA (1901)     The steamer Aloha became a total loss at the S.E. tip of Hinchinbrook Island In 1901.  The vessel was 445 Gross tons, 216 Net tons and valued at $50,000.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 13 N 146 40 W

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

ALOHA (1983)     The longline fishing vessel Aloha struck a rock and sank April 16, 1983 near Crawfish Inlet in the Necker Islands south of Sitka.  Three people on board were lost including owner and skipper Wilbur Olin (55) of Sitka, crewman Wallace McLaughlin (23) of Seattle and Charles J. Perlin (31) of Sitka. The three survivors were Stephen R. Freeman (28), David A. Coleman (25) and Edward B. Mertz (30) all from Sitka.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 45 N 135 12 W   Chart 17320

Sources: 1. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 2. Daily Sitka Sentinel (April 18, 1983) “3 Fishermen Killed After Boat Wrecks” Pg 1

 

ALPHA (1889)     At 6:00 pm on August 31, 1889 the wood schooner Alpha lost her bulwarks and stanchions five miles east of Cape Fairweather in a 70 mile an hour wind and was beached at Yakutat.  She had departed Yakutat on the 17th of August and was bound for Sitka with nine passengers and five crewmen and a cargo of furs and seal skins.  The damage to the vessel, valued at $1,500, was said to be $600, and the damage to the two tons of cargo, valued at $1,400, was reported to be $300.  The following are excerpts from the wreck report filed on September 17, 1889 by her master, Charles Hamill of Providence, R.I.:

“5 miles east of Cape Fairweather….loss of bulwarks and stanchions….on port side by heavy sea, also some ropes and canoe.”

“Wind 70 miles per hour, heavy rain, and dark cloudy weather.  Vessel hove to on port tack under a close reefed mainsail, wind S.E. with a heavy confused sea.”

“Schooner shipping considerable water, gale lasting from August 31 at 6 a.m. until August 31 at 6 p.m.  Put back to Yakatut and remained until September 5 when Revenue Cutter Rush took our passengers and crew, and Captain Shepard took a look at the schooner and we concluded to beach her., as it would be impossible to tow her to Sitka.  Put all of the cargo on board the Rush.”

According to Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore, “On September 5, 1890, the Active left Sitka with new sails and rigging for the Alpha.  The Active encountered a gale and went ashore and returned to Sitka without ever reaching the Alpha.”

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 33 N 139 44 W

Additional Information: Tonnage 26.28, Built 1867 at Westport Oregon, Registration Sitka, ON 105761, Owner Jeff J Kuchun of Sitka, Length 52.6, Breadth 18.4, Depth 4.6.

Sources: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report 2. Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992) Pg 17

ALPHA (1919)     It was reported on June 30, 1919 by O W Anderson, cashier for Alaska Seafood Company that the American gas screw Alpha foundered at the point north of the Alaska Seafood Cannery of Cordova in a severe storm in the spring of 1919.  The following is an excerpt from the wreck report:

“This vessel is now owned and operated by the Alaska Sea Food Co., who took over the assets of the Old Alaska Sea Food Company and in its wrecked condition was among the other assets.  This boat has been in a wrecked condition since the spring of 1917, until the spring of 1919, when it was overhauled and made seaworthy again.  According to all information available, this boat was anchored and no one on it at the time it was wrecked.”

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 33 N 145 45 W

Additional Information: Tonnage 9 Gross 7 Net, Built 1911, Registration Cordova and Juneau, ON 209042, Master Wm Fogelstedt of Cordova, Vessel Value $3,000, Vessel Damage $1,500

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report

ALSKA (1999)     The 63 foot steel long line cod fishing vessel Alska capsized in severe weather and sank March 12, 1999 in Hallo Bay on the Alaska Peninsula west of Kodiak Island.  A U S Coast Guard Helicopter was able to rescue three of the crewmembers.  A fourth was taken aboard the fishing vessel T-Mike.  There was no loss of life.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   58 27 N 153 57 W   Chart 16580

Additional Information: ON 553667

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

 

ALT HEIDELBURG (1935)     On June 5, 1935 the 102 ton gasoline powered Alt Heidelburg caught fire and burned five miles west of Wrangell on Vank Island and became a total loss.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 56 28 N 132 36 W

Source: The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 441

ALTA (1907)     On November 28, 1907 the wood sloop Alta was forced ashore by ice at Smoky Point in the entrance to Ugashik Bay.  The following is a recollection by her master and owner, A Grosvold of Sand Point, found in the accident report filed June 27, 1908:

“…left by master to an anchor in lagoon at Ugashik.  During the night a pack of ice came down and screwed her up on the beach and crushed her cabin in, and there was no show to get anything out of her before this spring.  Now there is nothing left of her.  Her documents were aboard and certificate was lost along with the vessel.”

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 36 45 N 157 41 15 W

Additional Information: Tonnage 5.5, Age 11 years, Registration Juneau, ON 107290, Vessel value $650, Cargo ballast.

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report

ALTA (1921)     The halibut boat Alta stranded and was wrecked in a storm October 27, 1921 on False Island in Clarence Strait.  The halibut boat Mallard attempted to assist the Alta and was also wrecked.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   Unknown

Source: The Juneau Empire (November 2, 1921) Pg 6

 

ALTAIR (1983)     The 190 ton 111 foot steel oil screw fishing vessel Altair disappeared with all hands February 14, 1983 on her way from Dutch Harbor to the Pribilof Islands.  The Altair was loaded with crab pots and carried a crew of seven.  Her sister ship, the Americus was found bottom up along the same route that both vessels would have taken to the crab grounds, having departed Dutch Harbor hours apart the morning of February 14, 1983.  The Americus was found capsized that afternoon, 25 miles NNW of Dutch Harbor.  The Americus sank two days later in deep water.  A search was begun for the Altair and the crew of the Americus when the Americus hull was identified.  The life raft of the Altair was found on March 16, 1983 near the area where the overturned Americus was sighted.     No crewmen from either vessel were ever found.  Lost with the Altair were her captain Ron “the coach” Biernes (47), engineer Jeff Martin (23), cook and deckhand Tony Vienhage (27), deckhand Brad Melvin (26), deckhand Lark Breckenridge (24), deckhand Troy Gudbranson (21) and deckhand Randy Harvey (23).  The two vessels and their crews came from Anacortes, Washington and were preparing for the soon to open tanner crab season.  The U S Coast Guard Investigation that followed concluded that the vessels likely capsized due to the large amount of weight above deck from the crab gear aboard as well as equipment that had been added for the drag fisheries.  Fuel distribution and crab tank flooding were also cited as possibly affecting the stability of the vessels.

Mapping and Location: Southwest Alaska   53 54 N 166 31 W   Chart 16011

Additional Information: Tonnage 190 Gross 129 Net, Length Overall 123.5, Regular Length 111.5, Breadth 32, Depth 10.7, Horsepower 1,125, Built Port Angeles WA in 1980, ON 618390

Sources: 1. U S Coast Guard Marine Board of Investigation Report No. USCG 16732/002 HQS 83, 2. Seattle Daily Times (February 18. 1983) “Missing fishermen described as fun loving, full of life” Section B Page 11

 

ALTEN (1937)     About 12:00 noon on July 16, 1937 the wood oil screw halibut boat Alten collided with the U S Navy Cruiser Louisville in the Harbor at Ketchikan.  The wreck report filed by her master, David Hassel of Seattle, indicates the value of the vessel at $30,000 and the damage to the vessel at $30,000.  The Alten and her eleven crew were just leaving Ketchikan for sea fisheries on a clear calm day when the accident occurred.  According to Hassel “….stopped engine and turned Alten hard to port when Louisville approached, port to port.”  The crew was assisted by the Louisville and the Coast Guard boat Cyane and no one was lost.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 20 30 N 131 38 45 W

Additional Information: Tonnage 43 Net, Age 24 years, Registration Seward and Seattle, ON 211193, Owners David Hassel and Jacob Bassi of Seattle, Insurance none.

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report

ALTHEA (1943)     The 12 ton 63 foot wooden gas screw Althea foundered during October of 1943 at Unalakleet.

Mapping and Location: West central Alaska   63 52 25 N 160 47 W   Chart 16006

Additional Information: Tonnage 12 Gross 11 Net, Length 63.3, Breadth 16, Depth 2, Built 1912 at Nome, Horsepower 10, Service freight, Owner Charles A Traeger, Registered Juneau, ON 210447

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1945) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 774, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1944) Pg 78

ALTON (1898)     On May 27, 1898 the 84 ton schooner Alton was lost in a gale near the mouth of Cook Inlet.  She was leaving Cook Inlet bound for Tacoma with a crew of five.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 59 05 N 152 10 W

Comment: This vessel was found in June of 1898.  WG

Sources: 1. Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992) Pg 21, 2. Tacoma News (July 1, 1898) “Schooner Alton Libeled”

AMARANTH (1913)     On August 30, 1913 the 1109 ton, four masted barkentine Amaranth wrecked at Jarvis Island and became a total loss.

Mapping and Location: This vessel wrecked on the Jarvis Island of the South Pacific not the Jarvis Island in southeast Alaska

Source: Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992) Pg32

AMATULI (1987)     The fishing vessel Amatuli caught fire and was abandoned February 6, 1987 approximately 45 miles east of Saint George Island.

Mapping and Location: Southwest Alaska   56 35 N 169 35 W   Chart 16011

Comment: This vessel was salvaged, lengthened in 2001 and is still in service. WG

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

AMBER DAWN (2001)     The 91 foot stern trawler Amber Dawn sank March 5, 2001 approximately six miles north of Atka Island.  The Amber Dawn and the 267 foot factory processor Katie Ann were traveling to the lee of Atka Island to escape a storm when the trawler began to list heavily and take on water.  She sank within minutes.  Kodiak fishermen Gary McCormick, Ralph Clarmount and Chester Penasewiz were rescued by the Katie Ann.  Two other crewmembers, Doug Rowe and Roman Telak were lost.

Mapping and Location: Southwest Alaska   52 07 N 174 30 W   Chart 16012

Comment: The Amber Dawn was reported “in a sinking condition” September 19, 1987 in the same area simultaneous with the distress of the Nordfjord. WG

Additional Information: ON 529425, Former Name Captain Joe, Call Sign WYZ2786

Sources: 1. USCG News Bulletin #031-01 (March 5, 2001) “Search continues for two after trawler sinks in Bering Sea”, 2. USCG News Bulletin #035-01 (March 8, 2001) “Coast Guard suspends search for missing Amber Dawn crew”, 3. USCG MISLE Case # 161203, 4. NTSB Safety Recommendation regarding Nordfjord M-88-47&48 (July 25, 1988) Pg 3

 

AMBITION (1996)     The 83 foot steel fishing vessel Ambition departed Dutch Harbor February 5, 1996 for a Cod opening in the Bering Sea but was forced to lay up in Akutan Bay for weather. On February 7, 1996 the Ambition and Lone Star departed Akutan for the fishing grounds. While transiting Unimak Pass near Akun Island February 7, 1996, the trawler Ambition experienced a starboard roll, began to settle by the stern and did not recover.  The five crewmembers donned survival suits and abandoned ship after issuing a May-Day. They were rescued by the fishing vessel Lone Star and transported to Dutch Harbor. It was less than ten minutes from the time a problem became evident until the vessel sunk. The Ambition had required U S Coast Guard rescue two other times during the past year.

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

Additional Information: ON 618713, Call Sign WCJ2196

Sources: 1. Unofficial Shipwreck List (Kodiak), 2. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 3. USCG MISLE # 875341

 

AMERIC (1935)     At 10:00 a.m. on Friday October 25, 1935 the wood gas screw Americ exploded and became a total loss, while fueling at the Standard Oil Dock at Hoonah.  The vessel’s master, Pete Jorgensen of Petersburg, who filed the wreck report three days later at Petersburg, said the vessel blew up suddenly of unknown causes.  No one else was aboard the Americ at the time.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 06 30 N 135 26 30 W

Additional Information: Tonnage 23 Net, Age 25 years, Registration Petersburg, ON 210104, Owner Alaskan Glacier Seafood, Vessel value $3,000, Cargo none, Insurance none.

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report

AMERICA FIRST (1932)     At 10:00 a.m. on Sunday February 21, 1932 the oil screw America First caught fire and burned becoming a total loss, one half mile outside of Stockade Point, Stephens Passage.  The wreck report filed by her master and owner, John Haho of Douglas, lists the cause of the accident as “probably a faulty exhaust.”  The crew of three had left Taku Harbor that day bound for Juneau.  The weather at the time of the accident was reported as “heavy wind, moderate rough sea, and light snow.”  The following are quotes from the wreck report:

“Intense heat forced crew to take to small boat, landed at Stockade Point; vessel Moira from cannery at Taku Harbor attempted to put line on America First but unable to do so.  Moira took crew of America First to cannery, and vessel Pacific brought crew to Juneau.

