Alaska Shipwrecks (C)

ABBREVIATIONS:  Aluminum–AL, British Columbia–BC, Central–C, Fiberglass–FRP, Fishing Vessel–FV, Indicated Horse Power–IHP, Longliner-LL, Motor Vessel–MV, North–N, Official Number–ON, Revenue Cutter Service–RCS, Schooner–Sch, Signal Letters–SL, South Central–SC, Southeast–SE, Southwest–SW, Steel oil screw–SOS, Steam Ship–SS, Unknown–U, United States Army–USA, United States Coast Guard–USCG, United States Navy–USN, Westcentral–WC, Wood gas screw–WGS, Wood oil screw–WOS

C B BROWER (1934)     The vessel C B Brower is reported to have been wrecked off of Point Barrow and lost in 1934.

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

C G WHITE (1895)     As many as 11 men were lost on Wednesday, April 24, 1895 when the American schooner C G White ran ashore in the Trinity Island Reefs during a westerly gale and snowstorm.  The vessel had departed San Francisco February 28 on a seal hunting and fishing trip with Zart Isaackson of San Francisco as master and a crew of 28.  The following are excerpts from the wreck report filed July 24, 1895 by managing owner A P Lorentzen:

“On SW end of Kodiak Island…ran ashore in a snowstorm.”  “Some of the crew were saved and cared for by natives, who afterwards took them to Wooded Island, where some died and others recovered.  Some lost limbs by frost bite.  All the officers were lost, either drowned or died on the beach from cold.  No papers saved, and no other particulars received except through newspapers.”

The following is an accounting from Lewis and Dryden Marine History of the Pacific Northwest:

“The same gale that sent the (Walter A) Earle on her last cruise ended the career of the old Columbia River pilot schooner C G White.”  “She was caught off the Alaska shore by the gale, which was accompanied by a blinding snowstorm, with Thermometer three degrees below zero.  Her sails were carried away, the fore topmast went by the board, and her rudder became disabled.  In this helpless condition she was carried before the wind, and just before morning struck a submerged reef and was soon smashed to pieces.  A line was made fast to shore, and twenty five of the crew reached land in safety, three losing their lives before the line was secured.   Eight of those who landed perished from starvation and exposure, and several of the others were so badly frozen as to render amputation of limbs necessary.  They were finally rescued by some Indians, and taken to Kodiak.  Capt Gus Isaacson was one of the eleven who perished.”

In an article in the N Y Times from August 6, 1895: “When the wreck occurred, the first to get ashore were Bail, Marillo, Sweeney and Rogers who started for assistance to the nearest settlement, a place called Okyok, thirty-seven miles away, across a lagoon.  The snow was neck high.  Bail was the only one to reach the place, the others succumbing to their injuries and the intense cold”

The storm that caused the loss of the C G White is referred to as “the great Easter gale of 1895”. The below lists of passengers and crew of the C G White was compiled from a number of publications. Names crewmembers names were often spelled differently from one news story to the next. Abbreviations for the sources of names and other information are put with each of the names for clarity.

Names and particulars come from the following publications:

SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE of Friday May 10, 1895 (SFC-10)

THE NEW YORK TIMES August 7, 1895 (NYT-7)

PACIFIC COAST NEWS VOLUME LXXVII.—No. 148 May 7, 1895 Pg. 14 (PCN-7)

SAN FRANCISCO CALL TUESDAY May 14, 1895 (SFC-14)

FUR TRADERS REVIEW VOL 22 NO 11 June 1, 1895 (FTR-61)

VICTORIA June 7, 1895 (VCT67)

EMIL BAIL personal letters (EBPL)

 

Names of passengers and crew lost:

1. Captain Gustave (Gus)(Zart) Isaacson (SFC-10) (PCN-7) Died of exposure on the beach (EBPL) (FTR-61)
2. Hunter Henry Ledger (SFC-10) Henry George drowned 50 feet from shore (EBPL) (SFC-14)
3. Mate A.W. Thompson (PCN-7) Went overboard and drowned in the wreckage (EBPL) was also a captain of the sealing schooner Lily L (FTR-61) At the helm when the vessel struck. Told the survivors to “take this ring to my little girl in Oakland”. (EBPL)
4. Hunter Dan Doole (PCN-7) Daniel Dover of Santa Barbara went insane on the beach and died of exposure near the lagoon. (EBPL)
5. Hunter Harry Harmsen (PCN-7) H. Hamsden made it to Wood Island but died after legs amputated. (EBPL) In the past he was the captain of schooners Alexander and Mary H Thomas. (FTR-61) Henry Hansen lost both feet above the ankles (EBPL) (VCT67)
6. Hunter Charles Haritwen (PCN-7) “Long Charlie” Hartmen died of exposure on beach (EBPL) (SFC-14) Long Charlie was a pioneer in the fur trade and had been captain of the sealing schooner Louisa D.
7. Cook Charles Lind (PCN-7) First man to drown(EBPL)
8. Donkey Engineer T.J. Hurdel (PCN-7) Thomas Hurdle drowned during wreck (EBPL)
9. Seaman William Backey (PCN-7) William Backey died of exposure on beach (EBPL)
10. Seaman J.E. Silver (Silva) (PCN-7) John Silva as washed overboard and never seen again (EBPL)
11. Seaman Manuel Vasquitz (PCN-7) Manuel Murillo died of exposure in the snowfields near the lagoon (EBPL)

Names of passengers and crew who survived:

1. W.E. (E.T.)  Emil Bail marine engineer and first to Akhiok for help (lost both feet) (NYT-7) (PCN-7) A.W. Bail (VCT67)
2. First Officer Chris Swendson (SFC-14) Limbs amputated at Kodiak Wood Island.
3. Seamen, Charles Hansen (PCN-7)
4. Thomas Hansen (EBPL) was washed overboard but thrown back by another breaker.
5. Seaman J. Harrison (PCN-7)
6. Donkey Engineer A.A. Hunter (PCN-7)
7. Seaman Andrew Johnson (PCN-7) Feet amputated (VCT67)
8. Seaman Jacob Johnson (PCN-7) Jacob Janson was first to reach shore with a line. (EBPL)
9. Seaman Ingo Lach (PCN-7)
10. M. Mathieson (Mateson), a sailor (lost 1 toe right foot) (EBPL) (NYT-7) (PCN-7)
11. F.A. Murray, a seaman, had the entire front of the left foot amputated to save his life. (EBPL) (NYT-7) (PCN-7)
12. O’Brien (VCT67) Feet amputated
13. Hunter Gus Olsen (SFC-10)
14. Japanese seaman Phivs (PCN-7)
15. F.F. Rogers had feet amputated (VCT67)
16. Seaman P.J. Rooney (PCN-7)
17. F.G. Sweeney (W.A. Sweeney) made it to Akhiok 30 minutes behind Emil Bail. (EBPL)
18. E. J. Voisionet (Vaisinet), a French youth who shipped as cabin boy, is the worst mutilated. His injuries include the loss of two toes and the heelbone of the left foot, the first and second toes of the right foot, three and a half fingers from the left hand, two from the right, and the tips of the ears. (EBPL) (NYT-7) (PCN-7)
19. Gustave (August) Wickstrom second mate and only surviving officer (lost 3 toes right foot and one large bone) (EBPL) (NYT-7) (PCN-7)
20. Japanese seaman Yoko Zama (PCN-7)
21. Seaman A. Zeyn (PCN-7)

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   56 50 N 154 10 W   Charts 16580, 16590

Comment: There are 20 survivors and 11 lost crewmen listed above which totals more than were reported as being aboard the C G White. The ship’s papers were lost with the wreck so accounting for who was aboard is difficult. WG

Additional Information:  Tonnage 73.51 Net, Age 8 years, Built 1887 San Francisco, Length 81.5, Breadth 23, Depth 9.5, Registration San Francisco, ON 126439, Owner A P Lorentzen of Alameda, Vessel value $7,000, Cargo Value $5,000 outfit, Vessel Insurance $2,000, Cargo Insurance none

Additional Sources: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report (July 24, 1895) filed at San Francisco by managing owner A P Lorentzen, 2. Lewis and Dryden’s Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1961) Pg 452, 3. N Y Times (August 6, 1895), 4. U S Revenue Cutter Service Files (1867-1914) Roll #4

C H BRADLEY (1904)     The steam tug C H Bradley became a total loss at Saint Michael on October 12, 1904.  The light draft 20 ton steam tug had been built at Ballard, Washington in 1898 for lighterage and harbor duties at Saint Michael.

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

Sources: 1. Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992), 2. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 32

C HOWLAND (1876)     The U S Revenue Cutter Service 1868-1888 files list the 333 ton Bark C Howland lost September 12, 1876 northeast of Point Barrow.  See Cornelius Howland.

C I P NO 1 (1943)     The 49 ton 60 foot wooden scow C I P No 1 foundered February 16, 1943 off Otter Point, Umnak Island.

Mapping and Location: Southwest Alaska 53 24 50 N 167 50 35 W   Chart 16011

Comment: The 50 foot wooden scow Dorothy was reported lost at the same location a month earlier.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 49 Gross and Net, Length 60, Breadth 20, Depth 4.7, Built 1941 at Seattle WA, Owner Cook Inlet Packing Company, Registered Juneau, ON 175008

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1946) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 804, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1945) Pg 381

C L ANDERSON (1964)     The 95 ton 71 foot wooden oil screw State of Alaska fishing vessel C L Anderson was destroyed by a storm March 25, 1964 at Kaline Rock, Kodiak Island.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   Unknown

Comment: There is no Kaline Rock in the Dictionary of Alaska Place Names and I cannot find one on any chart.  If I were to hazard a guess, I would say this is a typo for Kalsin Rock or Reef just south of Kodiak at the entrance to Kalsin Bay.  Further research is warranted.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 95 Gross 77 Net, Length 71.2, Breadth 21.1, Depth 9.7, Built 1939 at Tacoma, Former Names Belvedere and Lucky Boy, Horsepower 210, SL WA7382, Owner State of Alaska, Registered Juneau, ON 238881

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 109, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1164

 

C LIUN (1988)     The 32 foot vessel C Liun was consumed by fire October 20, 1988 in Larson Bay.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 32 30 N 153 58 40 W   Chart 16580

Source: Unofficial Shipwreck List (Kodiak)

 

C P #4 (1938)     A small motor craft identified as C P #4 was lost at Kenai August 28, 1938.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 33 N 151 16 W   Chart 16662

Source: The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 466

C P #12 (1938)     The 26 ton 51 foot wooden scow C P #12 stranded and was lost at the mouth of the Kenai River August of 1938.  There was no one aboard and no lives were lost.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 33 N 151 16 W   Chart 16013

Additional Information: Tonnage 26 Gross and Net, Length 51, Breadth 15.9, Depth 4.1, Built 1914 at Bellingham WA, Owner Puget and Alaska Canning Company of Washington, Registered Seattle, ON 165806

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1939) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 513, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1938) Pg 339

C P P C #1 (1924)     The 22 ton wood scow CPPC #1 was lost at noon on Thursday September 4, 1921 at Point Gord.  She was loaded with 10 tons of salt, barrels and equipment bound for Horseshoe Bay having departed Red Fox Bay on September 3^rd.  Her tow line parted in a storm that arose after the start of the voyage and she blew out to sea.  The CPPC #1 was valued at $1,000 as was her cargo.   

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 12 N 150 57 30 W Chart 16640

Comment: The Gord Point on the wreck report is probably Gore Point which lies on the route from Red Fox Bay on Afognak Island to Horseshoe Bay on Latouche Island in Prince William Sound. WG

Additional Information: Built 1922, Registration Cordova, ON 168428, Master Albert Anderson of Seattle, Owner Canoe Pass Pkg. Co. of Seattle, Insurance none

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report filed by J S Jenson, Supt., on March 18, 1925 at Seattle

C R P NO 4 (1945)     The 33 ton 55 foot wooden scow C R P No 4 foundered March 8, 1945 in Prince William Sound.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 45 N 147 W   Chart 16700

Additional Information: Tonnage 33 Gross and Net, Length 55.7, Breadth 17.9 Depth 4, Built 1919 at Seattle, Owner Copper River Packing Company, Registered Juneau, ON 170267

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1946) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 804, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1945) Pg 381

C STEWARD (1926)     The unmanned gas screw C Steward was at anchor at Chignik when it broke up and was abandoned April 1, 1926.  It was reported to have no value at the time of the loss.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   56 18 N 158 24 W   Chart 16566

Additional Information: Tonnage 10 Gross 7 Net, Cargo none

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

C-S-F (1951)     The 70 ton 63 foot steel oil screw fishing vessel C-S-F stranded and was lost May 14, 1951 at Leonard Island near Cold Bay, Bering Sea.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   55 08 N 162 27 W   Chart 16549

Comment: I have charted this wreck at Lenard Harbor in Cold Bay near the Bering Sea.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 70 Gross 47 Net, Length 63.4, Breadth 18.8, Depth 6.3, Built 1934 at Seattle WA, Crew 8, Horsepower 135, SL WA 3972, Owner Newport Fisheries Incorporated, Registered Seattle, ON 233194

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1951) Pg 122, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1952) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 955

 

CABNA (1969)     The oil screw Cabna was consumed by fire November 1, 1969 at Nenana.

Mapping and Location: Central Alaska

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

CAESAR (1908)     The 36 foot gas screw fishing vessel Caesar struck a rock and was lost at Port Frederick in Icy Strait on August 14, 1908.  The crew of three captained by J G Rowe of Juneau survived the wreck and salvaged the 16 tons of fish on board worth $200.  The Caesar, valued at $9,000, had damage estimated at $8,150.  There was no insurance on the vessel or its cargo.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 13 N 135 30 W   Chart 17300

Comment: This vessel (same ON) was damaged again July 17, 1939 indicating that it was salvaged from this earlier wreck. WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 10 Gross 8 Net, Construction wood, Built 1902 at Ballard, Registration Juneau, ON 127657, Owner Mrs. Ella Rowe of Juneau

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report filed by J G Rowe August 17, 1908

CAJUN MAMA (1992)     The 71 foot fishing vessel flooded from the stern, capsized and sank May 26, 1992 approximately 30 nautical miles SSW of Cape Cleare.  High seas and 40 knot winds contributed to the disaster.  All five on board were rescued by a U S Coast Guard Helicopter.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 50 N 147 50 W   Chart 16013

Additional Information: ON 518571

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

 

CALEB CURTIS (1899)     The schooner Caleb Curtis was lost in August of 1899 at Nome.

Mapping and Location: West central Alaska   64 30 N 165 25 W   Chart 16200

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

CALEB EATON (1884)     The 110 ton whaling schooner Caleb Eaton was crushed in the ice and lost on July 17, 1884.  She had departed San Francisco in March of the same year bound for whaling in the north Pacific.

Mapping and Location: Unknown

Source: Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore

CALEDONIA (1948)     The 164 ton 82 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Caledonia was destroyed by a storm and foundered September 6, 1948 off Icy Point in southeast Alaska.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska Unknown

Comment: There are at least two Icy Points in Southeast Alaska.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 164 Gross 132 Net, Length 82.2, Breadth 26.7, Depth 8.7, Built 1942 at Seattle WA, Former Names BSP-3475 (U S A) and PB-109 (U S A)Crew 9, Horsepower 230, SL WMYU, Owner Uganik Fisheries Inc., Registered Juneau, ON 252389

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1952) Pg 76, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1955) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 937

 

CALICO DOG (2006)     The 32 foot cod fishing vessel Calico Dog capsized May 7, 2006 while rounding Priest Rock on her way into Unalaska Bay.  A series of waves pounded the vessel causing her to keel over. There were two crewmembers on board and 2,700 pounds of freshly caught cod fish in totes.  One crewmember was able to crawl onto the overturned hull of the Calico Dog.  He was rescued 12 hours later by the Alaska State Trooper vessel Stimpson who spotted him waving his arms as they were transiting the area.  Lost was Norman Fain.  The Calico Dog had recently been purchased and was due to be renamed the Lady Alliene.

Mapping and Location: Southwest Alaska   54 00 32 N 166 22 30 W   Chart 16520

Comment: This vessel was later salvaged. WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 10 Gross 8 Net, ON 694046

Sources: 1. U S C G News Release (May 8, 2006) “Coast Guard, Alaska State Troopers searching for crewman from Calico Dog”, 2. Unofficial Shipwreck List (Alaska), 3. USCG MISLE Case # 287707

 

CALIFORNIA (1910)     The steamer California was wrecked at Ward Cove in September of 1910.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 24 30 N 131 43 30 W   Chart 17428

Comment: The steamer Princess appears to have been lost at the same time. WG

Source: The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 180

CALISTA SEA (1982)     The 108 foot crab fishing vessel Calista Sea sank January 20, 1982.  The vessel began taking on water near the Shumagin Islands.  She was under tow by the vessel Polar Shell on the way to Kupreanof Harbor when the disaster occurred.  The six persons aboard the Calista Sea were picked up by the fishing vessel Patricia Lee.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   55 46 30 N 150 22 W   Chart 16556

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

 

CALLISTO (1997)     The 36 foot salmon troller Callisto flooded and sank December 22, 1997 approximately 45 nautical miles south of Sitka.  The only person on board made it to safety.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 03 N 135 20 W   Chart 17320

Additional Information: ON 247485

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

 

CAMELOT (1982)     The 34 foot fishing vessel Camelot capsized and grounded in heavy weather May 22, 1982 near Hinchinbrook Island 25 miles southwest of Cordova.  Richard T Hinde was lost.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 23 N 146 28 W   Chart 16700

Comment: The fishing vessels B J and Nasty Habit were also lost in the same area overpowered by the same storm.  WG

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

CAMELOT (1986)     The 40 foot double ended trolling vessel Camelot left Sitka January 6, 1986 with two persons and a golden retriever aboard and was never seen again. Owner operator of the Camelot Randy Knutson and deckhand Rich Beamlander departed Sitka intending to fish for rockfish in local areas and only expected to be gone for several days. When the Camelot had not returned after a week, a friend notified the Coast Guard and a crew began a helicopter search of Salisbury Sound. The Coast Guard was soon joined by Sitka Civil Air Patrol in searching for the white with gray trim power troller. The search was expanded north through Olga and Neva Straits because of a tip. A C-130 from Kodiak Coast Guard Air Station also joined those looking for the vessel and all aboard. No sign of the Camelot or those on board was ever found.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 03 N 135 20 W   Chart 17320

Additional Information: Owner Joseph R. Knutson of Elfin Cove, ADF&G #16955, CFED ID#538251

Sources: 1. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 2. Daily Sitka Sentinel (January 14, 1986) “CG Searches For Fish Boat” Pg 4, 3. Daily Sitka Sentinel (January 15, 1986) “Coast Guard” Pg 5, 4. Daily Sitka Sentinel (January 20, 1986) “Search For Fishermen Called Off” Pg 1

 

CAMILLA (1876)     The 328 ton wooden bark Camilla was caught in the ice and abandoned northeast of Point Barrow on September 12^th during the whaling season of 1876.  She was carrying 190 barrels of sperm oil, 300 barrels of whale oil and 5,000 pounds of whale bone valued at $30,000.  The Camilla was valued at $36,000 at the time of the disaster.