“No chance to use fire extinguishers or save any of the vessel’s papers or equipment.”

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 03 30 N 134 01 45 W

Additional Information: Tonnage 36 Gross 28 Net, Built 1917, Registration Juneau, ON 215223, Vessel value $16,000, Cargo none, Insurance $9,000.

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report

AMERICAN STAR (1990)     The 110 foot steel crab fishing vessel American Star drifted onto the beach and was lost January 29, 1990 on Otter Island in the Pribilof Islands.  All six crewmembers were rescued by a U S Coast Guard Helicopter.

Mapping and Location: Southwest Alaska   57 02 45 N 170 24 W   Chart 16011

Additional Information: ON 535675

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

AMERICAN STAR (2000)     The 154 foot steel crab fishing vessel American Star experienced an intense engine room fire February 11, 2000 and the crew was forced to abandon ship. All five crewmembers and a dog were airlifted to safety by a U S Coast Guard Helicopter from the Coast Guard cutter Mellon. The vessel eventually drifted ashore and stranded two miles east of Cape Lazaref on Unimak Island and became a total loss. The fire damaged the engine room and destroyed the pilot house.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   54 37 N 163 35 10 W   16006

Comment: Many months later the salvage vessel Redeemer was enlisted to tow the hulk of the American Star out to sea where she was cut up and sunk in deep water.

Additional Information: Tonnage 442 Gross 150 Net, Length 139.1, Breadth 32, Depth 16, Built 1989, ON 959935, SL WAQ7428

Sources: 1. USCCMIX (2016), 2. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

AMERICAN WAY (2009)     The 38 foot fishing vessel American Way lost propulsion and ran up on the rocks January 4, 2009 at Aghiyuk Island southwest of Kodiak Island on the north end of the Semidi Islands.  Both crewmembers abandoned ship in a life raft and landed on Aghiyuk Island. A Coast Guard HH-60 was dispatched from Kodiak and the crewmen were rescued in 58 mile an hour winds and driving snow along a rocky shoreline next to 300 foot cliffs.  Commander Shawn Tripp, aircraft commander, Lt. David McCown, pilot, Aviation Maintenance Technician 1st Class Dennis Dewinter, flight mechanic and Aviation Survival Technician 2nd Class Eric Stoecker, rescue swimmer all received the American Helicopter Society’s prestigious William J Kossler Award for their heroism in the rescue. The American Way broke up on the rocky shore in the high wind and surf and subsequently sank.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   56 10 N 156 47 W   Chart 16013

Additional Information: Length 38.6, ON 554104, Call Sign WCR8787

Sources: 1. Unofficial Wreck List (Kodiak), 2. U S C G News Release (March 19, 2010) “Kodiak based aircrews win national award for Alaska rescues”, 3. USCG MISLE Case # 437806

 

AMERICUS (1983)     The 194 ton 111 foot steel oil screw fishing vessel Americus capsized and was lost with all hands February 14, 1983.  The vessel departed Dutch Harbor approximately 8:30 a.m. bound for the crab grounds in the Pribilof Islands with a load of crab pots.  Her overturned hull was sighted at just after 3:00 the same afternoon, 25 miles NNW of Dutch Harbor.  The Altair, sister ship of the Americus, was discovered missing at the same time.  The Americus and Altair carried crews of seven men each and hailed from Anacortes, Washington.   The Altair was never found, and the hull of the Americus sank on February 16, 1983 in 4,000 feet of water.  None of the men from either vessel were ever found.  The life raft from the Altair was found near the site of the lost Americus.  The seven men lost from the Americus were captain George Nations (43), his son deckhand Jeff Nations (19), relief skipper Brent Boles (24), engineer Larry Littlefield (29), cook and deckhand Paul Northcutt (24), deckhand Vic Bass (19) and deckhand Richard Awes (20).  The Coast Guard Report cited instability caused by the carriage of crab pots, the vessel’s drag gear conversion, apparent weight gain above and beyond the drag gear conversion, crab tank flooding and fuel distribution;  all factors that may have led to the loss of the both vessels.

Mapping and Location: Southwest Alaska   53 54 N 166 31 W   Chart 16011

Additional Information: Tonnage 194 Gross 131 Net, Length Overall 123.5, Regular Length 111.5, Breadth 32, Depth 10.7, Horsepower 1,125, Built Port Angeles WA in 1978, ON 595758

Sources: 1. U S Coast Guard Marine Board of Investigation Report No. USCG 16732/0002 HQS 83, 2. Seattle Daily Times (February 18. 1983) “Missing fishermen described as fun loving, full of life” Section B Page 11

 

AMETHYST (1885)     The 102 foot 356 ton wooden whaling bark Amethyst left San Francisco February 21, 1885 on a whaling voyage.  The bark was last seen October 6, 1885 north of Saint Lawrence Island.  She was leaving the whaling grounds for San Francisco. When the whaling vessel did not arrive at her destination, the Amethyst was presumed to have been crushed in ice in the Bering Sea with none of her crew of 38 men accounted for.  Her value was said to have been $50,000 with cargo.  The following crewmen were reported as lost when the Amethyst disappeared:

  1. Captain P H Coaty
  2. 1st Mate Moses Walker
  3. 2nd Mate Ferdinand Lee
  4. 3rd Mate A W Harris
  5. 4th Mate Jose Fortedo
  6. Steward James K Polk
  7. Cook Hollis Johnson
  8. Cabin boy J H Hyers
  9. Steerage boy Rudolph Aguerre
  10. Cooper John Long
  11. Engineer John McHughes
  12. Boat steerer John Roderiguez
  13. Boat steerer Lenza Foster
  14. Boat steerer Emanuel Carson
  15. Boat steerer George Antonio
  16. Boat steerer Frank d’Avellar
  17. Sailor Peter Williams
  18. Sailor Robert Wackwitz
  19. Sailor Michael Williams
  20. Sailor J B Chromo
  21. Sailor Jose Rodriguez
  22. Sailor Joseph Borellos
  23. Sailor Mariano Riez
  24. Sailor William Andrew
  25. Sailor William Dunn
  26. Sailor William Boggs
  27. Sailor Frank Taylor
  28. Sailor J A Brown
  29. Sailor William Lynch
  30. Sailor Thomas Brobhy
  31. Sailor H E Hagen
  32. Sailor B F Christy
  33. Sailor Fred Trobell
  34. Sailor Eugene Tracy
  35. Sailor Frank Emmanel
  36. Sailor William Thurlow

In addition to those lost from the crew of the Amethyst, the Amethyst had picked up five of the crewmembers of the whaling bark Rainbow which had wrecked in Arctic ice near Russia in the spring of 1885. In late October of 1885, the Abram Barker reported seeing an abandoned hulk thought to be the Amethyst 100 miles south of Unimak Pass. Wreckage thought to have belonged to the Amethyst was found on the north shores of Akutan Island in November of 1885 by local hunters. Hatch covers from the Amethyst were reported washed up on the beaches of Copper Island in the western Bering Sea in 1886. This was the same area that the Rainbow had been lost in the ice in 1885. The broken hulk of the Amethyst washed up on Castle Rock at the north end of the Shumagin Islands and was discovered there in September of 1887 by the sealing schooner Angel Dolly. There was no sign of crew or passengers of the Amethyst. All told 43 sailors were lost, 38 from the Amethyst and 5 from the Rainbow.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   55 17 N 159 30 W   Chart 16540

Additional Information: Tonnage 356.2, Length 102, Breadth 28, Depth 18, Built 1822 at Boston MA, ON 1157, SL HTBQ

Sources: 1. Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992) Pg 73, 2. San Francisco Bulletin (August 27, 1886) “The Lost Amethyst” Pg 3, 3. The Daily Inter-Ocean (September 17, 1887) “A Wrecked Whaler” Pg 3, 4. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1885) Pg 73, 5. San Francisco Chronicle (February 20, 1886) “The Missing Amethyst” Pg 4, The San Francisco Bulletin (August 26, 1886) “The Whaler Amethyst” Pg 3, 6. San Francisco Bulletin (December 14, 1885) “The Bark Amethyst” Pg 1

AMOOK (1963)     The 29 ton 51 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Amook stranded and was lost February 5, 1963 at Anchorage Bay, Chignik.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   56 19 N 158 23 W   Chart 16566

Additional Information: Tonnage 29 Gross 20 Net, Length 51.2, Breadth 13.5, Depth 6.8, Built 1930 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 145, SL WA2370, Owner August M Pedersen, Registered Juneau, ON 229290

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1963) Pg 37, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 963

 

AMY D (1962)     The 23 ton 41 foot steel oil screw fishing vessel Amy D foundered August 22, 1962 at Mallard Bay.

Mapping and Location: Alaska   Unknown

Comment: There are two Mallard Bays; one in Prince William Sound on Knight Island and one on the southeast coast of Prince of Wales Island.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 23 Gross 16 Net, Length 41, Breadth 13.4, Depth 5.3, Built 1950 at Alderwood Manor WA, Horsepower 165, SL WC2167, Owner Sebastian-Stuart Fish Company, Registered Seattle, ON 260661

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1962) Pg 36, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1963) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 929

 

ANCON (1889)     On Wednesday August 28, 1889, at 3:15 in the morning, the American wood steamer Ancon stranded on a projecting rock in Naha Bay and become a total loss.  She was just leaving the area with 119 passengers, 72 crewmen, a 500 ton cargo of salmon, bullion and general merchandise valued at $80,000.  A strong northeasterly wind, thick weather, rain, dark night and tide are said to have taken the vessel off course.  The following is an accounting from Lewis and Dryden Marine History of the Pacific Northwest:

“The pioneer steamship Ancon came to an untimely end in the harbor at Loring, Alaska, August 28th.  She was in charge of D. Wallace, captain; Robert Hackley, chief engineer; and H.H. Lloyd pilot, and was on the down trip.  When backing out from the wharf at three o’clock in the morning, she started to swing round on her stern line, which was made fast to prevent her from drifting on the reef.  An excited Chinaman on the dock cast off this line before the steamer brought up on it, and the strong tide set her over on the rocks before she could be controlled.  She drifted broadside on, punching a hole in her bottom, and as the tide receded, the great weight of her cargo broke her back, and she became a total loss.  The Ancon was an early day coal hulk at Panama and was brought to San Francisco in 1873 and rebuilt as a side wheel steamship.  She was two hundred and sixty-six feet long, forty nine feet beam, and seventeen and one half feet hold.  The Pacific Coastal Steamship Company, who owned her, valued her at one hundred thousand dollars.”

The wreck report of February 7, 1890, filed by Goodall Perkins Company, General Agent for Pacific Coast Steamship, valued the vessel at $60,000 at the time of the accident, and reported that $55,000 of the $80,000 cargo was saved.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 36 12 N 131 38 W

Additional Information: Tonnage 1208.05, Built 1873 at San Francisco, Registration San Francisco, ON 1522, Destination Tongass Narrows, Horsepower 400, Signal letters JSTF, Vessel insurance none, Cargo Insurance estimated at $60,000.

Sources: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report 2. Lewis and Dryden’s Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1961) Pg 371

ANDREA (1966)     The 9 ton 33 foot steel oil screw fishing vessel Andrea collided with an unknown object and was lost May 30, 1966 off of Point Marsden in Chatham Strait.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 03 30 N 134 48 25 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 9 Gross 6 Net, Length 33.6, Breadth 9.1, Depth 3.6, Built 1910 at Petersburg, Horsepower 55, SL WJ5177, Registered Juneau, ON 261267

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 40, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1163

 

ANDREA (1970)     The 27 foot gillnet fishing vessel Andrea disappeared with eight persons on board December 2, 1970 in Stephens Passage south of Juneau.  The Andrea radioed the Five Fingers Lighthouse that she was icing up, her compass was not working and she was having steering problems.  A few hours later she reported she was going onto a beach.  The Andrea was never heard from again.  Lost were Warren Beardon (35), his wife Opal Louise (37), their sons Walter Schmiedal (17), Douglas Schmiedal (12), Jeffrey Schmiedal (9), Rodney Schmiedal (8), and Richard Beardon 6 ½ months.  Also aboard was a family friend, Paul Kaiser (8).

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 17 30 N 133 40 15 W   Chart 17300

Sources: 1. Seattle Daily Times (December 11, 1970) “Search for 8 persons suspended” Pg 62, 2. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

ANDREA MARIE (1998)     The 39 foot vessel Andrea Marie caught fire and was abandoned December 22, 1998 near Kodiak.