Mapping and Location: Northern Alaska   71 23 29 N 156 28 30 W   Chart 16003

Source: Destruction of the Arctic Whaling Fleet (1876) Pgs 83-4

CAMILLA A (1909)     The American wooden scow Camilla A foundered in heavy seas and became a total wreck at 9:00 p.m. on June 15, 1909 at Chignik Bay.  She was being captained by Adam Kerz of LaCrosse, Wisconsin with the help of one crewman.  The vessel left Cordova on June 11 bound for Saint Michael; no cargo.  The steamer St. Helens assisted in towing the Camilla A into a harbor.  The crew was unharmed.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   56 22 N 158 W   Chart 16566

Additional Information: Tonnage 322.96, Built 1908 Seattle, Registration Seattle and Port Townsend, ON 163500, Owner Yukon Trans. & Trading Co., Vessel Value $7,000, Cargo none, Insurance none

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report filed July 1, 1909 by Kerz

CANADA (1898)     The American wood bark Canada was lost in a heavy northeasterly gale at Skagway February 19, 1898.  Around 2:00 p.m. she broke her moorings and went adrift with $14,000 worth of lumber, some hay and grain, and four horses aboard.  “When in danger tug from shore tried to help her, but could not.  Capt. got sails up but could not avoid going ashore.  When she went ashore Capt. fastened to tree with lines and cables and as she could not stay on account of sea breaking over her and listing badly, went back to Skagway with crew.  Was below zero and blowing hard.  She broke adrift and went down near Haines Mission ashore.  From there …Tug Coleman towed her into Skagway and she went on beach there, and is there now.”

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   59 27 30 N 135 18 45 W   Chart 17317

Additional Information: Tonnage 1190.58 Gross 1144.66 Net, Length 176.6, Breadth 36.8, Depth 23.6, Built at Bath Maine in 1859, Registered Port Townsend, ON 5305, Master Fred C Andrews of Tacoma, Owner Walter Oaker of Tacoma, Vessel Value $12,000, Cargo Value $14,000, Vessel Insurance none, Cargo fully insured

Sources: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report of April 14, 1898, 2. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 40

CAPE BARNABAS (1964)     The 10 ton 29 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Cape Barnabas was destroyed by a tidal wave March 27, 1964 on Kodiak Island.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 10 Gross 9 Net, Length 29.7, Breadth 11.1, Depth 4, Built 1947 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 65, SL WL2907, Owner Kadiak Fisheries Company, Registered Ketchikan, ON 252189

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) Pg 108, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1002

 

CAPE CHACON (1987)     The 44 foot seiner Cape Chacon capsized and sank June 19, 1987 approximately 50 miles south of Montague Island.  A U S Coast Guard helicopter picked up three of the crewmen from a life raft.  The fourth crewman, Tom Banks of Kodiak was lost.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 10 N 147 15 W   Chart 16013

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

 

CAPE CHACON (1995)     The 33 foot wooden fishing vessel Cape Chacon ran aground and sank January 10, 1996 at Ratz Harbor off of the northeast coast of Prince of Wales Island.  The accident was attributed to a cigarette ember blinding the skipper.  Both crewmembers abandoned ship to a skiff and were rescued by the U S Coast Guard.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 53 15 N 132 35 45 W   Chart 17420

Additional Information: ON 258702

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

 

CAPE CLEAR (1927)     The American gas screw Cape Clear stranded Saturday February 12, 1927 at 5:00 a.m. on the northeast side of Langora Island and became a total loss.  She left Ketchikan the day before bound for the fishing banks of Queen Charlotte Island with five crewmen aboard.  Heavy fog, a dark night and a strong current may have contributed to the accident.  The captain and owner, Ben West of Seattle, calculated his distance from shore was seven miles when the Cape Clear stranded.  The crew all survived, but the vessel valued at $7,000 was a total loss.

Mapping and Location: British Columbia

Additional Information: Tonnage 17 Gross 13 Net, Age 7 years, Registration Seattle, ON 219946, Vessel Insurance $5,000

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report filed February 21, 1927 at Seattle by Ben West

CAPE CLEARE (1988)     The 51 foot wooden long line fishing vessel Cape Cleare foundered April 8, 1988 approximately 35 miles south of Kodiak.  Five of her crewmembers abandoned ship to a life raft when she began taking on water.  A sixth was pulled from the water by a U S Coast Guard Helicopter.  There was no loss of life.

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

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

 

CAPE FAIRWELL (1982)     The 72 foot fishing vessel Cape Fairwell ran aground, overturned and was lost January 12, 1982 north of Mitrofania near Chignik.  The four person crew was picked up by the Aleutian Spirit and transferred to the Polar Shell.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   55 59 N 158 43 W   Chart 16011

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

 

CAPE HORN PIGEON (1897)     The Cape Horn Pigeon was lost during the whaling season of 1897 at Hakodate, Japan with 900 barrels of sperm oil aboard which had been accumulated in the Arctic.  It is often listed as lost in Alaskan waters.

Mapping and Location: Japan

Additional Information: Length 100, Breadth 25, Depth 14, Tonnage 212, Built Dartmouth Mass 1854, Home Port New Bedford, Owner J & W R Wing of New Bedford, Last Port San Francisco November 25, 1896

Sources: 1. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 24, 2. The New York Times (July 18, 1897)

CAPE KARLUK (1947)     The 15 ton 32 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Cape Karluk burned June 21, 1947 off of Kumlik Island.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   56 38 N 157 24 W   Chart 16566

Additional Information: Tonnage 15 Gross 13 Net, Length 32.6, Breadth 12.0, Depth 5.2, Built 1946 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 107, Owner Kadiak Fisheries Company, Registered Ketchikan, ON 249478

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1948) Pg 71, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1949) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 909

CAPE KARLUK (1964)     The 12 ton 31 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Cape Karluk was destroyed by a tidal wave March 27, 1964 at Shearwater Bay.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 20 N 152 55 W   Chart 16580

Additional Information: Tonnage 12 Gross 9 Net, Length 31.3, Breadth 11.2, Depth 4.6, Built 1945 at Edmonds WA, Horsepower 105, SL WS8683, Owner Kadiak Fisheries Company, Registered Juneau, ON 271011

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) Pg 109, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1002

 

CAPE KARLUK (1988)     The 32 foot fishing vessel Cape Karluk was destroyed in a storm January 12, 1988 in Geese Island Channel.  All three on board were lost including Merle P Ashouwak (24), Jerry D Christiansen (30) and Eugene Naumoff (34), all from Old Harbor.  The vessel was seeking shelter in Russian Harbor from 40 to 60 knot winds.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   56 45 N 153 53 W   Chart 16580

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

 

CAPE SAINT ELIAS (2007)     The fishing vessel Cape St. Elias capsized and was lost in the Eastern Channel near Sitka July 14, 2007. All five crewmembers were rescued from the water by two good Samaritan vessel who responded to a VHF mayday.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 01 N 135 20 W   Chart 17320

Comment: This vessel may have been salvaged, rebuilt and put back into service in 2009. WG

Sources: 1. Michael Burwell BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List Updates (2013), 2. State of Alaska CFEC Public Lookup

 

CAPE SPENCER (1964)     The 185 ton 85 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Cape Spencer stranded and was lost February 10, 1964 on the south shore of Akun Bay.

Mapping and Location: Southwest Alaska   54 15 N 165 30 W   Chart 16011

Additional Information: Tonnage 185 Gross 90 Net, Length 85.3, Breadth 24.1, Depth 11.1, Built 1943 at Tacoma WA, Former Name Saint Francis, Horsepower 360, SL WB2356, Owner New England Fish Company, Registered Seattle WA, ON 239818

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) Pg 110, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1002

 

CAPE SPENCER (2010)     The 47 foot fiberglass fishing vessel Cape Spencer foundered May 20, 2010 three miles south of Montague Island in Prince William Sound.  The vessel reported she had a flooded engine room and was in danger of sinking. All four crewmembers abandoned ship in survival suits to a life raft and were rescued by a U S Coast Guard Jayhawk Helicopter from Cordova and transported to Seward. The survivors included owner operator Thomas Tomrdle (61) and his son Thomas Tomrdle both of Kenai as well as James Hilala (70) and Jeremy Sullivan (34) both of Whittier. At the time of the sinking winds were 28 miles an hour with seas to six feet.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 10 N 147 15 W   Chart 16013

Additional Information: ON 592651, Built 1978 Auburn WA

Sources: 1. U S C G District 17 Enforcement Report (May 20, 2010), 2. ADN Alaska News (September 29, 2010) “Coast Guard rescues 4 from sinking boat”

 

CAPE UGANIK (1969)     The oil screw Cape Uganik was destroyed by a storm June 7, 1969 in Kanatak Lagoon.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 31 N 156 02 W   Chart 16570

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

CAPE UYAK (1986)     The 34 foot fishing vessel Cape Uyak was gutted by fire October 22, 1986 at the Channel Transit Float in Kodiak.  Lost in the fire was John F Connery (18) of Raymond, Washington.  Connery had apparently died of carbon monoxide poisoning.  The fire was determined to have originated in the galley.