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

Source: Unofficial Shipwreck List (Kodiak)

 

ANDREI PERVOZVANNY I (1779)     In 1779 the Russian vessel Andrei Pervozyanni I was lost on a trip from Attu to Amchitka.

Mapping and Location: Southwestern Alaska   Longitude and Latitude unknown

Source: Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992) Pg 1.

ANDREW MCGEE (1988)     The 123 foot steel crabber/stern trawler Andrew McGee grounded and was lost on the east end of Whale Passage at 01:00 February 2, 1988. Shortly after the vessel grounded the U S Coast Guard Station at Kodiak was notified and a helicopter responded to pick up the six member crew and transport them back to Kodiak. During a gale the following day the Andrew McGee capsized but remained hard aground. Underwater Construction Company was brought in by the owners to access the possibility of salvage. Days later the Coast Guard was considering blowing up the wreck and burning off the fuel but on February 10, 1988 it was discovered the vessel had slipped off the reef and disappeared.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 56 N 152 0 W   Chart 16594

Additional Information: Tonnage 193 Gross 131 Net, Length 111.5, Breadth 32, Depth 10.7, Built 1979, ON 608349

Sources: 1. USCG Marine Information Exchange, 2. NOAA Incident Report (February 1988)

ANDREW Z (1953)     The 12 ton 36 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Andrew Z burned November 4, 1953 at George Inlet near Ketchikan.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 20 N 131 30 W   Chart 17420

Additional Information: Tonnage 12 Gross 8 Net, Length 36.5, Breadth 12.4, Depth 4.5, Built 1908 at Tacoma WA, Crew 6, Horsepower 95, Owner J C Strand, Registered Ketchikan, ON 205925

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1952) Pg 24, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1955) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 737

 

ANDROMEDA (2008)     The 34 foot salmon gillnetter Andromeda foundered June 5, 2008 near False Pass at Bechevin Bay.  The vessel was traveling from Port Moller and scheduled to rendezvous with two other vessels in False Pass but never showed.  A search by U S Coast Guard Helicopter found the two crewmen from the vessel on the beach near False Pass still wearing survival suits.  They were transported to Cold Bay and treated for mild hypothermia. The Andromeda issued a May-Day when it was experiencing engine room flooding on June 4, 2008 but was able to get the problem under control and the May-Day was cancelled. While on her way to rendezvous with another vessel in False Pass, the Andromeda was struck by a wave and began sinking. The two crewmen swam ashore in survival suits as the vessel sank.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   55 00 N 163 23 W   Chart 16011

Additional Information: Tonnage 11 Gross 9 Net, Length 34.6, ON 912973

Sources:  1. U S C G News Release (June 6, 2008), 2. USCG MISLE Case # 406554

 

ANGARA (1989)     The 42 foot crab fishing vessel Angara overturned December 9, 1989 off of Shuyak Island in the Shelikof Strait.  Both crewmembers were lost including Ignaty Andreeff (48) and Vasily Andreeff (15).  There was no life raft aboard the vessel.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   58 31 N 152 30 W   Chart 16580

Additional Information: ON 681336

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

 

ANGEL MARIE (1979)     The shrimp boat Angel Marie was blown onto the rocks and broke up October 8, 1979 in Chugach Bay on the south coast of the Kenai Peninsula.  The two crewmembers swam to shore and made their way back to Seldovia.  It was a 60 to 70 mile trek through rugged terrain, but they made it in less than three days.

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

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

ANGELA B (1998)     The 30 foot gillnet salmon fishing vessel Angela B burned from an engine room fire and was lost June 16, 1998 in Bristol Bay.  All three crewmembers made it to safety.

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

Additional Information: 618076

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

 

ANGELA MARIE (1994)     The 49 foot crab fishing vessel Angela Marie flooded and was lost February 15, 1994 in Lisianski Inlet, seven miles north of Sitka.  All five crewmembers were forced to abandon the Angela Marie when she began taking on water in heavy weather.  They were rescued by a U S Coast Guard Helicopter.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 50 N 136 27 W   Chart 17320

Additional Information: ON 288345

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

 

ANGELIA (1992)     The 55 foot salmon seiner Angelia lost a hatch cover, flooded and sank August 12, 1992 in Lisianski Strait.  All three crewmembers were rescued.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 50 N 136 27 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: ON 555178

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

 

ANGLO SAXON (1905)     On November 4, 1905 the 46 foot wooden gas screw steamer Anglo Saxon stranded at Chiniak on Kodiak Island and became a total loss.  The two men on board were lost with the vessel.

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

Comment: This vessel is wrecked again in 1905 near the Solomon River and again in 1907 near Nome.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 14 Gross 9 Net, Length 46, Breadth 11, Depth 4.1, Built 1900 at New Whatcom Washington, Service Inland Towing, Home Port Townsend Washington, ON 107556

Sources: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1906) Pg 385

ANGLO SAXON (1907)     At 8:00 p.m. on Sunday October 27, 1907 the wood gas screw Anglo Saxon struck a reef of boulders three quarters of a mile off shore, seven miles southeast of Cape Wooley, stranded and was lost.  The vessel, valued at $3,500, had departed Nome October 19 with two tons of general merchandise valued at $200, with David Hull of Nome as captain and one other crewman.  She was headed for Tin City, but the very dark thick weather, strong northwest wind, heavy sea and snow squalls led to her demise.  As the captain put it in the wreck report filed at Nome on October 29th :

“Had line in propeller wheel when at Teller, so preceded to Nome under sail.  Could not hold her on course.  In storm and darkness got too close in, and struck on reef.  Put her about and headed for shore.  Struck in about two and a half feet of water.  Frank Kleinschmidt with two white men and natives rescued us from the wreck after twenty hours exposure.  Nome life saving crew brought us to Nome.”

Mapping and Location: West central Alaska   64 43 N 166 30 W

Comments: This same vessel had been reported a total loss during a gale in October of 1905 between Bonanza and Solomon Rivers while owned by one T A Whistler.

Additional Information: Tonnage 9, Built 1890, Registration Nome, ON 107556, Owner R D Hunter of Council.

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report

ANITA (1898)     The steamer Anita was reported lost during 1898 in Cook Inlet and was valued at $1,000 with cargo.

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

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

ANITA PHILLIPS (1923)     At 7:30 p.m. Thursday the 4th of January 1923, the wood gas boat Anita Phillips stranded at Port Snettisham, Stephens Passage, and sank in 35 fathoms of water.  She had departed Port Speel River on the 4th of January bound for Juneau with two passengers and two crew.  The cause of the stranding is reported to have been the engine breaking down on a lee shore during a rough dark night with 40 mile an hour winds.  Two anchors were cast but didn’t help.  The crew and passengers were picked up by the mail boat George Jr.  According to the wreck report filed by the owner and master, H G Bayers of Juneau, the vessel had no cargo and was valued at $6,500.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 06 45 N 133 41 W

Additional Information: Tonnage 21 Gross, Age 14 years, Registration Juneau, ON 205766, Insurance none.

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report

ANN (1952)     The 17 ton 37 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Ann was consumed by fire November 5, 1952 while moored at Latouche.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 03 05 N   147 54 W   Chart 16700

Additional Information: Tonnage 17 Gross 15 Net, Length 37.4, Breadth 12.6, Depth 4.7, Built 1945 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 143, Owner Colin Leonard, Registered Juneau, ON 248029

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1952) Pg 25, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1953-1954) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 747

 

ANN PAGE (1976)     The fishing vessel Ann Page struck a rock and sank August 3, 1976 south of Wingham Island near Cordova.

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

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

ANNA (1901)     At 6:30 in the morning on Sunday March 3, 1901 the American schooner Anna was blown ashore and wrecked during a strong northeasterly storm at Company Harbor on the western end of Sanak Island.  Harry Huhs, the vessel’s master, reported the winds at daybreak were at about 70 miles an hour, and even with two anchors out he was unable to prevent the vessel from drifting ashore.  The Anna had departed Unga on February 9th with a crew of 8, and at the time of the casualty had 180 tons of codfish aboard, valued at $20,000.  All crew were saved, but the vessel, valued at $12,000 and her cargo were a total loss.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   54 29 N 162 49 W

Comments : H W McCurdy has this wreck in 1902, and says “The two masted cod fishing schooner Anna, built in San Francisco in 1881 for Honolulu trade of J D Spreckels and operated in the Bering Sea fishery since 1898, was wrecked on the fishing grounds, a total loss of $18,000.”

Additional Information: Tonnage 227, Built 1881 in San Francisco, Registration San Francisco, ON 105987, Owner Pacific Marine Supply of San Francisco, Insurance $9,000, Length 117, Breadth 29.5, Depth 10.6.

Sources: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report 2. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 84

ANNA BARRON (1930)     At 12:30 a.m. on Tuesday July 22, 1930 the wood steam cannery tender Anna Barron was forced onto the rocks and stranded at Ansley Point in Icy Strait and became a total loss.

The vessel had departed Funter on July 20th bound for Point Adolphys and way points with a crew of seven, captained by George D Black of Seattle.  The following is an accounting of the accident from the wreck report filed by Black at Juneau on July 23rd:

“Attempting to reach dolphin situated in between two reefs off Port Ansley.  These reefs form sort of a cove or anchorage, and the owner of the boat has two dolphins situated therein at which it ties up its fish scows.  There were already two scows tied to one of the dolphins.  The Anna Barron had a half scow load of fish as she was making round of traps lifting fish.  She also had some of the lifting crew from the traps, and had to put them ashore onto one of the scows already tied up at the aforesaid dolphin, as those two men lived aboard that scow.  The Anna Barron also needed an anchorage for the night.  In going into the harborage in between the two reefs, which runs in a general southwesterly direction, the wind and tide carried vessel in past the dolphins and was unable to get rope ashore onto the scows that were already tied to the dolphin.  The anchorage is probably 200 feet wide and in endeavoring to turn around and keep off shore, the wind and tide forced vessel onto the rocks.  At time black darkness, with no light.”

The captain also mentions in the wreck report that the vessel was valued at $20,000 at the time of the accident, and though a total loss, she may be raised at some later time.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 12 30 N 135 07 10 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 82 Gross 56 Net, Age about 38 years, Registration Ketchikan, ON 107759, Owner Alaska Pacific Salmon of Seattle

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report

ANNA C (1964)     The 13 ton 31 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Anna C was destroyed by a tidal wave March 27, 1964 at Kodiak.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 13 Gross 9 Net, Length 31.3, Breadth 12.1, Depth 4.4, Built 1958 at Kodiak, Horsepower 100, SL WM4084, Registered Juneau, ON 276814

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 43, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1163

 

ANNA CATHERINE (1903)     At 2:00 in the afternoon Friday November 20, 1903 the wood sloop Anna Catherine drifted ashore in a storm, stranded, and became a total loss.  In the wreck report filed by her master and part owner, L H France of Ketchikan, the vessel was in route from Kasaan to Hollis with two crewmen and no cargo when the accident occurred.  An unsuccessful attempt was made to get to deep water, but the sloop stranded and was lost, one half mile south of Hollis in Tongass Narrows.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 29 N 132 40 W

Comments: The wreck report cover leaf has this vessel spelled Anna Catherina.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 8, Length 30, Breadth 13.6, Depth 3.3, Built 1881 in San Francisco, Registration Ketchikan, ON 105965, Owners L H France and J R Crumb of Ketchikan, Vessel value $50, Insurance none

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report

ANNA D (1963)     The 169 ton 96 foot wooden diesel powered Kodiak fishing vessel Anna D foundered at False Pass June 6, 1963.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   54 51 15 N 163 24 30 W   Chart 16011

Comment: This vessel earned a Battle Star in the Pacific during WWII

Additional Information: Tonnage 197 Gross 134 Net, Length 96.8, Breadth 21.5, Depth 10.8, Built 1943 East Boothbay ME, Former Names APC-22 (U S Navy), AMC-173 (U S Navy), Stormbird, LaDene (Canadian), Owner Oren A Diamond of Kodiak, Registered Juneau, ON 257348, SL WC5710

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) Pg 897, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1951) Pgs 537, 654, 663, 862 “Stormbird”, 3. W W II U S Navy Vessels in Private Hands (2013) “APC-Small Transport Coastal” Pg 14

 

ANNA DA (1994)     The 27 foot salmon gillnetter Anna Da flooded and sank in heavy weather September 14, 1994 in Nichols Passage.  Both crewmembers were rescued by another fishing vessel.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 05 N 131 42 W   Chart 17420

Additional Information: ON 608535

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

 

ANNA HELEN (1928)     At 10:00 in the morning of Monday October 22, 1928, about two miles out of the entrance of Funter Bay, at the junction of Icy Straits and Lynn Canal, the wood gas screw Anna Helen experienced a gasoline explosion caused by an engine backfire, caught fire, and became a total loss.  According to the wreck report filed at Juneau on October 23rd by her owner and master, W F Good of Seattle, the vessel had two crewmen and was carrying a cargo of 1000 pounds of dental equipment valued at $3,000.  She had left Hoonah that day bound for Haines.  The following are quotes from the report:

“SE wind of about 30 miles per hour, sea choppy.”