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

Source: Unofficial Shipwreck List (Kodiak)

 

CAPELA (1909)     The 33 foot gas screw Capela was lost Wednesday evening, December 29, 1909 along with two crewmen.  She was being towed by the gas screw Neptune with owner and master N Parsons at the helm.  The Neptune lost power in a heavy northerly wind and both vessels drifted onto the lee shore on northeast Vank Island in Stikine Straits.  Seaman Charles Hicks drowned at the stranding and master and owner of the Capela, H Appeldorn died from exposure and exhaustion soon after reaching land.  The Capela was a total loss.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 29 N 132 38 W   Chart 17382

Additional Information: Tonnage 12 Gross 8 Net, Length 33.3, Breadth 12, Depth 5.7, Built 1896 at Edwards Washington, Registration Wrangel, ON 127152, Last Port Wrangel December 29, Destination Petersburg, Vessel Value $400

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report file January 18, 1910 by F E Brownson, Deputy Collector, Wrangel after an inquest held at Wrangel by U S Commissioner

CAPELLA (1980)     The 85 foot steel crab fishing vessel Capella rolled over and sank March 29, 1980 between Deer and Fox Islands near King Cove.  Four of her five crewmembers were lost in the disaster.  Lost were skipper Ogie Berg (40), his older brother Dagfin “Finney” Berg (45), Robert J Connelly (45) and Jack Fink. Scott Pickering of Seattle was the lone survivor. The vessel had run onto a rock off Cape Lazaref late in the evening of March 27 during heavy weather. Damage was done to the Capella’s lazarette and rudder. Early the following morning the Capella was able to communicate her distress to the tanker Alaska Standard. A tow was initiated using the anchor tackle of the Capella. A storm set in and the Alaska Standard decided to seek shelter at the Fox Island Anchorage with the Capella tethered by her anchor tackle. Winds were at 50 knots and seas 10 to 15 feet. Just after 1:00 the morning of March 29, 1980 the Capella capsized and sank.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   54 57 N 162 25 30 W   Chart 16011

Additional Information: Tonnage 144 Gross 107 Net, Length 72.6, Breadth 23, Depth 10.8, Built 1963 Jacksonville FL, ON 290516, SL WN4182, Owner Peter E. Evich, Home Port Seattle

Sources: 1. Unofficial Wreck List (Kodiak), 2. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 3. The Seattle Times (March 31, 1980) “Survivor of capsizing identified” Pg D-3, 4. The Seattle Times (April 1, 1980) “2 Seattle brothers among drown victims” Pg E-18, 5. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1979) Pg 245, 6. Berg v. Chevron U.S.A. INC.

 

CAPRICE (1940)     The 30 foot Anacortes fishing boat Caprice burned and sank June 11, 1940 approximately 12 miles off of Sitka near Saint Lazaria Island.  Both crewmembers were rescued by the fishing vessel Terry C.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 59 15 N 135 42 W   Chart 17320

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

CAPRICE (1999)     The 68 foot steel fishing vessel Caprice flooded her engine room and sank at 2:30 a.m. June 6, 1999 approximately 11 miles southeast of Nuka Island in the Gulf of Alaska.  The vessel was travelling from Seward to Kodiak at the time of the disaster. Severe flooding was noted aft of the reduction gear just after midnight. All four crewmembers donned survival suits and abandoned ship to a life raft two hours later.  They were rescued by the fishing vessel Kaia. The Caprice had run aground a month before near False Pass when a crewmember fell asleep at the helm. A cursory condition and valuation survey was done at the Seward Shipyard after the grounding but no abnormalities were noted.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 22 N 150 40 W   Chart 16680

Additional Information: ON 565511, Built 1975, Former Name Credence, Call Sign WYP6558, Owner Nordic Marine Inc.

Sources: 1. U S C G Shipwreck List (1989-2004), 2. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013), 3. USCG MISLE Case # 907154

 

CAPRICORN (1992)     The 43 foot fishing vessel Capricorn was consumed by fire and sank March 27, 2992 in Kachemak Bay.  There was no loss of life.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 35 N 151 52 W   Chart 16640

Additional Information: ON 946981

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

 

CAPT WORDEN (1928)     Several days after returning from Bethel, the Capt. Worden drug anchor during the night and broke up on the beach at Dillingham.  William Johnson, master of the vessel, gave the following information in his wreck report filed at Seward on April 4, 1929:

“Departed Bethel, Alaska, Nov. 15, 1928 bound for Dillingham.”  “Returned from Bethel, anchored off shore for several days, wind arose in night and drug anchor and boat on shore, there she was discovered broken in the morning.  There could be no efforts made to save her.”

The night was dark and the wind was reported to be blowing 40 northeasterly.  The Capt. Worden was valued at $1,400 at the time of the loss and had no cargo.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 02 30 N 158 27 30 W   Charts 16011, 16322

Additional Information: Tonnage 12 Gross 8 Net, Age 28 years, Registered at Nome, ON 200511, Owner D J Horgan of Nome, Crew two

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report

CAPT’N ANDREW (2011)     The 58 foot steel fishing vessel Capt’N Andrew ran aground at Bold Cape March 6, 2011. The fishing vessel Just In Case borrowed a skiff from the King Cove Harbormaster and rescued the five persons aboard the Capt’N Andrew. Magone Marine was contacted to perform salvage operations.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   55 01 30 N 162 15 W   Chart 16520

Additional Information: ADF&G 75676, Owner Corey K Wilson

Sources: 1. 17^th Coast Guard District Enforcement Report (Dec 2010-Mar 2011), 2. Alaska Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission

 

CAPTAIN BILLY (1988)     The 83 foot trawler Captain Billy was driven onto the rocks by high winds and heavy seas and destroyed February 17, 1988 on the southeast shore of Yunaska Island in the Aleutians.  All six crewmembers made it to the beach.  There they built a fire and were later rescued by the U S Coast Guard.

Mapping and Location: Southwest Alaska   52 38 N 170 40 W   Chart 16011

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

CARDINAL (1923)     The 950 ton 180 foot steel steam screw Navy minesweeper Cardinal stranded and was lost June 6, 1923 on the rocks off the southern end of Chirikof Island.  The officers and crew of the wreck were picked up by the USCGS Discoverer and the Navy oiler Cuyama.  No lives were lost in the disaster.  The 1938 Coast Pilot mentions:

“In 1923 the U.S.S. Cardinal was wrecked on the east side of Chirikof Island and the survey ship Discoverer while engaged in rescue work struck a reef about 1 ½ miles offshore” “Vessels crossing the Gulf of Alaska westbound are often subjected to a strong northerly set and should verify their position by sounding when approaching the meridian of Chirikof Island. It was the northerly set in conjunction with thick weather that was responsible for the loss of the Cardinal in 1923”

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   55 50 N 155 37 W   Chart 16580

Additional Information: Tonnage 950, Length 180, Breadth 35.5, Depth 9.8, Horsepower 1,400, Built 1918 at Staten Island NY, Single screw, Single mast, Officers 5, Crew 67, SL GTRW, Class Lapwing AM-6

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1923) Pg 145 & Pg 529, 2. United States Coast Pilot Alaska Part II (1938) “Chirikof Island-Currents” Pg 208

 

CARITA (1906)     The vessel Carita is reported to have been lost in 1906 in Tongass Narrows near Ketchikan.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 20 30 N 131 38 45 W   Charts 17428, 17430

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

CARJIE (1977)     The 31 foot vessel Carjie ran up on the rocks and was destroyed October 23, 1977.

Mapping and Location: Alaska Unknown

Source: Unofficial Wreck List (Kodiak)

 

CARL WHITE (1926)     The stern wheel steamer Carl White was reported at Fairbanks as a total loss and abandoned as unfit for use on September 24, 1926.

Mapping and Location: Central Alaska   64 50 45 N 147 43 15 W

Additional Information: Tonnage 43 Gross 27 Net, Age 7 years, Registration Seward, ON 222058, Owner Carl White of Fairbanks

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report filed at Fairbanks

CARLENE (1949)     The 12 ton 34 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Carlene was consumed by fire in Skookum Chuck (Tlevak Narrows) January 16, 1949.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 16 N 133 07 W   Chart 17400

Additional Information: Tonnage 12 Gross 8 Net, Length 34, Breadth 9.8, Depth 4, Built 1947 at Petersburg, Horsepower 140, Owner Philip Lauth, Registered Ketchikan, ON 254120

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1949) Pg 81, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1950) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 925

 

CARLEY RENEE (2009)     The 59 foot fishing cod fishing vessel Carley Renee capsized at 10:30 p.m. October 30, 2009 approximately 22 miles east of Unalaska Island.  All four crewmembers abandoned ship in survival suits, deployed the life raft and were picked up by the fishing vessel Guardian.   The Guardian was responding to the Urgent Marine Broadcast issued by the U S Coast Guard when they intercepted the MAY-DAY call from the Carley Renee.  The overturned vessel grounded on Egg Island and Magone Marine was called upon to attempt salvage. During the effort to recover the Carley Renee and move her to a more protected location in Beaver Inlet, she sank in 120 fathoms of water near Sedanka Passage.