“Used contents of two fire extinguishers, (a Fyre-Fighter and Pyrene) and three dry powder extinguishers, without success.”

“Escaped in vessel’s dory.  In about 20 minutes picked up American gas screw Gloria (217955), A E Carr of Sitka, Alaska master.  U S Lighthouse Tender Cedar stood by as well as the Gloria, but no assistance could be rendered as vessel was too far gone.  Watched vessel until she sank.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 14 15 N 134 55 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 12 Gross 10 Net, Built 1925, Registration Seattle, ON 224544, Vessel value $20,000, Vessel insurance $17,000, Cargo insurance $2,500

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report

ANNA HELEN (1930)     At 7:00 in the evening on November 25, 1930 the wood oil yacht Anna Helen caught fire from an undetermined cause, eight miles west of Seymour Narrows in Discovery Passage, and was lost.  Her four crewmen made it to safety, but the yacht, valued at $40,000 became a total loss.  She had been on a trip from Seattle to Alaska when the accident occurred.

Mapping and Location: British Columbia

Additional Information: Tonnage 80 Gross 54 Net, Age 2 years, Registration Seward, ON 228348, Master W F Good of Seattle, Owner Good Trading Company of Seattle, Cargo none, Vessel insurance $32,600

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report

ANNA J (1926)     The 28 ton 46 foot wooden gas screw halibut fishing vessel Anna J was severely damaged in a storm March 10, 1926.  The vessel was hove to in heavy weather 60 miles off of Yakutat when a large wave completely cleared the deck.  The cook was on watch and was washed overboard with the pilothouse and everything above deck, including the fishing gear, masts and lifeboat.  The captain and the other 5 members of the crew managed to get a line to him and get him back aboard what was left of the Anna J.  They limped to Cape Saint Elias and were assisted to Cordova by the halibut boat Superior.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 33 N 139 44 W   Chart 16016

Comment: The Anna J had her upper level rebuilt and was returned to service.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 28 Gross 22 Net, Length 46, Breadth 13.3, Depth 6.7, Built 1917 at Tacoma WA, Owner Edward Lawler, Home Port Ketchikan, ON 215226

Sources: 1. Seattle Daily Times (March 28, 1926) “Staunch Hearts Win Alaska Sea Battle” Pg 27, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1926) Pgs 252-253

 

ANNA J (1935)     At 1:00 in the morning the American oil screw halibut fishing vessel Anna J was rammed by the overtaking vessel British S S Prince Rupert near Maud Island, Seymour Narrows, British Columbia.  The Anna J had left Vancouver with her crew of 6 on a halibut fishing trip August 24th and had nine tons or $1,800 worth of fresh halibut on board.  In the casualty report filed by the vessel’s master and owner, Edward Lawler of Seattle, the vessel (valued at $15,000) and her cargo were a total loss.  Only the cargo was insured.  Lawler remarked that it was a starlit night with only a gentle breeze blowing when the collision took place.  He had endeavored to stay as close to shore as possible.  The tug boat Cape Scott of Vancouver was able to render some assistance.

Mapping and Location: British Columbia

Additional Information: Vessel construction wood, Tonnage 28 Gross 22 Net, Age 18 years, Registered Ketchikan, ON 215226

Source: U S Customs Casualty Report filed September 21, 1935 Collection District 30, Port of Seattle

ANNA K (1995)     The 82 foot wooden fish tender Anna K burned to the waterline and sank July 27, 1995 in Dixon Entrance off of Kanagunut Island.  The vessel was bound for Prince Rupert when the disaster occurred.  All four crewmembers were transferred safely to another vessel.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   54 44 30 N 130 42 30 W   Chart 17420

Comment: News accounts have this vessel sinking August 10, 1995. WG

Additional Information: ON 972848, Built 1943

Sources: 1. U S C G Shipwreck List (1989-2004), 2. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013), 3. Daily Sitka Sentinel (August 11, 1995) “Fishing Boat Burns, Sinks in Southeast” Pg 6

 

ANNA LEE (1974)     The barge Anna Lee foundered in a storm May 12, 1974 in Kennedy Entrance below Cook Inlet.  The tug Knik Wind, which was aboard the Anna Lee, was lost with the barge but salvaged sometime later.  The barge and the rest of her cargo were lost.

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

Comment: This barge may have been salvaged or another with the same name put into service. WG

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

ANNA MARIE (1985)     The 42 foot fishing vessel Anna Marie burned August 21, 1985 near Chignik.  All persons aboard were rescued.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   56 18 N 158 24 W   Chart 16013

Source: Unofficial Wreck List (Kodiak)

 

ANNA O (1964)     The 12 ton 37 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Anna O was destroyed by a tidal wave March 27, 1964 at Chenega.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 16 45 N 148 04 30 W   Chart 16700

Additional Information: Tonnage 12 Gross 8 Net, Length 37.8, Breadth 10.3, Depth 4.2, Built 1942 at Amesbury MA, Horsepower 140, Registered Juneau, ON 252460

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 44, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1163

 

ANNA O (1985)     The 36 foot wooden seiner Anna O grounded and was lost while towing the 26 foot gillnet fishing vessel Head and Tails May 16, 1985 at Softuk Bar in Controller Bay.  Owner of both vessels, Robert I. Gill, was lost along with the Anna O. The Head and Tails was found and returned the family of Mr. Gill. Gill had intended to use the Head and Tails as a catcher boat and the larger Anna O as his bunkhouse.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 13 N 144 40 W   Chart 16723

Additional Information: Tonnage 11 Gross 9 Net, Length 31.6, Breadth 12.0, Depth 3.7, Built 1957 Seattle, ON 273773, SL WH8072, 155 HP gasoline engine,

Sources: 1. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 2. Daily Sitka Sentinel (May 17, 1985) “Man Missing Near Cordova” Pg 5, 3. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1979) Pg 94

 

ANNA T (1997)     The 27 foot salmon seiner Anna T was consumed by fire and sank October 13, 1997 in Prince William Sound.  The only person on board made it to safety.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 45 N 147 W   Chart 16013

Additional Information: ON 259438

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

 

ANNADELL (1964)     The 163 ton 82 foot wooden oil screw vessel AnnAdell was destroyed by a tidal wave March 27, 1964 at Seward.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 163 Gross 131 Net, Length 82.3, Breadth 26.6, Depth 8.7, Built 1945 at Seattle, Former Name BSP-3109 (U S A), Horsepower 300, Owner William S McDonald, Registered Juneau, ON 283234

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 45, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1163

 

ANNE II (1966)     The 17 ton 41 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Anne II foundered March 2, 1966 at Snettisham.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 59 05 N 133 47 15 W   Chart 17300

Comment: Snettisham was established as a gold mining camp about 1895 and remained as a harbor village until 1926.  It was located one mile southwest of Sentinel Point in Port Snettisham.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 17 Gross 12 Net, Length 41.1, Breadth 11.3, Depth 5.8, Built 1927 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 141, SL WD6144, Registered Wrangell, ON 226424

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 45, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1163

 

ANNIE (1889)     The 42 ton 57 foot wooden schooner Annie disappeared with all hands after leaving San Francisco February 9, 1889 bound for Unalaska with 11 crewmen aboard.  The 81 foot schooner Otter and 82 foot schooner James A Hamilton left out of San Francisco March 2, 1889 and disappeared on the same route, also losing all hands.  Lost with the Annie were: Captain – John Johnson, Mate – John Brown, Hunters – Gustave Gimmel and Joseph L Dupont, Seamen – James Smith, Peter Norman, Martin Cremes, Keimpe Kornes, Juqoat Krestauson and Robert Turner, Cook – Roger Augustine.  The Annie was valued at $3,000 at the time of the disaster.

Mapping and Location: Alaska Unknown

Additional Information: Tonnage 41.73 Gross 39.65 Net, Length 57, Breadth 22.2, Depth 4.5, Built 1877 at San Francisco, Registered San Francisco, ON 105684, Owner Captain Laflin of San Francisco

Sources: 1. Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992), 2. Daily Alta California July 25, 1889 “Probable Loss of Three Schooners Which Left Last March”, Pg 2 Col 1, 3. Merchant Sailing Vessels of the United States (1888) Pg 66

ANNIE (1926)     At 2 in the morning on September 17, 1926, the American gas screw Annie collided with the gas screw Commonwealth, off Point Colpoys in Sumner Strait and became a total loss.  The Anne, valued at $3,000, with a crew of two aboard had taken on 8 tons ($32 worth) of ice and departed Ketchikan bound for Baranof Island.  The following is an accounting of the accident detailed in a casualty report filed by her master and part owner, Hans Danielson of Ketchikan:

“…while proceeding to Baranof Island from Ketchikan we were abreast of Point Colpoys in Sumner Strait, we discovered that the bearing to engine were running hot.  I called the deck hand, Ben Lundin to take the wheel while I examined the engines bearing.  Found same hot and stopped the engine allowing the vessel to drift.  While in this position we were struck of the starboard side by the Gas. S Commonwealth which sunk the “Annine” in three minutes.  I was thrown into the water and later picked up by the “Commonwealth” and Ben Lunden jumped to the deck of the “Commonwealth” as she struck.  All of our lights were burning at the time of the collision and mast head light was burning when the vessel sunk.”

The weather at the time of the casualty was reported to be a calm dark night with no wind and heavy dark shadows.  The master and crew of the Commonwealth “rendered all possible assistance rescuing the master and other members of the crew.”

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 20 N 133 12 W

Comment: Hans Danielson refers to the Annie as the “Annine” in the Casualty Report

Additional Information: Construction wood, Tonnage 11 Net, Built 1909, Registration Ketchikan, ON 206576

Source: U S Customs Report of Casualty filed September 17, 1926 at Collection District 31, Port of Ketchikan

ANNIE K (1954)     The 14 ton 35 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Annie K burned February 11, 1954 at the mouth of Pat Creek near Wrangell.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 20 30 N 132 20 20 W   Chart 17360

Additional Information: Tonnage 14 Gross 9 Net, Length 35.4, Breadth 11.8, Depth 3.8, Built 1912 at Wrangell, Horsepower 110, Owner Cherie Johnson, Registered Wrangell, ON 231231

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1952) Pg 29, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1955) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 737

 

ANNIE M NIXON (1912)     On May 15, 1912 the gas schooner Annie M Nixon wrecked and became a total loss at Dixon Entrance.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   54 30 N 133 W   Chart 16016

Source: The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 211

ANNIE MAY (1895)     The wood steam launch Annie May became a total loss including $1,300 worth of cargo July 7, 1895 at Cape Karluk in the same storm that destroyed the ship Raphael. Both vessels were driven onto the beach and destroyed by severe winds. The Annie May was owned by Alaska Packers Association and was being used as a tender.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 35 10 N 154 30 50 W

Sources: 1. Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992), 2. Morning Oregonian (July 27, 1895) “Ship Raphael Lost” Pg 5 Col 1

ANSONIA (1955)     The 50 ton 63 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Ansonia struck a rock and sank in Uyak Bay July 23, 1955.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 48 N 154 04 W   Chart 16580

Additional Information: Tonnage 50 Gross 34 Net, Length 63.4, Breadth 16.2, Depth 7.7, Built 1926 at Gig Harbor WA, Horsepower 90, Owner Alaska Packers Association, Registered Juneau, ON 225502

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1955) Pg 36, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1956) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 742

 

ANTONE (1943)     The gas boat Antone broke her rudder, went ashore and became a total lost December 24, 1943 a mile and a half south of Barabara Point.  All 13 persons on board made it to shore and took shelter in the barabara on Barabara Point north of Seldovia.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 29 10 N 151 38 30 W   Chart 16640

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

ANYO MARU #1 (1999)     The 190 foot Japanese trawler Anyo Maru #1 foundered in rough weather December 9, 1999 in the Bering Sea 120 nautical miles south of Cape Navarin, Russia and 180 miles west of Saint Mathew Island in the Pribilof Islands.  12 crewmembers were lost and 24 rescued.

Mapping and Location: Russia

Sources: 1. U S C G News Release (December 10, 1999) “Coast Guard suspends search for missing fishermen”, 2. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013)

 

AOYAGI MARU (1988)     The 288 foot Japanese reefer cargo ship Aoyagi Maru lost power and grounded on a reef in a storm December 10, 1988 in Lost Harbor on the west side of Akun Island.  Line caught in the wheel of the ship while transferring frozen fish to the Bering Trader precipitating the disaster.   There was no loss of life. A demolition contractor was assigned the task of burning the 3,000 gallons of diesel and 80,000 gallons of bunker fuel on board in January of 1989.

Mapping and Location: Southwest Alaska   54 13 45 N 165 36 30 W   Chart 16520

Sources: 1. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 2. Sitka Daily Sentinel (January 26, 1989) “Stuck Ship to be Torched” Pg 8

 

APA 9 (1986)     The 32 foot vessel APA 9 was destroyed on the beach at Kalsin Bay in November of 1986.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 40 N 152 21 W   Chart 16580

Source: Unofficial Shipwreck List (Kodiak)

 

APACHE (1994)     The 85 foot crab fishing schooner Apache sank after striking a boat sized iceberg November 18, 1994 one and a half miles off of Bay Point in Farragut Bay, 25 miles north of Petersburg.  All four persons aboard made it to safety.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 06 30 N 133 19 W   Chart 17360

Additional Information: ON 216085, Built 1918

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

 

APEX NO 1 (1963)     The 19 ton 42 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Apex No 1 stranded and was lost September 25, 1963 off of the Trinity Islands near Kodiak Island.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 19 Gross 15 Net, length 42.4, Breadth 12.4, Depth 5.6, Built 1916 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 65, SL WC5682, Owner P M Holm, Registered Juneau, ON 214144

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1963) Pg 44, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) “Vessels Subject to Removal” Pg 730

 

APEX NO 2 (1933)     The 22 ton 38 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Apex No 2 stranded and was lost at Near Island May 19, 1933.  The one person aboard made it to safety.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 22 Gross 18 Net, Length 22, Breadth 18, Depth 5.1, Built 1918 at Anacortes WA, Horsepower 35, Owner Karl Armstrong of Kodiak, Registered Seward, ON 216041

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1933) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 989, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1932) Pgs 228-9

APEX NO 8 (1923)     On May 20, 1923 the 32 ton scow Apex No 8 broke away from her moorings in Stone Rock Bay, Prince of Wales Island, and wrecked during a storm.  She had been tied to the pile dolphin with ¾ inch cables but the southeast gale still broke her loose causing the vessel, valued at $1,350 to founder and become a total loss.  According to the casualty report filed at Ketchikan July 11th by S J Beard, agent for the owners, Apex Fish Company of Anacortes, Washington, some of the $850 worth of fish trap gear on deck was salvaged but the vessel was a total loss.  No crew were aboard at the time of the casualty.  Master of the Apex No. 8, James Shelton of Ketchikan is reported to have departed from Ketchikan on May 15th bound for Cape Chacon on Prince of Wales Island.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   54 45 30 N 132 W

Additional Information: Age 10 years, Registration Port Townsend Washington, ON 163205.

Source: U S Customs Casualty Report

APEX NO 18 (1940)     The 32 ton 60 foot wooden scow Apex No 18 was destroyed by fire September 22, 1940 in Seal Cove, Dall Island.  The one person aboard made it to safety.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 11 N 131 43 W   Charts 17420, 17428

Comment: Probably not the larger Dall Island.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 32 Gross and Net, Length 60.3, Breadth 16, Depth 4.1, Built 1917 at Anacortes WA, Owner Alaska Trollers Cooperative Marketing Association, Registered Ketchikan, ON 166917

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1941) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 512, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1939) Pg 329

AR 1 (1966)     The 8 ton 28 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel AR 1 was consumed by fire August 2, 1966 at Koggiung in Bristol Bay.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   58 52 N 157 00 15 W   Chart 16323

Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 6 Net, Length 28.7, Breadth 10.2, Depth 3.9 Built 1955 at Tacoma WA, Horsepower 100, SL WM7695, Owner Alaska Fisheries, Registered Tacoma, ON 269788

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1163, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1935) Pg 20

 

AR 5 (1966)     The 8 ton 28 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel AR 5 was consumed by fire August 2, 1966 at Koggiung in Bristol Bay.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   58 52 N 157 00 15 W   Chart 16323

Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 6 Net, Length 28.7, Breadth 10.2, Depth 3.9 Built 1955 at Tacoma WA, Horsepower 100, SL WM7842, Owner Alaska Fisheries, Registered Tacoma, ON 269790

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1163, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1935) Pg 20

 

AR 7 (1966)     The 8 ton 28 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel AR 7 was consumed by fire August 2, 1966 at Koggiung in Bristol Bay.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   58 52 N 157 00 15 W   Chart 16323

Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 7 Net, Length 28.7, Breadth 10, Depth 3.9 Built 1951 at Tacoma WA, Horsepower 90, SL WM7698, Owner Vlatko Kolega, Registered Tacoma, ON 261870

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1163, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1935) Pg 20

 

AR 8 (1966)     The 8 ton 28 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel AR 8 was consumed by fire August 2, 1966 at Koggiung in Bristol Bay.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   58 52 N 157 00 15 W   Chart 16323

Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 7 Net, Length 27.5, Breadth 10, Depth 3.9 Built 1951 at Tacoma WA, Horsepower 90, SL WM7699, Owner Alaska Fisheries, Registered Tacoma, ON 261871

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1163, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1935) Pg 20

 

AR 9 (1966)     The 8 ton 28 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel AR 9 was consumed by fire August 2, 1966 at Koggiung in Bristol Bay.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   58 52 N 157 00 15 W   Chart 16323

Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 6 Net, Length 27.5, Breadth 10, Depth 3.9 Built 1951 at Tacoma WA, Horsepower 90, SL WR4366, Owner Alaska Fisheries, Registered Tacoma, ON 261872

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1163, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1935) Pg 20

 

ARAB (1945)     The 8 ton 43 foot wooden gas screw Arab was consumed by fire July 25, 1945 at Petersburg.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 48 10 N 132 58 W   Chart 17360

Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 6 Net, Length 43.4, Breadth 10.4, Depth 3, Built 1911 at Everett WA, Former Name oil screw Birmingham, Service tow, Crew 2, Horsepower 140, Owner Son Products Company, Registered Seattle, ON 208385

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1946) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 804, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1945) Pg 112 “Motor Vessels” & Pg 533 “Former Names of Merchant Vessels”

ARARE (1942)     The 1,850 ton 388 foot Japanese destroyer Arare was torpedoed and sunk by the U S submarine Growler (SS-215) July 6, 1942 seven miles east of the entrance to Kiska Harbor.  104 persons aboard the Arare were killed.  The Arare had been anchored off of Salmon Lagoon because of fog.

Mapping and Location: Southwest Alaska   51 59 50 N 177 33 30 W   Chart 16012

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

ARCADE (1899)     The steamer Arcade out of Nome was wrecked at Saint Michael during a terrible storm in December of 1899 and became a total loss.

Mapping and Location: West central Alaska   63 29 N 162 02 W

Comments: This same storm caused loss or damage to many vessels including St Michael No 1, St Michael No 5, St Michael No 8, Alaska Union, Anna B, Fay and Barge No 2.

Source: U S Customs Casualty Reports

ARCATA (1942)     The 289 foot steel United States Army transport steam ship Arcata was shelled and sunk by Japanese submarine I-7 July 14, 1942 approximately 165 miles southeast of Sand Point.  Eight of the 32 man crew of the Arcata were killed either by gunfire or exposure. Lost were Chief Engineer Anthony Amundsen, Oiler Lloyd S. Carlson, 3rd Mate Alexander Heitner, AB Martin Knudsen, F/W Emil Nilsson, AB Rudolph S. Petterson, AB Bernard L. Rodman and Deck Watchman Thomas F Ware.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   55 20 15 N 160 30 W   Chart 16540

Additional Information: Tonnage 2722 Gross 1672 Net, Length 289, Breadth 44.1, Depth 19.2, Built 1919 Portland OR, HP 1400, ON 217972, Former Name Glymont, Call Sign KEXZ, Owner 1941 Hammond Lumber Company

Sources: 1. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1941) Pg 12, 546, 3. Plain Dealer (August 5, 1942) “Crew of Jap Sub Fires on Victims” Pg 6, 4. Seattle Times (August 5, 1942) Pgs 1&9

 ARCTIC (1876)     On July 7, 1876 the 431 ton whaling bark Arctic out of Honolulu was crushed in the ice 20 miles from shore off Point Franklin (southwest of Point Barrow).  The vessel is reported to have had a value of $43,000 and a cargo of whale oil and bone.  The crew managed to reach shore and was rescued by the whaling vessel Onward.

Mapping and Location: Northern Alaska   70 54 48 N 158 47 50 W   Chart 16003

Comments: A listing of vessels lost in 1876 in U S Revenue Cutter Service records has this vessel lost northeast of Point Barrow on September 12.  Many accountings of the Destruction of the Arctic Whaling Fleet of 1876 are available.

Source: U S Revenue Cutter Service 1867-1914 Microcopy 641 Roll 1.

ARCTIC (1897)     On May 31, 1897 the stern wheel river steamer Arctic, owned by the Alaska Commercial Company, was destroyed by the breakup of the ice on the Yukon River at Circle City.  She was reported to have a value with cargo of $20,000.

Mapping and Location: Central Alaska   65 49 30 N 144 03 30 W

Source: The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 24  

ARCTIC (1910)     In September of 1910 the vessel Arctic was lost off Cape Douglas.

Mapping and Location: There is a Cape Douglas along the northeast coast of the Alaska Peninsula at 58 51 N 153 15 W.  There is a second Cape Douglas on the Bering Sea 51 miles northwest of Nome at 65 N 166 42 W.

Sources: 1. Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992), 2. Dictionary of Alaska Place Names (1967) “Cape Douglas”

ARCTIC (1924)     On Sunday August 10, 1924 at 3:45 a.m. the American gas screw Arctic was crushed by ice and became a total loss sixteen miles south of Point Barrow five miles southwest of Cape Smythe.  The 418 net ton vessel had left Nome on July 23 captained by John Bertonccini of San Francisco.  At the time of the accident the Arctic had 21 crewmen and 1 passenger and was laden with cargo, including a deck load.  Her burden was said to be 750 tons of general merchandise valued at $150,000.  The vessel was owned by H Liebes & Company of San Francisco and was only insured for $100,000, substantially less than her actual value.  Her cargo was insured for $137,000.  The following are excerpts from the wreck report submitted by her captain at Collection District 31 Port of Nome on September 5, 1924:

“Sixteen miles south of Point Barrow, Alaska….crushed by the ice….Ice closed in on the vessel and crushed her….Wind calm; weather clear; daylight….Was surrounded by ice and nothing could be done….No assistance rendered.”

“Owing to the ice conditions we were unable to proceed around Point Barrow and remained tied up to some heavy ground ice about one and a half miles from shore in five fathoms of water, where we remained for five days and during that time successfully withstood three separate ice pressures previous to the final crush.”

Mapping and Location: Northern Alaska   71 17 35 N 156 47 20 W

Comments: The two wreck reports differ in value of vessel and cargo, one filed by the captain at Nome and the other by the owners at San Francisco. The name is sometimes spelled Artic.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 669 Gross 418 Net, Built 1898, Registration San Francisco, ON 96393, Destination Herschel Island Northwest Territories.

Sources: 1. U S Customs Report of Casualty filed at Collection District 28 Port of San Francisco 2. U S Customs Report of Casualty filed at Collection District 31 Port of Nome. 3. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 357.

ARCTIC (1958)     The 8 ton 30 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Arctic foundered June 17, 1958 approximately 18 miles west of Port Moller.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   55 53 N 160 28 W   Chart 16006

Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 7 Net, Length 30.8, Breadth 10.1, Depth 4, Built 1939 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 110, Owner Alfred J Gamble, Registered Bellingham WA, ON 238353

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1958) Pg 38, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1959) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 800

 

ARCTIC II (1988)     The 115 foot trawler Arctic II struck a large wave, capsized and sank December 10, 1988 approximately 55 miles north of Unimak Pass.  All five crewmembers made it into a life raft but another large wave swept two crewmen back into the sea.  The other three were rescued from their raft by the fishing vessel American Beauty.  Lost were captain Stan Michna (33) and Gary Heeney (29).

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

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

 

ARCTIC BIRD (1905)     The 38 ton 50 foot stern wheel river steamer Arctic Bird was wrecked on the Kobuk River with $10,000 worth of cargo on board in 1905.  Some of the machinery from the vessel was salvaged.