Mapping and Location: Southwest Alaska   53 51 N 166 04 W   Chart 16520

Additional Information: Tonnage 69 Gross 55 Net, Length 59.2, ON 1063746, Call Sign WDE3371

Sources: 1. Unofficial Shipwreck List (Kodiak), 2. U S C G News Release (October 31, 2009) “Coast Guard coordinates Bering Sea rescue of four fishermen off Juneau vessel”, 3. USCG MISLE Case # 480188

 

CARLISLE (1923)     The 15 ton 44 foot gas screw fishing vessel Carlisle stranded and was lost October 14, 1923 at Gravina Island.  The two persons aboard made it to safety.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 17 N 131 46 W   Chart 17420

Additional Information: Tonnage 15 Gross 10 Net, Length 43.9, Breadth 10.8, Depth 5.1, IHP 30, Built1901 at New Whatcom WA, Registered Ketchikan, ON 127507

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1927) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 861, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1923) Pg 154

CARLISLE I (1956)     The 35 ton 56 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Carlisle I was consumed by fire April 12, 1956 at Cordova.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 35 Gross 24 Net, Length 56.1, Breadth 13.8, Depth 6.1, Built 1912 at Tacoma WA, Horsepower 135, SL WA3375, Owner New England Fish Company, Registered Seattle, ON 210038

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1956) Pg 93, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1957) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 755

 

CARLOTTA (1871)     The 480 ton wooden bark Carlotta of San Francisco was abandoned in ice around Point Belcher on September 14, 1871 while in the service of the whaling trade. She was valued at $52,000 at the time of the loss.  Many vessels were lost from the Arctic Whaling Fleet during the same time period and multiple resources and descriptions are available.

Mapping and Location: Northern Alaska   70 47 40 N 159 39 02 W   Chart 16003

Sources: 1. U S Revenue Cutter Service Microcopy 641 (1867-1914), 2. Harpers Weekly (December 2, 1871) “Destruction of the Arctic Whaling Fleet”.

CARMELLA (1956)     The 16 ton 50 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Carmella burned November 5, 1956 at Coon Cove.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 27 20 N 131 29 15 W   Chart 17420

Additional Information: Tonnage 16 Gross 10 Net, Length 50.4, Breadth 14.5, Depth 7.8, Built 1946 at Warrenton OR, Horsepower 165, Owner Warren Johnson, Registered Ketchikan, ON 250192

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1956) Pg 93, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1957) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 755

 

CARMELLA J (1961)     The 35 ton 44 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Carmella J was destroyed by a storm November 6, 1961 off of Ugak Bay.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 25 N 152 35 W   Chart 16580

Additional Information: Tonnage 35 Gross 23 Net, Length 44.3, Breadth 14, Depth 8.5, Built 1948 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 110, SL WC2272, Owner Estul Prior, Registered Coos Bay OR, ON 256106

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1962) Pg 111, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1963) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 929

 

CARMEN (1931)     At 7:15 p.m. Tuesday September 15, 1931 the wood gas screw Carmen experienced a back-fire from her engine and was set ablaze along with her 10 ton cargo of shingles. She was a half mile south of the Dupont Powder Company Warehouse in Gastineau Channel when fire consumed the vessel. Her crew of three, including owner operator M E Lane, managed to escape unharmed.  They had left Petersburg earlier that day bound for Juneau. The U S Bureau of Fisheries Service boat Brant and oil screw Woodrow were nearby but no aid could be rendered.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 16 N 134 20 W   Chart 17315

Additional Information: Tonnage 35 Gross 28 Net, Built 1913, Registration Ketchikan, ON 211042, Vessel Value $8,500, Cargo Value $280, Vessel Insurance $6,000, Cargo Insurance $280, Weather calm and dark.

Source: U S Coast Guard Casualty Report filed at Juneau September 16, 1931 by M E Lane.

CARMEN B (1968)     The oil screw Carmen B was consumed by fire October 1, 1968 at False Pass.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   54 51 15 N 163 24 30 W   Chart 16011

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

CAROL IRENE (1969)     The oil screw Carol Irene stranded and was lost May 23, 1969 at Cordova.

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

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

CAROL JEAN (1980)     The 107 foot fishing vessel Carol Jean burned and sank May 29, 1980 four miles off of Granite Cape while tendering herring.  Her crew of three was picked up by the vessel Stardust and taken to Seward.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   56 36 45 N 149 46 W   Chart 16680

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

 

CAROL JOY (1956)     The 13 ton 33 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Carol Joy stranded and was lost February 18, 1956 between Fishers Creek and Parkers Cove on the west side of Admiralty Island.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 36 45 N 134 40 30 W   Chart 17320

Comment: Probably Fishery Creek and Parker Point vicinity.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 13 Gross 9 Net, Length 33.7, Breadth 11, Depth 4.2, Built 1925 at Hoonah, Former Name Dorothy D, Horsepower 143, Owner Johnnie Jack, Registered Juneau, ON 224788

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1956) Pg 94, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1957) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 755

 

CAROL MAE (1993)     The 34 foot salmon seiner Carol Mae was destroyed by fire August 9, 1993 at Haines.  There was no loss of life.

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

Additional Information: ON 636182

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

 

CAROLINE (1937)     The wood gas screw Caroline experienced an engine failure and stranded at Point Arden at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday November 27, 1937.  The seas pounded her until she broke in two.  Her crew of four managed to escape to shore where they were rescued four days later by the Alaska Game Commission Patrol Boat Seal.  The Caroline became a total loss but her ton and a half cargo of fishing gear, valued at $800, was salvaged with the help of the oil screw vessel Explorer.  The Caroline was valued at $1,500 and had no insurance.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 09 30 N 134 10 30 W   Chart 17315

Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 5 Net, Built 1927, Registration Petersburg, ON 231738, Master Olaf Aase of Juneau, Owner Chris Knutsen of Petersburg, Last Port Taku Harbor November 27, Bound for Juneau.

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed at Juneau January 18, 1938 by Olaf Aase.

CAROLINE (1944)     The 61 ton 66 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Caroline stranded and was lost at Wolcott Reef, Kodiak Island August 18, 1944.  The big San Juan tender was en route from Larsen Bay to Harvester Island.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 57 40 15 N 154 11 45 W   Chart 16598

Additional Information: Tonnage 61 Gross 41 Net, Length 66.6, Breadth 16.6, Depth 7.9, Built 1928 at Tacoma WA, Horsepower 120, SL WLFU, Owner San Juan Fishing and Packing Company, Registered Cordova, ON 227286

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1945) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 774, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1944) Pg 104, 3. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

CAROLINE (1996)     The 32 foot salmon gillnetter Caroline burned and sank July 22, 1996 in Kvichak Bay, Bristol Bay.  All three crewmembers made it to safety.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   58 26 N 157 54 W   Chart 16006

Additional Information: ON 664009

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

 

CAROLYN C (1973)     The crab fishing vessel Carolyn C caught fire and was lost October 5, 1973 near the Pleiades Islands in Prince William Sound.  Crewmembers abandoned ship and reported being attacked by sea lions and almost drowned before being rescued.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 14 N 148 00 40 W   Chart 16700

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

CAROLYN JEAN (1985)     The 98 foot trawler Carolyn Jean drug anchor and sank in shallow water October 26, 1985 in Portage Bay.  The vessel was seeking shelter from 65 to 75 knot winds and 20 foot seas in the Shelikof Strait.  The crew of four was rescued by U S Coast Guard Helicopter when the vessel was threatening to roll over.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 34 05 N 156 02 15 W   Chart 16013

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

 

CARRIE (1915)     It was reported that the gas screw Carrie was lost at Tanana on September 25, 1915.

Mapping and Location: Central Alaska   65 10 N 152 04 W

Comment: See Carrier (1915).  WG

Source: The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 258

CARRIE AND ANNIE (1907)     The 95 ton schooner Carrie and Annie stranded and was lost in Shanta Bay, Okhotsk Sea, Siberia on August 30, 1907.

Mapping and Location: Siberia

Additional Information: Tonnage 95, Built 1885, Crew 16, ON 126331

Source: Merchant Vessels of the U S (1908) Pg 378

CARRIER (1915)     The 6 ton 38 foot gas screw Carrier burned September 26, 1915 at Tanana.  No one was aboard at the time of the disaster.

Mapping and Location: Central Alaska

Additional Information: Tonnage 6 Gross 5 Net, Length 38.2, Breadth 6.1, Depth 2.6, Service freight, Crew 2, IHP 6, Built 1908 at San Francisco CA, Registered Saint Michael, ON 208125

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1923) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 447, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1915) Pg 215

CASCADE (1963)     The gas screw Cascade foundered June 5, 1963 at Duke Island.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   54 55 N 131 20 W   Chart 17420

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

CASCO (1919)     At 6:30 p.m. on Monday September 8, 1919 the 93 ton wood schooner Casco stranded on the SE side of King Island in the Bering Sea while seeking shelter from a NW gale.   A kedge anchor was put out to try to pull the Casco free.  “The vessel sank in two fathoms of water on the 10^th day of September and remained intact until the 23^rd of September when a SE gale broke her up completely.” The Casco was commanded by C L Oliver of San Francisco and had a crew of 28.  Owned by the Northern Mining & Trading Company of San Francisco, she had departed Unalaska July 4, 1919 bound for the north coast of Siberia.  The Casco was reported to have no cargo aboard at the time of the loss and was valued at $2,000 with no insurance.

Mapping and Location:  West central Alaska   64 58 N 168 05 W   Chart 16006

Additional Information:  Built in 1878, Registration Seattle, ON 125809, Weather moderate NW gale foggy rough seas evening, Assistance none.

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed at Nome October 4, 1919 by C L Oliver

CASTLE CAPE (1994)     The 35 foot salmon seiner Castle Cape collided with the fishing vessel Capelin in the fog, August 11, 1994 off of Elrington Island.  The Castle Cape sank and her four crewmembers were rescued by the U S Coast Guard.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 N 148 03 W   Chart 16700

Additional Information: ON 525876

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

 

CASTOR (1933)     The 8 ton 34 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Castor was destroyed by fire April 1, 1933 at Tree Point Light.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   54 48 15 N 130 55 45 W   Chart 17420

Comment: The 40 foot fishing vessel Reliance was lost with four crewmen two weeks before in the same location.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 6 Net, Length 33.8, Breadth 10.1, Depth 4.6, Built 1918 at Lemola WA, Horsepower 12, Owner Nordby Supply Company of Seattle, Registered Ketchikan, ON 216162

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1933) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 989, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1932) Pgs 258-9

CATHERINE (1917)     The steamer Catherine was reported lost at Ugashik in 1917.

Mapping and Location:  South Central Alaska   57 30 45 N 157 23 45 W   Chart 16011

Comment: See Saint Katherine, may be same wreck.

Source: The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 258

CATHERINE J (1966)     The 24 ton 40 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Catherine J foundered July 17, 1966 off of Seal Cape Light.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   55 21 45 N 161 18 30 W   Chart 16551

Comment: There are several Seal Capes but the above is the most likely with the one on Unimak Island near Scotch Cap coming in a close second.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 24 Gross 16 Net, Length 40.2, Breadth 12.6, Depth 7.8, Built 1947 at Tacoma WA, Horsepower 165, SL WC7143, 1965 Owner P E Harris Company, Registered Seattle, ON 252139

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 131, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1165

 

CATHERINE SUDDEN (1900)     The barkentine Catherine Sudden was driven ashore at Cape Nome by a strong gale on September 7, 1900 and became a total loss.  She was valued at $50,000 with cargo at the time of the accident. The 386 ton vessel was built by Hall Brothers in 1878.

Mapping and Location: West central Alaska   64 26 N 165 W   Chart 16200

Source: The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 63

CATHY (1998)     The 38 foot salmon troller Cathy was consumed by fire April 9, 1998 in Sitka Sound.  The cause of the blaze was believed to be electrical.  Both crewmembers made it to safety.

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

Additional Information: ON 548005

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

 

CATHY JOY (1965)     The 12 ton 29 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Cathy Joy was consumed by fire August 15, 1965 at Naknek.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 12 Gross 9 Net, Length 29.7, Breadth 11, Depth 4.9, Built 1961 at Bainbridge WA, Horsepower 165, SL WR8731, Owner Arctic Maid Fisheries, Registered Seattle, ON 285586

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 132, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1165

 

CAULAINCOURT (1861)     The 657 ton whaling ship Caulaincourt from LeHavre France was stove in by ice on September 5, 1861 and became a total loss at Point Belcher.

Mapping and Location:  Northern Alaska   70 47 40 N 159 39 02 W   Chart 16005

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

CAVALIER (1970)     The 41 ton 49 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Cavalier foundered September 4, 1970 off of Cape Spencer in Cross Sound.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 12 45 N 136 39 30 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 41 Gross 28 Net, Length 49.6, Breadth 15.6, Depth 7.1, Built 1942 at Hoquiam WA, ON 241568

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 132, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1976) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1869

 

CEDAR (1965)     The 32 ton 43 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Cedar was lost May 18, 1965 off of Kodiak.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 32 Gross 21 Net, Length 43.5, Breadth 14, Depth 8.5, Built 1950 at Port Orchard WA, Horsepower 165, SL WC7431, Owner McDonald & McLaughlin, Registered Port Angeles WA, ON 259495

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 133, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1165

 

CELT (1953)     The 43 ton 62 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Celt burned in September of 1953 in Cholmondeley Sound.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 17 N 132 04 W   Chart 17420

Additional Information: Tonnage 43 Gross 29 Net, Length 62.5, Breadth 15.8, Depth 7.2, Built 1912 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 150, SL WA3506, Owner Richard Thompson, Registered Ketchikan, ON 209593

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1955) Pg 97, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1956) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 742

 

CELTIC (1958)     The 8 ton 29 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Celtic collided with a log and was lost September 17, 1958 near Cape Strait in Frederick Sound.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 59 55 N 133 05 30 W   Chart 17360

Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 6 Net, Length 29.7, Breadth 8.9, Depth 4.3, Built unknown, Horsepower 115, Owner Ross Peterson, Registered Juneau, ON 263878

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1958) Pg 103, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1959) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 800

 

CELTIC (1968)     The 65 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Celtic stranded and was lost November 24, 1968 at the southeast end of Spruce Island in Ouzinkie Narrows.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 55 30 N 152 29 50 W   Chart 16580

Additional Information: Tonnage 57 Gross 39 Net, Length 65.5, Breadth 17.1, Depth 8.2, Built 1928 Tacoma WA, 175 HP, SL WA3507, ON 227189

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1974) Pg 1254, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 134

 

CENA (1962)     The 10 ton fiberglass oil screw Cena foundered April 21, 1962 near Turnabout Island in Frederick Sound.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 07 30 N 133 58 40 W   Chart 17360

Additional Information: Tonnage 10 Gross, Built 1962, ON 287935

Source: Merchant Vessels of the U S (1963) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 929

 

CENTENNIAL (1906)     The 324 foot 2,075 ton steam ship Centennial disappeared with 38 crewmen aboard after leaving Hakodate, Japan February 24, 1906 bound for San Francisco.  Wreckage of the Centennial was spotted by the steamer Pennsylvania in late March of 1906.  The Pennsylvania was travelling from the Philippines to Port Townsend, Washington.  The Centennial was found abandoned six years later frozen in the ice off Sakhalin Island in the Sea of Okhotsk by Russian explorers. There were no lifeboats aboard and no sign of the crew of 38. Lost from the Centennial were captain B Gilboy, 1^st officer James McCarron, 2^nd officer Brent O Lee, 3^rd officer Fred Richardson, chief engineer J Flanagan, 1^st assistant engineer Owen Hickey, 3^rd assistant engineer O P Jensen, stewardess N Eloise Wagner, carpenter John Garrity, sailor T Wynberg, sailor W Ecklund, sailor Jacob Miller, sailor L Olsen, sailor A E Sandberg, sailor John Kamp, sailor Carl Hellman, oiler R DeRoseville, oiler C Keene, oiler J McGinity, fireman Michael Norton, fireman J Legarpu, fireman James Godfrey, fireman S Wizera, fireman James Norton, fireman N Murphy, coal passer William Malone, coal passer George Lescano, coal passer Joseph Fernandez, coal passer J Asarila, coal passer A Allen, coal passer Thomas Moore, chief steward E J Smith, chief cook A Rogers, assistant cook S Manuel, messman H Carlton, messman George Ford, watchman S Middel and waiter H Bohm.

Mapping and Location: Unknown

Comment: This wreck is included in this compilation on the off chance that some of the wreckage washed ashore along the vast Alaska Coastline.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 2,075 Gross, 1,184 Net, Length 324, Breadth 35.6, Depth 13.1, Built 1859 at London England, Previous Names Delta and Takasaga Maru, Registered San Francisco CA, ON 127252, Owner Charles Nelson Company

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1906) Pg 385, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1905) Pg 204, 3. Port Townsend Daily Leader (April 5, 1906) “Steamer Centennial Wrecked” Pg 1, 4. San Francisco Chronicle (October 24, 1913) “Lost Centennial Is Found Fast In Arctic Ice” Pg 17

CHABRO (1987)     The 56 foot fishing vessel Chabro sank May 5, 1987 approximately 80 miles southeast of Seward.  Everett Collins (59) of Soldotna was lost.  Four others were rescued by the fishing vessel Kodiak.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 06 30 N 149 26 30 W   Chart 16680

Comment: F/V Kahiltna II sank same day same area also fishing halibut.  WG

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

CHACON (1936)     The 80 foot passenger and mail motor vessel Chacon stranded on a rock and sank in Zimovia Strait in 1936.  The eight passengers and six crewmen escaped in a life boat and were later picked up.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 13 N 132 20 W   Chart 17385

Additional Information: Built 1912, Registration Ketchikan

Source: The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 449

CHALLENGE (1900)     The 37 ton two masted power sealing schooner Challenge blew ashore during a storm at Nome in 1900 and became a total loss.

Mapping and Location: West central Alaska   64 30 N 165 25 W   Chart 16200

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

CHALLENGE (1919)     The American gas screw Challenge was lost at winter quarters at Bernard Harbor, Coronation Gulf, Northwest Territory, Canada in the spring of 1919.  The 39 ton vessel was built in 1885 and owned by Leo Wittenberg and James Crawford of Nome.  “The vessel froze to the bottom during the winter and when the overflow came in the spring she filled with water and sank and finally broke up in the ice.”  The Challenge was worth $4,000 and uninsured.

Mapping and Location: Northwest Territories, Canada

Additional Information: Tonnage 39 Gross 35 Net, Built in 1885, Registration Nome, ON 126339

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed at Nome October 3, 1919

CHALLENGER (1963)     The 13 ton 35 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Challenger foundered December 31, 1963 off of Seldovia.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 13 Gross 12 Net, Length 34.9, Breadth 10.2, Depth 5.3, Built 1940 at Seattle WA, Former Name Marilyn, Horsepower 110, SL WC2919, Owner Robert Hunter, Registered Juneau, ON 239868

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 135, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1165

 

CHAMPION (1871)     The 367 ton wooden whaling ship Champion was abandoned in ice around Point Belcher September 14, 1871.  The vessel was valued at $40,000 at the time of the loss and had a cargo of whale oil and bone aboard, some of which was salvaged. She had departed Edgartown, Mass.  August 14, 1869.