Mapping and Location: Central Alaska   66 55 N 156 52 W

Additional Information: Tonnage 38 Gross 27 Net, Length 50, Breadth 16.5, Depth 3.5, Built 1898 at Sausalito CA, Registered San Francisco, ON 107365

Sources: 1. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 115, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1905) Pg193, 3. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1911) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 412

ARCTIC CHIEF (1950)     The 775 ton 149 foot steel scow Arctic Chief stranded and was lost December 7, 1950 east of Marmot Island in the Gulf of Alaska.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 775 Gross and Net, Length 149.7, Breadth 42, Depth 14.5, Built 1950 at Portland OR, Service tanker, Owner Kotzebue Oil Sales Inc., Registered Juneau, ON 259985

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1952) Pg 33, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1955) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 737

 

ARCTIC DREAM (1993)     The 50 foot vessel Arctic Dream ran aground and was destroyed September 18, 1993 in Onion Bay during a hunting charter.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   58 04 N 153 15 W   Chart 16594

Source: Unofficial Shipwreck List (Kodiak)

 

ARCTIC DREAMER (1983)     The 195 ton 81 foot fishing vessel Arctic Dreamer capsized and sank in heavy weather March 11, 1983 approximately 10 miles north of Dutch Harbor.  The vessel was on the way to Dutch Harbor to deliver a load of crab.  The crew of 6 was rescued by the fishing vessel Starlight.

Mapping and Location: Southwest Alaska   53 54 N 166 31 W   Chart 16011

Sources: 1. Unofficial Shipwreck List (Kodiak), 2. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 3. Augusta Chronicle (March 13, 1983) “6 rescued from Bering Sea after boat sinks” Pg 3 A

 

ARCTIC HUNTER (2013)     The 93 foot steel fishing vessel Arctic Hunter ran onto the rocks and was destroyed near Summer Bay north of Morris Cove November 1, 2013. The master of the vessel had fallen asleep at the helm. The F/V Bristol and F/V Saga arrived on scene to assist. All crewmembers of the Arctic Hunter abandoned ship in survival suits to a life raft which was towed over to the Saga.  The Arctic Hunter was subsequently scrapped.

Mapping and Location: Southwest Alaska   53 55 N 166 26 10 W   Chart 16528

Additional Information: Length 93.2, ON 592242, Call Sign WDD4187, Built 1978 Bender Shipbuilding Mobile AL, Former Name Endurance

Sources: 1. 17th Coast Guard District Enforcement Report (Oct-Nov 2013), 2. USCG MISLE Case # 661889, 3. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1979) Pg 479

 

ARCTIC MIST (1985)     The 91 foot fishing vessel Arctic Mist rolled over and sank May 13, 1985 in the Gulf of Alaska 75 miles east of Kodiak.  All four persons aboard were rescued.

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

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

 

ARCTIC ROSE (2001)     The 92 foot catcher processor Arctic Rose sank with all hands April 2, 2001 approximately 200 miles northwest of Saint Paul Island near Zemchug Canyon.  An EPIRB signal from the Arctic Rose was picked up by the U S Coast Guard Station at Kodiak at 3:00 a.m. and a C-130 was dispatched.  A life raft, survival suits and an oil sheen were spotted around 8:30 a.m. by the aircraft which was directed to the area by the sister ship of the Arctic Rose, the Alaskan Rose.  Subsequent searches and investigations revealed the loss of the entire crew of 15.  Lost were skipper David M Rundall of Hawaii, Shawn M Bouchard (25), James Mills (25), Angel Mendez (35), Kerry P Egan (35), Aaron R Broderick (22), Jimmy L Conrad (22), Robert Foreman (30), Edward F Haynes (35), G W Kandris (25), Kenneth R Kivlin (50), Jeff Miencke (19), Michael Nevreiter (37), Mike Olney (47) and David Whitton (30). Skipper David M Rundall’s body was the only one recovered at the time of the disaster. On September 12, 2009 the longline fishing vessel Blue Gadus snagged a mass of tarp and webbing from which several bones were recovered. The longliner was fishing in 426 feet of water 40 miles southeast of where the Arctic Rose sank. The bones were found to belong to Jeff Miencke who had been lost on the Arctic Rose more than eight years earlier.

Mapping and Location: Southwest Alaska   57 10 N 170 15 W   Chart 16011

Additional Information: Built at Biloxi, MS 1988 as shrimper Sea Power, converted early 1990s to New Bedford MA scalloper Tenacity , became Alaska trawler Tenacity 1996, catcher processor Arctic Rose 1999, ON 931446

Sources: 1. U S C G News Bulletin #042-01 (April 2, 2001) “Body recovered from missing fishing vessel”, 2. U S C G News Bulletin #050-01 (April 4, 2001) “Coast Guard suspends search for 14 fishermen”, 3. USCG MISLE Case # 990932, 4. Seattle Times (February 9, 2015) “Family Finds Closure”

 

ARCTIC SEA (1972)     The 57 ton 50 foot steel oil screw Arctic Sea foundered December 19, 1972 in Prince William Sound.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 45 N 147 W   Chart 16300

Comment: A crab fishing vessel of the same name was reported stranded on a reef near Fairmount Island on January 18, 1971.

Additional Information: Tonnage 57 Gross 41 Net, Length 49.9, Breadth 18.4, Depth 7.2, Built 1964 at Tacoma WA, ON 295724

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 49, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1978) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 2117, 3. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

ARCTIC SUN (2002)     The 100 foot fish tender Arctic Sun struck a rock and sank July 26, 2002 in Clarence Strait 20 miles south of Thorne Bay near Ratz Harbor in 180 fathoms of water.  All three crewmembers escaped to a 16 foot skiff.   They were picked up by the vessel Norwegian Sky and transported to Ketchikan.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 53 15 N 132 35 45 W   Chart 17420

Additional Information: ON 273720, Call Sign WYS4837

Sources: 1. USCG News Release (July 26, 2002), 2. USCG MISLE Case # 91649

 

ARCTIC WIND (1979)     The fishing vessel Arctic Wind sank in the Bering Sea December 19, 1979.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   Unknown

Comment: This must be the 117 foot Arctic Wind (ON 608216) that is still fishing. She appears to have been on the bottom of Kalekta Bay, Unalaska Island for six months before being salvaged and put back into service.

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

ARCTICUS REX (1990)     The 29 foot aluminum salmon fishing vessel Arcticus Rex capsized and sank in 30 knot winds October 8, 1990 in Unimak Pass.  Both crewmembers were lost including Gary Marshall (36) of Kingston MA and Deborah Caterson (29) of Anchorage.

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

Additional Information: ON 593036, Built 1978

Sources: 1. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 2. Boston Herald (October 10, 1990) “Ex-Mass man drowns in Alaska” Pg 16

 

ARDEA (1985)     The 38 foot vessel Ardea drug anchor and grounded January 6, 1985 at King Cove on Afognak Island.  The crew escaped to safety but the Ardea was destroyed.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   58 12 N 152 02 W   Chart 16580

Source: Unofficial Wreck List (Kodiak)

 

ARGO (1998)     The 50 foot longline halibut fishing vessel Argo was consumed by a galley stack fire and lost July 31, 1998 approximately 15 miles outside of Dutch Harbor.  Both crewmembers donned survival suits and abandoned ship.  The U S Coast Guard cutter Storis arrived on scene to see an explosion blow the deck off of the vessel.  The Storis sank what was left of the Argo as a hazard to navigation.  There was no loss of life.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   55 09 20 N 132 00 15 W   Chart 16011

Additional Information: ON 225604

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

 

ARGO NO 2 (1898)     On June 21, 1898 the scow Argo No. 2 broke away from the Argo No. 1 off Dixon Entrance, foundered, and broke apart.  She was valued at $4,500 at the time, including her cargo of cattle.  Both vessel and cargo were lost.  The vessels were bound for Dutch Harbor in the Aleutians.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 54 30 N 133 W

Source: The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 41

ARGOS (1969)     The tug Argos foundered and sank in 35 fathoms of water after striking a submerged object August 17, 1969 northwest of Found Island off of the southwest corner of Wrangell Island.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 06 15 N 132 04 30 W   Chart 17360

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

ARGUS (1956)     The 22 ton 44 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Argus burned August 19, 1956 at Ketchikan.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 20 30 N 131 38 20 W   Chart 17420

Additional Information: Tonnage 22 Gross 15 Net, Length 44, Breadth 13.3, Depth 5.2, Built 1913 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 140, SL WC8300, Owner Libby McNeill & Libby, Registered Seattle, ON 211413

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1956) Pg 38, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1957) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 755

 

ARGUS (1959)     The 30 ton 41 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Argus stranded and was lost December 13, 1959 on Tilson Island approximately four miles west of Sitka.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 03 N 135 20 W   Chart 17320

Additional Information: Tonnage 30 Gross 23 Net, Length 41.6 Breadth 13.8, Depth 7.5, Built 1951 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 165, SL WD9957, Owner Merle Enloe, Registered Sitka, ON 262318

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1960) Pg 41, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1961) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 860

 

ARIEL (1925)     At 11:00 p.m. on Friday September 25, 1925, the gas screw Ariel stranded, with her crew of seven, 14 miles southeast of Point Spencer and became a total loss.  The following accounting is from the wreck report filed at Nome by crewman N F Hoiger on the 7th of October:

“14 miles southeast of Point Spencer….stranded in severe storm because of engine trouble.”

“Severe storm and weak motor.  Strong SE gale, stormy rough sea and very dark.  We tried to make out to sea but the engine failed us.”

“….on the 1st day of October the U S Coast Guard crew from Nome came to our assistance and brought N.F. Hoiger to Nome, the balance of the crew remaining with the vessel to try and save anything they could.”

The value of the vessel at the time of the casualty was $5,000 and her cargo $1,000.  The Ariel carried about four tons of coal and general merchandise of which $200 worth was salvaged.

Mapping and Location: West central Alaska   65 17 N 165 50 W

Additional Information: Tonnage 26 Gross 23 Net, Built 1916, Registered Seattle, ON 224859, Master George Torro of Nome, Owner Uno Brower of Paulsbo Washington, Last Port Nome September 4th, Destination Little Diomede Island.

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report

ARIES (1974)     The 86 foot steel crab fishing vessel Aries sank west of Anderson Island, British Columbia September 19, 1974. The 1971 Tacoma vessel had just been modified to fish crab for Pan Alaska and was traveling from Tacoma to the Juneau area. Skipper Vito Kalcic of Kodiak was filling the forward crab tank when a bulkhead gave way flooding aft. All five crewmembers escaped to a liferaft as Aries vessel sank stern first. They were rescued by a Canadian fishing vessel and transported to Tolfino, B.C.

Mapping and Location: British Columbia

Source: The Seattle Times (September 20, 1974) “Crab boat sinks on maiden voyage” Pg E7

 

ARILLA (1900)     The 107 ton two masted schooner Arilla was reported lost in Alaskan Waters in 1900.

Mapping and Location: Unknown

Comment: There is evidence of a vessel of the same tonnage and name built in 1899 at Port Angeles.  I have seen newspaper references to it in 1901 still in operation.

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

ARIZONA (1914)     At 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday September 1, 1914 the American gas screw Arizona was destroyed by a strong SE gale which had stranded her on the spit at Chiukak, 10 miles west of Golovin.  The casualty report filed at Nome mentions that no one was aboard and the Arizona (valued at $1,000) was pulled out on the beach at the time; nothing could be done to save her.

Mapping and Location: West central Alaska   64 31 N 163 22 W

Comment: The publication Safeguard the Gateways of Alaska has this wreck mapped at Chignik.

Additional Information: Construction wood, Tonnage 11 Gross 9 Net, Built Golovin Alaska 1903, Registered Nome, ON 201296, Owners Pfaffle, Porter & Sugg, Cargo none.

Sources: 1. U S Customs Report of Casualty filed at Nome September 4, 1914 2. Safeguard the Gateways of Alaska (1918) Map.

ARK (1947)     The hand built gas boat Ark (Ark of Juneau) blew ashore and went to pieces sometime after 1946 at Amalga Harbor.  The vessel had been used to transport The Satko family to Juneau in 1940.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 29 30 N 134 47 20 W   Chart 17360

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

ARMERIA (1912)     In the middle of May 1912, the 1,502 ton United States Lighthouse Service Tender Armeria became stranded on the rocks near Cape Hinchinbrook.  She was attempting to rescue the barge Haydn Brown but ended up a casualty herself.  The crew of 36 was rescued by the steamer Admiral Sampson.  The vessel, valued at $344,000, became a total loss.  Some of the $70,000 cargo of coal, buoys and supplies for area lighthouses was salvaged.

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

Comment: It is reported that divers have discovered this wreck.