Mapping and Location: Northern Alaska   70 47 40 N 159 39 02 W   Chart 16003

Source: Harpers Weekly (December 2, 1871) “Destruction of the Arctic Whaling Fleet”

CHANCE (1930)     An engine backfire caused the blaze that destroyed the 16 ton gas screw Chance at 1:00 in the morning September 24, 1930.  Pat Hollywood was alone taking the vessel from Juneau to Sitka for owner N H Schmolck of Ketchikan.  “Was passing Marmion Island when vessel commenced burning.  Flames too hot to admit fighting.  Went ashore in small boat and came to town to report.  Hull is now lying above high water between Marmion Island and Douglas Island.”

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 12 N 134 15 W   Chart 17315

Additional Information: Tonnage 16 Gross 13 Net, Built 1929, Registration Ketchikan, ON 220811, Vessel Value $5,000, Cargo none, Vessel Insurance $4,400, Weather clear and calm

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed September 24, 1930 by master Pat Hollywood

CHANNEL SURFER (2000)     The 32 foot aluminum gillnet salmon fishing vessel Channel Surfer burned from an engine room fire and sank July 22, 2000 near Karluk in the Shelikof Strait.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 34 10 N 154 27 30 W   Chart 16580

Additional Information: ON 1032817

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

 

CHAOS (2013)     The 54 foot longline fishing vessel Chaos parted her anchor line in heavy weather and grounded on the west side of Unalaska Bay September 20, 2013. All four persons on board were able to make it safely to the beach but the cover of darkness, sheer cliffs and high winds prevented the U S Coast Guard from affecting a rescue until daylight. During the night, winds became so severe that rocks began blowing off of the cliffs and pelting the crew of the Chaos below. They were forced to return to the Chaos to seek shelter and suffer through the pounding that the vessel was taking from the heavy seas. Winds were 50 gusting over 80 mph with rain. They were rescued the following morning by an MH-60 helicopter that hoisted all four to safety. The Chaos became a total loss.

Mapping and Location: Southwest Alaska   53 58 N 166 30 W   Chart 16520

Additional Information: Tonnage 41 Gross 32 Net, Length 49, ON 961006, Call Sign WDE4185

Sources: 1. USCG MISLE Case #657190, 2. USCG News Release (September 21, 2013)

 

CHAPEASUE (1984)     The 69 foot fish tender ChapeaSue sank August 20, 1984 near Hinchinbrook Entrance in the Gulf of Alaska.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 20 N 146 50 W   Chart 16700

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

CHARGER (1909)     It was midnight on Sunday October 10, 1909 when the 203 foot 1,334 ton wood scow barge Charger began having problems.  She had taken on a load of 2,250 tons of copper ore and sprung a leak.  She was beached in Karta Bay to prevent foundering.  “…as pumps not able to gain, tug Tyee ordered at 9:30 p.m. to tow vessel to shallow water; owing to rocky nature of coast it was difficult in darkness to find good ground.  At 9 a.m. 11^th Oct. vessel fell over on her side.  Water covered her to forehatch.”  Both the vessel and her cargo were reported as total losses.  The crew of six escaped without harm.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 34 15 N 132 34 W   Chart 17426

Additional Information: Length 203.2, Breadth 39.8, Depth 24, Built in Boston in 1874, ON 125236, Master J Haust of Seattle, Owner Coastwise Steamship & Barge, Departed Seattle October 2  for Ketchikan, Vessel Value $22,500, Cargo Value $19,000, Vessel Insurance $5,500, Cargo Insurance $19,000

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report filed at Ketchikan October 12, 1909 by I Griffiths, President Coastwise Steamship and Barge Co

CHARLES D LANE (1901)     The 325 foot iron steamer Charles D Lane stranded in a thick fog at Cape Mohican on the NW end of Nunivak Island at 11:06 p.m. Saturday July 13, 1901.  By the evening of July 16^th the vessel was filled with sand and water.  The 53 crew and passengers took refuge in the Schooner Vega, which the Charles D Lane had been towing, and returned to Nome.

Mapping and Location: West central Alaska   60 12 N 167 25 W   Chart 16006

Additional Information : Tonnage 1608 Net, Length 325.5, Breadth 36.1, Depth 19.5, Built 1873 at Dumbarton Scotland, Registration San Francisco, ON 100640, Master C W Ames of Seattle, Owner Wild Goose Mining and Trading Company of San Francisco, Last Port Nome July 12 bound for Seattle, Vessel Value $140,000, Cargo none, Vessel Insurance $50,000, Weather light southerly wind with moderate swells

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report filed October 24, 1901 by H G Stevenson, secretary for Wild Goose Mining Company

CHARLES E MOODY (1920)     The 2003 ton wood ship Charles E Moody caught fire late in the evening June 28, 1920 at Bristol Bay, Naknek Roadstead.  She had sailed from Seattle April 20^th with a cannery crew of 136 fishermen and a mate, a cargo of cannery supplies, fishing boats and 200 tons of coal.  She had arrived at Naknek the first week of June and all passengers debarked. The mate was alone on board the night of June 28 and had put out the anchor light around 9:00 p.m.  Hours later he was hailed by a fisherman as the vessel was ablaze forward.  He was taken off the Charles E Moody leaving his possessions behind.  The Alaska Packers tug Kayjak and steamer Shelikof responded and pumped hoses with full force for 40 minutes but were driven off by the flames.  The vessel was totally destroyed by the blaze.

Mapping and Location:  South Central Alaska   58 43 40 N 157 00 45 W   Chart 16011

Additional Information: Tonnage 2003 Gross 1734 Net, Length 233.9, Breadth 43.4, Depth 18.2, Built 1882 at Bath Me. by Goss&Sawyer, Registration Port Townsend and Seattle, ON 126070, Master Mark Haskell of Seattle, Owner Northwestern Fisheries of Seattle, Vessel Value $320,000, Vessel Insurance $80,000, Cargo Value $4,000, Cargo Insurance $3,400

Sources: U S Coast Guard Wreck Reports filed at Seattle, San Francisco and Ketchikan

CHARLES H HAMILTON (1900)     The river steamer Charles H Hamilton was lost at Point Romanoff 30 miles SW of Saint Michael on September 6, 1900.  She had left the mouth of the Yukon River bound for Saint Michael.

Mapping and Location: West central Alaska   63 12 N 162 50 W   Chart 16240

Source: The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 63

CHARLES L HUTCHINSON (1910)     The 80 ton barge Charles L Hutchinson foundered and was lost at Kaltag on the Yukon River in 1910.  She was built in 1898 and valued at $6,000 with cargo at the time of the casualty.

Mapping and Location: Central Alaska   64 20 N 158 43 W

Additional Information: Tonnage 80, Built 1898, ON 34331

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1911) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 414, 2. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 180

CHARLOTTE ANN (1959)     The 15 ton 40 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Charlotte Ann was consumed by fire April 12, 1959 at Belkofski Bay.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   55 05 N 162 09 W   Chart 16011

Additional Information: Tonnage 15 Gross 10 Net, Length 40.2, Breadth 10.7, Depth 4.2, Built 1943 at Seattle WA, Former Name J-952 (U S A), Horsepower 165, SL WF3924, Owner Edwin M Bendixen, Registered Juneau, ON 262762

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1959) Pg 109, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1960) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 823

 

CHARLOTTE B (1942)     The 27 ton 48 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Charlotte B struck a reef and foundered October 9, 1942 in Geese Island Channel.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 56 45 N 153 53 W   Chart 16580

Additional Information: Tonnage 27 Gross 15 Net, Length 48, Breadth 13.1, Depth 5.9, Built 1919 at Dockton WA, Horsepower 65 (Brake), Crew 3, Owner Robert Von Scheele, Registered Cordova, ON 218506

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1943) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 757, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1942) Pg 256

CHARLOTTE B (1979)     The 80 foot crab vessel Charlotte B sank in 27 feet of water in the Kodiak Small Boat Harbor stall #148 on May 20, 1979 taking some of the dock with her.  The vessel was raised June 13, 1979, taken offshore and scuttled.

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

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

 

CHARMER (1991)     The 34 foot shrimp trawler Charmer capsized and sank July 14, 1991 off Level Island.  The shrimp trawl hung up on the bottom in a strong tidal current.  The cable parted causing the Charmer’s load to shift and the vessel capsized and sank.  Both crewmembers were rescued.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 28 N 133 05 W   Chart 17360

Additional Information: ON 284121

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

 

CHASE (1930)     The 39 foot wood gas screw Chase left Kodiak on September 7, 1930 bound for Seward with a load of three tons of canned clams and coal.  Neither the Chase nor her owner, captain and sole occupant, Charles Enswiler, were ever seen again.  It was several weeks before the loss was realized.  A search of the shoreline and seas between Kodiak and Seward was unsuccessful in locating any sign of the tragedy.   It is supposed that the vessel foundered.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 58 N 152 15 W   Chart 16606

Comment: I have mapped this wreck in the Barren Islands for lack of a better place.  The waters in that area are some of the most treacherous between Kodiak and Seward for a vessel that size.

Additional Information: Length 38.8, Tonnage 11 Gross 7 Net, Built 1921 at Seldovia, Registered at Seward, ON 224601, Vessel Value $2,000, Cargo Value $500, Insurance none

Source: U S Coast Guard Casualty Report filed at Seward by business associate and part owner of lost cargo Mrs Josie Sandavik on October 29, 1931.