Sources: 1. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 211, 2. Safeguard the Gateways of Alaska (1918) Map.

ARNE (1983)     The 56 foot longline fishing vessel Arne ran aground October 10, 1983 just north of Narrow Cape.  The vessel was destroyed by the surf.  No lives were lost.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 25 30 N 152 20 W   Chart 16580

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

 

ARNOLD (1915)     On July 31, 1915 the 44 ton 57 foot gas screw fishing boat Arnold was consumed by fire at Anchorage.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   61 13 05 N 149 53 30 W

Additional Information: Tonnage 44 Gross 30 Net, Length 57.5, Breadth 15.8, Depth 5, IHP 75, Built 1913 at Tacoma WA, Registered Ketchikan, ON 211866

Sources: 1. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 258, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1916) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 420, 3. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1915) Pg 206

ARNOLD LIEBES (1934)     The gas boat Arnold Liebes wrecked at Point Barrow in 1934 and became a total loss.

Mapping and Location: Northern Alaska   71 23 29 N 156 28 30 W

Source: The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 432

ARR 738 (1948)     The 2,297 ton steel barge Arr 738 stranded and was lost in the vicinity of Taylor Island November 8, 1948

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 18 N 136 30 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 2,297 Gross and Net, Built 1944, ON 256120

Source: Merchant Vessels of the U S (1949) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 909

ARROW (1933)     The 20 ton 40 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Arrow burned at Craig November 19, 1933.  The five crewmen aboard made it to safety.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 28 30 N 133 09 W   Chart 17400

Additional Information: Tonnage 20 Gross 14 Net, Length 40.1, Breadth 12.5, Depth 4.8, Horsepower 20, Built 1913 at Seattle WA, Owner Alaska Pacific Salmon Corporation, Registered Ketchikan, ON 210950

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1934) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1006, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1933) Pgs 222-3

ARROW (1950)     The 38 ton 58 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Arrow was consumed by fire off of the east coast of Mary Island February 24, 1950.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 05 N 131 12 W   Chart 17420

Comment: I have charted this wreck at the most likely “Mary Island”.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 38 Gross 33 Net, Length 58.8, Breadth 14.4, Depth 6.8, Built 1923 at Houghton WA, Horsepower 140, SL WA2556, Owner Walter H Graves, Registered Ketchikan, ON 222922

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1950) Pg 34, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1951) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 937

 

ARROW (1964)     The 22 ton 46 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Arrow burned April 10, 1964 at Kodiak.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 22 Gross 15 Net, Length 46.7, Breadth 14, Depth 4.7, Built 1942 at Long Beach CA, Former Name, Horsepower 165, SL WH5620, Owner Erwin C Doyle, Registered Juneau, ON 271253

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) Pg 49, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1002

 

ARTHUR (1921)     On November 14, 1921 the wood scow Arthur was deemed to be unsafe because of a rotten hull and dismantled at Alitak Bay on the south end of Kodiak Island.  She was owned by Alitak Packing Company at the time and valued at $800.

Mapping and Location: South Central  Alaska   56 53 N 154 17 30 W   Chart 16580

Additional Information:  Tonnage 47, Built 1901, Registered Seattle.

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report

ARTHUR B (1900)     A violent storm pounded the beaches at Cape Nome September 7th and 8th , 1900 damaging or destroying many of the vessels nearby.  Included in the loss roster is the small schooner Arthur B which was driven ashore by the harsh winds and high seas and ground to pieces.

Mapping and Location: West central Alaska   64 26 N 165 W

Source: The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 63

ASHLEY KAY (1991)     The 32 foot crab fishing vessel Ashley Kay cut the point too close, struck a rock and sank February 10, 1991 in Frederick Sound.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 50 N 134 25 W   Chart 17360

Additional Information: ON CG031694, Built 1961

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

 

ASTROLABE yawl (1786)     During the voyage of exploration and scientific circumnavigation of the globe by French explorer LaPerouse in the vessels Astrolabe and Boussole, a small yawl was launched and subsequently lost with 11 crew at the mouth of Lituya Bay along the NE coast of the Gulf of Alaska in 1786.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   58 36 45 N 137 39 30 W   Chart 16016

Source: Shipwrecks and Disasters at Sea (1856)

ASTRON (1971)     The 107 ton 74 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Astron exploded and burned in the Bering Sea in November 22, 1971 six miles north of Akutan Island.  The four crewmen aboard survived in a seven foot rubber raft three days until rescued by the Japanese trawler Chidori Maru No 51 near North Head.  Living to tell the tale were captain David Densmore (25) of Astoria, Douglas Sterly of Kodiak, Jan Federson of Juneau and Yakima and Dennis Jette of Seattle.

Mapping and Location: Southwest Alaska   54 07 N 165 55 W   Chart 16011

Additional Information: Tonnage 107 Gross 72 Net, Length 74.8, Breadth 21.4, Depth 9.8, Built 1935 at Tacoma WA, Former Name Sea Star, ON 238155

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965)”Sea Star” Pg 633, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1974) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1635, 3. The Oregonian (December 3, 1971) “Ordeal aboard raft makes believer of fisherman” Pg 10

 

ASTRONAUT (1967)     The 77 ton 59 foot steel oil screw fishing vessel Astronaut stranded and was lost February 6, 1967 on Akutan Island in the Aleutians.  Two skiffs, one from the Honey B and the other from the Menshikov attempted to reach the crew of the Astronaut and both were destroyed in the surf. Four crewmen from the two skiffs joined the four crewmen from the Astronaut on the beach. Four of the eight stranded crewmembers were rescued from the beach by the fishing vessel American Star. The survivors were suffering from hypothermia and frostbite. Tents and sleeping bags were dropped to the last four survivors as they awaited rescue by the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Citrus.

Mapping and Location: Southwest Alaska   54 07 N 165 55 W   Chart 16011

Additional Information: Tonnage 77 Gross 31 Net, Length 59.3, Breadth 18.2, Depth 8.6, Built 1961 at Portland OR, Former Name Eden-K, Horsepower 270, SL WS4333, 1965 Owner Dan Luketa, Registered Seattle, ON 286319

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 52, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1163, 3. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 4. Seattle Times (February 8, 1967) “Four Fishermen Rescued, Four Await Rescue on Akutan” Front Page

 

ATKA QUEEN (1973)     The 105 foot crab fishing vessel Atka Queen sank on her maiden voyage from Puget Sound to Dutch Harbor in October of 1973.  All five crewmen were rescued by the U S Coast Guard near the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Mapping and Location: British Columbia

Source: Dallas Morning News (October 29, 1973) “Storm Sinks Crab Vessel” Section C Pg 7

 

ATLANTIC (1937)     At 9:00 p.m. Tuesday August 10, 1937 the purse seiner Atlantic stranded at Little Pybus Bay, NW Spruce Island, Frederick Sound and was lost.  All aboard survived but the vessel was a total loss except for the engine which was salvaged.  The Atlantic had departed Chatham August 8th with five crew bound for the fishing grounds, and by the time of the casualty had approximately four tons of fresh fish aboard valued at $190.  Charles Smith of Sitka, master of the Atlantic, filed the wreck report at Chatham on the 18th detailing the incident as follows:

“….dusk, 60 mile gale, misty weather….anchors set but unable to hold….vessel stranded in heavy weather and was lost….some equipment salvaged.”

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 12 45 N 134 05 05 W

Additional Information: Tonnage 14, Power gas screw, Construction Wood, Age built 1910, Registered Seattle, ON 207376, Owner New England Fish Co Seattle, Value $2,500.

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report

ATLANTIC (1968)     The gas screw Atlantic burned September 5, 1968 at Cape Spencer.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 12 45 N 136 39 30 W   Chart 16016

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

ATLANTIS (1898)   April 22, 1898 the steam powered schooner Atlantis was lost at Yellow Rock Light six and a half miles south of Duke Island near Dixon Entrance.  The crew and passengers, bound for Skagway and the Klondike, were all saved.  The Atlantis and her 120 ton cargo were reported a total loss. 

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   54 47 30 N 131 13 45 W   Chart 17420

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

ATLANTOS (1999)     The 38 foot fiberglass longline cod fishing vessel Atlantos capsized and sank due to icing January 30, 1999 south of Pilot Rock in Blying Sound.  All three crewmembers were rescued by the fishing vessels Dolphin and Iceberg.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 44 30 N 149 28 W   Chart 16680

Additional Information: ON 656343

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

 

ATTU (1968)     The gas screw Attu burned on the beach January 1, 1968 at Skagway.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   59 27 30 N 135 18 45 W   Chart 17300

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

ATTU (1990)     The 65 foot wooden longline fishing schooner Attu grounded, was holed and sank March 29, 1990 at Kayak Island.  All seven crewmembers were rescued.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 56 N 144 23 W   Chart 16013

Additional Information: ON 224395

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

ATTU ISLAND (1953)     The 328 foot LST type barge Attu Island rolled over and sank bottom side up on January 1, 1953, one half mile south of Ketchikan’s Bar Harbor under the red hazard buoy.  The tug Hercules had damaged the Attu Island on a reef off of Pennock Island earlier and was towing her north.  The barge was filled with a 5,000 ton cargo of cement.  There was an unsuccessful attempt to raise the barge in the 1970’s.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 21 N 131 40 30 W   Chart 17430

Comment: Probably buoy “WR6” off of Bar Point Basin, Ketchikan.  WG

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

AUDREY (1931)     Wednesday, May 13, 1931 at 3:00 p.m. the gas screw Audrey caught fire in Sukkwan Strait and became a total loss.  The crew of three survived but the vessel, valued at $6,000 was lost.  The Audrey had departed Craig earlier in the day on a trip to Hydaburg.  Master of the vessel, K A Anderson of Craig, filed a wreck report May 29th with the following description of the casualty:

“Myself and crew were all in the pilothouse when we suddenly smelled smoke, we rushed out on deck and found that the whole engine room was afire, we went over the side in our row boat and stood by until she drifted ashore on the north end of Sukkwan Island.”

Anderson also reported that the seas were calm at the time and he tried to put out the flames with a Pyrene extinguisher.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 10 N 132 46 W   Chart 17400

Additional Information: Construction wood, Tonnage 22 Gross 17 Net, Built 1914, Registration Juneau, ON 212154, Owner Hannah Cogo of Craig, Cargo none.

Source: U S Customs Report of Casualty

AUDREY V (1963)     The 18 ton 40 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Audrey V foundered November 24, 1963 off of Cape Chiniak.  The vessel was under tow by the U S Coast Guard cutter Bittersweet when she capsized.  The Audrey V had caught line in her propeller and was unable to make way herself.  While in tow, the weather increased to 70 mile an hour winds and 20 foot seas, which caused the small vessel to flip.  Mike Smith and Jerry Williams were aboard the Audrey V when she capsized and sank.  Jerry Williams was rescued but Mike Smith was lost.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 18 Gross 14 Net, Length 40.5, Breadth 12.7, Depth 4, Built 1942 at Seattle WA, Former Name J-279 (U S A), Horsepower 330, SL WL7212, Owner Edward Jackson, Registered Juneau, ON 256249

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1963) Pg 51, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1002, 3. Seattle Times (November 26, 1963) “Mike Smith” Pg 41

 

AUK (1947)     The 28 ton 60 foot wooden gas screw tug Auk stranded and was lost October 16, 1947 at the mouth of the Ugashik River.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 30 N 157 37 W   Chart 16006

Additional Information: Tonnage 28 Gross 17 Net, Length 60.2, Breadth 16.9, Depth 5.8, Built 1914 at Oakland CA, Former name Crowley No 20, Service tow, Horsepower 100, Owner Alaska Packers Association, Registered Juneau, ON 212304

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1947) Pg 38, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1948) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 860

AUKAI            (1974)     The Tolly craft fishing vessel Aukai ran aground and was lost April 4, 1974 on Kayak Island in the Gulf of Alaska.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 56 N 144 23 W   Chart 16013

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

AUNT BERGIT (1996)     The 38 foot fishing vessel Aunt Bergit was destroyed by a stack fire November 15, 1996 at Hinchinbrook Island.  All three crewmembers made it to safety.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 23 N 146 28 W   Chart 16700

Additional Information: ON 632271

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

 

AURORA (1929)     It was 7:00 in the evening on Tuesday August 27, 1929 when a backfire from the engine caused a fire aboard the gas screw fishing vessel Aurora.  Peter Sing of Sitka, master of the vessel, managed to escape with the crew but the 1,800 pounds of salmon, valued at $1,100 and the Aurora, valued at $1,500 were lost.  The loss occurred near Sanitarium (now Goddard), 16 miles from Sitka. When the owner of the Aurora, Fred Schray of Sitka, filed the casualty report at Sitka on August 28th he stated that there was no insurance on the vessel but the cargo of salmon was fully insured.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 50 05 N 135 22 20 W

Additional Information: Construction wood, Tonnage 10 Gross 7 Net, Age 16 years, Registration Sitka, ON 211008, Last Port Sitka August 26th, Destination fishing banks.

Source: U S Customs Report of Casualty

AURORA (1947)     The 19 ton 43 foot wooden gas screw Aurora foundered November 6, 1947 in Lisianski Inlet.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 07 30 N 136 27 30 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 19 Gross 13 Net, Length 43.1, Breadth 11.2, Depth 4.9, Built 1939 at North Bend OR, Service misc., Horsepower 140, Owner K Raatikalnin, Registered Juneau, ON 239531

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1947) Pg 38, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1948) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 860

AURUM (1917)     The 26 ton 50 foot stern wheel steamer Aurum struck an obstruction and was lost near Golovin August 2, 1917.

Mapping and Location: West central Alaska   64 33 N 163 02 W

Comment: H W McCurdy spells the name Aurrim. WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 26 Gross 16 Net, Length 50, Breadth 10.8, Depth 3.2, Service Freight, Crew 1, IHP 30, Built 1904 at Golovin, Registered Nome, ON 203357

Sources: 1. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 294, 2.  Merchant Vessels of the U S (1918) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 438, 3. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1916) Pg 88

AVIS (1947)     The 8 ton 31 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Avis foundered in Cross Sound July 18, 1947.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 08 N 136 35 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 6 Net, Length 31, Breadth 8.6, Depth 3.8, Built 1927 at Juneau, Horsepower 12, Owner Gilbert Mills, Registered Juneau, ON 235991

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1947) Pg 39, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1948) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 860

AVONA (1954)     The 15 ton 36 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Avona foundered September 21, 1954 northwest of Hive Island at the entrance to Resurrection Bay.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 53 N 149 22 W   Chart 16682

Additional Information: Tonnage 15 Gross 10 Net, Length 36.7, Breadth 11.9, Depth 5.2, Built 1917 at Tacoma WA, Horsepower 140, Owner Andy Fredricksen, Registered Juneau, ON 214760

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1952) Pg 42, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1955) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 737

 

AVOS (1808)     The Russian Company tender Avos was lost in 1808 in Bay of Islands on her way from Kodiak to Sitka.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 24 N 147 37 W

Comment: I have mapped this wreck at Bay of Isles on Knight Island because out of the several possibilities for “Bay of Islands”, this anchorage is one commonly used as a safe haven by small vessels during storms in the Gulf of Alaska and the Avos was travelling between Kodiak and Sitka through the area.  There is good holding ground in the south and west arms but caution must be used to avoid the many rocks and pinnacles entering the bay.  The tall mountains that surround it give protection from almost all directions of wind.  It didn’t get its official name until 100 years after this casualty occurred but locals called it the Bay of Islands or Bay of Isles for many years.

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

AWASHONKS (1871)     The 376 ton wooden bark whaling vessel Awashonks was caught and crushed between two ice floes off Sea Horse Island, near Point Belcher, Alaska, September 12, 1871.  She was valued at $58,000.  The officers and crew of the Awashonks escaped to other vessels of the whaling fleet.

Mapping and Location: Northern Alaska   70 53 N 158 42 W

Comments: The loss of whaling vessels during 1871 is well documented in many locations.

Sources: 1. The Revenue Cutter Service 1867-1914 (1966) 2. Destruction of the Arctic Whaling Fleet Harpers Weekly (1871)

23 Replies to “Alaska Shipwrecks (A)”

  1. In late October, 1982 I nearly boarded a Scallop fishing boat in Kodiak harbor. I had this “uneasy” feeling about the boat and crew, and, at the last moment I decided not to board the vessel. A couple of weeks later when I was back in my hometown of Bend, Oregon, I was shocked to see a story in the Oregonian Newspaper of that vessel sinking and losing nearly it’s entire crew. I’m trying to remember the name of the vessel (for a short story I’m writing about my times in Alaska). Some of the facts I remember were a crew of around 12… or …13 and I believe only one survived. And, the vessel was 156 feet in length…..if I remeber right. Any help with name of that boat would be much appreciated…………….Thank you, John

    1. The vessel you are referring to must be the Saint Patrick. The crew of 12 abandoned ship November 30, 1981 off of Marmot Island. Only two survived. I was fishing crab on nearby Portlock Bank and remember the disaster well. The story of the St Patrick has been written about many times. There is even a youtube video with a discription. You were fortunate not to have taken advantage of that opportunity.

  2. The info about F/V American Star either is wrong, either there were two separate vessels.The American Star I knew and loved , burned in 2000 and ran aground between cape aksit and cape lazaref…they said the vessel was the subject of an engine room fire..it sit on the beach for 3 years until Magone salvaged it just to cut it into pieces and sank it in deep waters…

    1. There were two American Star crabbers. The one lost in 1990 was 110 foot and the one you mention was 154 foot. Thanks for bringing it to my attention that I somehow left out the one lost in 2000. For some reason I thought when the Redeemer towed it back to Dutch Harbor it was going to be put back into service. I didn’t realize it was scrapped. I will update my files. Thanks Again and Smooth Sailling

  3. No, thank YOU for having this wonderful site about the alaskan shipwreck history.
    The first time I saw the 154 foot American Star has captured my attention, for no reason…it was back in 2008.Ever since I have tried to find out it’s story and I found out some interesting things.Altough my “personal investigation” was succesful, by finding the cause of the fire, I cannot find more pictures of it nowhere.I have uploaded a clip on youtube named “Fishing vessel American Star”, just search on the web “cyrusthevrus”, that’s my username, and search on my page for the vessel, I also have the galaxy fishing video.I understand that the salvage was put in a “discovery channel film”, you can see in my clip some black and white pictures of it engulfed in flames…and even in the “sain patrick” clip in deadliest catch episodes, you can observe at some point black and white pictures of american star being towed in the ocean without it’s wheelhouse!It’s strange, I have got to find the salvage clip.
    Thank you and keep in touch!

    1. Hi Chris. I’m looking for the documentary made by Thom Beers about the salvage operation of F/V American Star (the Discovery Channel film you mentioned that I saw back in the early 2000s). If you have any information about how/where it can be found or why it seems to have vanished please reply. Thanks.

  4. Hi,
    I’m really impressed with the amount of information on your site. However, I didn’t find any information about the sinking of the halibut schooner F/V Grant in 1972 or 1973. See: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5Mw2zs45M0
    I thought you might like to see this video.
    My interest comes from my grandfather and uncles who built fishing boats (and others) in Coos Bay, Oregon in the 1940s.

    1. If I am not mistaken, the Grant did not sink. She may have swamped and been “dewatered” back in 1972 or 1973 but I can remember her coming up for halibut openings in subsequent years. If you look at the listing for the “Attu”, there is a picture of the Grant at Petro Marine fuel dock in Kodiak I took in 1975 or 1976.

  5. I am looking for any information on a mail boat ‘George Jr”, out of Juneau Alaska. The captain was Nick Bystrom, all hands lost, January 1925. I have some copies of newspaper clippings from that time, and am wondering if there is more info available. on this site.

    1. A have a couple of articles that appeared in newspapers in February of 1925 when three frozen bodies were recovered from the wreck. I also have a copy of the Casualty Report that was turned in by the vessel’s owner. If they would be helpful, I can email them to you.

    2. I just read through the news clippings I have and there seems to be a conflict in the stories. One report says three of four bodies were identified and skipper Rick Bystrom and the boat were never found. Another report says the same thing except mate Ed Lee was the body never found. Do you have information that could resolve this conflict?

  6. Hello,
    I am trying to find an article or some sort of information on a cargo barge and tug boat that sank in Alaska around 1976-1978. My grandfather, James Louis Warner, and I believe one other man was rescued from an island a few hours later after the sinking by helicopter. I believe there were 5-6 others who died. It could have been the Crowley barge company but I’m not sure. I was wondering if you have any records somewhat matching that case.
    Thank you so much,
    Scarlett Warner

    1. I have not been able to match this account with any wreck in my files. If you can think of any other information it would be helpful. A wreck with that many casualties should not be that hard to find information about. I have been searching my newspaper accounts but have yet to find it. Given the details you have passed on, it should be here somewhere. I will keep looking.

  7. Hello,
    I am trying to find an article or some sort of information on a cargo barge and tug boat that sank in Alaska around 1976-1978. My grandfather, James Louis Warner, and I believe one other man was rescued from an island a few hours later after the sinking by helicopter. I believe there were 5-6 others who died. It could have been the Crowley barge company but I’m not sure. I was wondering if you have any records somewhat matching that case.

    1. I have not been able to match this account with any wreck in my files. If you can think of any other information it would be helpful. A wreck with that many casualties should not be that hard to find information about. I have been searching my newspaper accounts but have yet to find it. Given the details you have passed on, it should be here somewhere. I will keep looking.

  8. Anyone know the name of a long liner that was sunk during a storm in the Bering Sea some time in the early 1970’s. All hands were lost. We were tied up next to them in Kodiak, Alaska. I was having a chat on the dock with one of the crew just before they left for the Bering Sea never to be seen again. At the time I was the in breaker on the M.V. Lance (reg. In Prince Rupert, B.C.) which has since sunk.

    The name that comes to mind is. The Sea Ranger, not to be confused with the oil tanker.

    1. Would this be the one?:
      SEA RANGER (1965) 68 foot Vancouver, B.C. halibut fishing vessel Sea Ranger disappeared with a crew of eight in the Bering Sea. A life raft and debris were spotted 45 miles north of Unalaska Island on April 8, 1965 following a storm that passed through the area on the third day of a one week halibut opening from April 4 to April 11, 1965. The Sea Ranger departed Vancouver March 16 to fish the Bering Sea halibut opening with owner J. McClure (59), skipper Mat Sherman (55) and six other Canadian crewmembers aboard.
      This and many other wrecks and losses haven’t been added to this website. I am waiting to update my writing until I re-format the site in a more secure fashion.

  9. Fantastic Site! I am surprised it has taken me this long to find it. My family started out in the fish business in PWS in the mid 60’s and still have a brother and two nephews with seiners and tenders. The family lost two boats one owned and one leased in PWS. I have three brothers one still active and two moved on to other things. I told my younger brother of your site as he was the skipper at the time of my father’s seiner that was lost. I was also the Harbormaster and later Port Director in Valdez from 1979 to 1999. I recognized many more boats that were lost and I have only made it through the E list. During my time in the job we were active in dismantling boats including one of my brothers boat call the “Libra”. I probably have a record somewhere of all the boats we either dismantled or burnt(when that was allowed) I would have to just find it. Here is one that you may have but we dismantled a old time PWS mail boat called the “Siren” about 70 feet in the late 90’s. Thanks for putting all the work into this site. Tim.

    1. Thanks for checking in Tim. Your time in Valdez must have been amazing in retrospect. I was involved with the Exxon Valdez cleanup and worked out of Valdez in 1990. PWS is unbelievably beautiful. Would love to see what information you kept on vessels destroyed or dismantled. It might fill in some gaps I have on where vessels ended up. Would be nice to sit down and chat sometime.

  10. Dear folks, I was raised in the AK panhandle in the forties and fifties & am trying to run down a derelict named White Bear that was abandoned on the mudflats of Gastineau west of the Behrends subdivision in Juneau. I think it may have been a mailboat after a career as a fish boat. Can you help?

    1. There have been several vessels with the name White Bear. I would need to know a little more information to zero in on the vessel you seek. Type of construction (wood, fiberglass or steel), rough length, what time period (decade) and things like that would be helpful.

  11. I used to run mate on a 112′ trawler called Atlantic Pride , on east coast . It was sold and moved to seattle I think for refit , they added ten feet . Later the boat sunk . I can’t find anything on it . It was built by bockmarine in wanchese n.c. any help would be much appreciated

    1. The Atlantic Pride, Official Number 632101, became the Uyak II out of Kodiak. The following is a short description of her loss from one of my books: “The 112 foot trawler Uyak II foundered November 5, 1987 approximately 60 miles south of Kodiak off of Cape Barnabas. Four of her six crewmembers were lost including Gregory D Klinkenburg (29) of Kodiak, Rogerio N Jamie (32) of Anchor Point, Donald Brand (44) of Tacoma WA and Hee K “Charlie” Im (37) of Gardena CA. The two survivors were rescued from the liferaft by the fishing vessel Gold Rush.” I have a few news articles in my files about the loss of the Uyak II as well as another Wanchese boat, the Amazing Grace. Both were terrible losses.

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