CHATHAM (1938)     The 650 ton wood schooner Chatham caught fire while loading fertilizer at Wards Cove near Ketchikan and was virtually destroyed August 31, 1938.  Second engineer George Bennett and fireman John Morrison suffered minor burns in the blaze.  Most of the vessel’s cargo was salvaged.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 24 30 N 131 43 30 W   Charts 17428 17430

Additional Information: Owner Alaska Transportation Co, Built as the Johan Paulson and later became the Evelyn Berg.

Source: The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pgs 465, 113

CHATHAM (1949)     The seiner Chatham settled on a rock a tipped over September 19, 1949 in Slocum Arm.  The crew abandoned ship to a life boat and were picked up by a cannery tender and taken to Pelican.  The vessel and her cargo of 10,000 fish were a total loss.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 34 N 136 03 W   Chart 17300

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

CHATHAM (1991)     The 82 foot fishing vessel Chatham caught fire and became a total loss November 23, 1991 while on the beach for winter maintenance. U S Coast Guard Marine Safety Office Juneau was notified of the incident December 2, 1991. The fire was believed to have originated near an electric heater in use near an operating generator.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   Unknown

Additional Information: Length 82.3, ON 251840, Call Sign WA3592, Former Name BSP 3141 USA

Source: MISLE Case # 861811 Investigation Activity Report

 

CHEECHACO (1920)     The nine ton wood schooner Cheechaco was destroyed in a storm at 6:30 p.m. on Monday November 8, 1920 at Port Gambell on Saint Lawrence Island.  She had been stored high on the beach on blocks for the winter and was attended. Her owner and master was Busha, a local native.  A strong gale and unusually high tide allowed the vessel to go adrift.  A group of natives attempted to hold the vessel with lines fore and aft but the high seas prevailed and the Cheechaco went adrift.  She ended up pounding to pieces on the rocks and beach.

Mapping and Location: West central Alaska   63 47 N 171 45 W   Chart 16006

Additional Information: Built 1902, Registration Nome, ON 200172, Vessel Value $1,000

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed at Nome June 25, 1921

CHEECHAKO (1998)     The 36 foot longline halibut fishing vessel Cheechako was consumed by fire and sank June 4, 1998 approximately 14 nautical miles southwest of Ninilchik.

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

Additional Information: ON 583026

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

 

CHEERIO (1957)     The 18 ton 37 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Cheerio burned March 1, 1957 in Knat (Gnat) Cove, Carroll Inlet.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 18 Gross 12 Net, Length 37.2, Breadth12.3, Depth 4.8, Built 1944 at Wrangell, Horsepower 84, SL WC8285, Owner Delbert M Richardson, Registered Ketchikan, ON 249157

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1957) Pg 105, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1958) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 777

 

CHELAN (1954)     The 154 foot wooden Vancouver, B.C. tug Chelan and the 240 foot barge she was towing were lost off of the entrance to Sumner Strait April 15, 1954 along with the entire 14 man crew. The tug and barge departed Skagway bound for Vancouver with a cargo of silver, lead and zinc ore concentrates. The Chelan sent out a brief MAYDAY before sinking four miles west of Cape Decision. Heavy weather with snow and strong winds was present at the time of the disaster. Captain Cecil H Roberts, chief engineer Brock Haines, crewman Frank Hykaway and 11 others were lost. Only the bodies of Hykaway and Haines were recovered. Doug Anderson and associates of Alpac Underseas Inc. located the wreck site of the Chelan in June of 1979 and obtained salvage rights from Lloyds of London. A one man submarine leased by Anderson from the Antonsen Brothers and manned by Chris Antonsen was first to see the wreck. The 205 foot salvage vessel Northern Retriever was to be used in the salvage attempt. Anderson died in another salvage effort off of Port Wilson, Washington and his Chelan salvage effort was never completed.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 00 10 N 134 08 W   Chart 16016

Additional Information: Tonnage 541, Built in Bellingham WA 1944 for the U S Army, Owner Frank Waterhouse & Co., Previous Names Veta C, Libby Island and U S Army Coastal Freighter FS 245,   Barge originally Canadian passenger steamer Princess Mary

Sources: 1. Seattle Times (April 16, 1954) “CANADIAN TUG SINKS: 14 MEN FEARED LOST” Front Page, 2. Seattle Times (April 17, 1954) “Boat may be clue to fate of tug’s crew” Pg 7, 3. Daily Sitka Sentinel (April 23, 1954) “Body of Engineer of Chelan Found” Front Page, 4. Seattle Times (September 9, 1979) “Salvage firm will try to recover silver cargo from sunken ship” Pg C-15.

 

CHELYUSKIN (1934)     The Russian steamship Chelyuskin became trapped in the ice November of 1933 and was lost off the northern coast of Russia.  101 men, women and children abandoned the ship to the ice pack.  They drifted for many months and were rescued between the Bering Strait and Wrangell Island April 13, 1934 by a group of Russian aircraft.

Mapping and Location: Northern Russia   68 16 N 172 51 W

Sources: 1. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 432, 2. Baton Rouge Morning Advocate (May 17, 1934) “Northland Epic Shining With Heroism Written in Rescue of 101 Explorers from Arctic Ice Floe” Pg 5

CHERIBON MARU (1942)     The 4,016 ton Japanese cargo ship Cheribon Maru stranded on a reef while being attacked by four U S P-38 and four B-26 aircraft November 28, 1942 in the west arm of Holtz Bay on Attu Island.  The vessel capsized and sank December 14, 1942 in 100 feet of water.

Mapping and Location: Southwest Alaska   52 56 30 N 173 10 45 E   Chart 16420

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

CHEROKEE (1969)     The oil screw Cherokee stranded and was lost November 5, 1969 at Golovnin Bay.

Mapping and Location: West central Alaska   64 24 N 163 W   Chart 16006

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

CHEROKEE (1980)     The fishing vessel Cherokee sank in Behm Canal October 17, 1980 with three persons aboard. Brian Svenson and Bruce Dunlap were picked up from a life raft by the tug Edith Olson and taken to Ketchikan. Skipper Gene Doudy was lost.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 28 N 131 55 W   Chart 17420

Comment: This is likely the 36 foot F/V Cherokee (ON 41031) owned by Eugene Darity of Ketchikan. WG

Sources: 1. Sitka Daily Sentinel (October 20, 1980) “Four Feared Lost in Ketchikan Boat Accidents” Pg 1, 2. CFEC State of Alaska Public Lookup (2016) “Cherokee” 1980

 

CHERYL ANN (1998)     The 58 foot salmon seiner Cheryl Ann broke loose from her moorings in bad weather, grounded and was lost October 26, 1998 at Saxman.  No one was aboard at the time of the disaster.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 19 05 N 131 35 45 W   Chart 17420

Additional Information: 236233

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

 

CHERYL SUZANNE (1992)     The 32 foot crab fishing vessel Cheryl Suzanne struck the rocks and sank June 30, 1992 at Point Couverden.  The one person aboard made it to safety.

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

Additional Information: ON 666186

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

 

CHESTER L (1930)     The 11 ton wooden gas screw Chester L caught fire at 3 p.m. Monday December 15, 1930 and became a total loss.  C B Wyatt of Wrangell was the only one aboard and attempted to douse the flames by cutting a hole in her bow.  He then towed the vessel to the beach 6 miles southeast of Boss Island where she sank.  He was able to salvage some of the stores on board.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 30 N 134 12 W   Chart 17376

Additional Information: Tonnage 11 Gross 7 Net, Built 1926, Registration Wrangell, ON 225925, Owner Alfred Cramer and M W Wyatt of Wrangell, Vessel Value $3,000, Cargo none, Insurance none

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed at Wrangell January 10, 1931 by C B Wyatt

CHEVAK (1994)     The 117 foot crab fishing vessel Chevak stranded and was lost February 22, 1994 on the rocks near Reef Point at the entrance to Saint Paul Harbor.  The vessel was broken up by foul weather.  All seven crewmembers were rescued by a launch from the U S Coast Guard Cutter Hamilton and transferred to the tug Fidalgo.

Mapping and Location: Southwest Alaska   57 46 N 152 27 W   Chart 16011

Additional Information: Length 117.4, ON 271073, Call Sign WG8270

Sources: 1. Unofficial Shipwreck List (Alaska), 2. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 3. USCG MISLE Case # 60395

 

CHICHAGOFF (1946)     The 44 ton 57 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Chichagoff foundered December 20, 1946 at Khaz Head off of Piehle Passage.  The vessel lost rudder control and was abandoned after a breaker swept the pilot house away.  All three crewmembers escaped in a dory.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 31 45 N 136 01 W   Chart 17322

Additional Information: Tonnage 44 Gross 30 Net, Length 57.3, Breadth 14.5, Depth 8, Built 1915 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 125, Crew 2, Owner Jack Calvin, Registered Sitka, ON 213387

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1946) Pg 88, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1955) “Vessels Subject to Removal” Pg 569, 3. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

CHIGNIK #1 (1908)     The 70 ton wooden scow Chignik No.1 of Port Townsend Washington foundered and was lost at Cape Cleare off the south end of Montague Island on April 28, 1908.  She had been built at Port Blakely, Washington earlier that year.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 45 N 148 54 W   Chart 16701

Additional Information: Tonnage 70, Built 1908, ON 163471

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1909) Pg 392, 2. Alaska file of the U S Revenue Cutter Service Microcopy 641 1867-1914 (1966)

CHIGNIK 2 (1966)     The 10 ton 29 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Chignik 2 foundered July 31, 1966 at Warner Bay.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   56 08 N 158 24 W   Chart 16561

Additional Information: Tonnage 10 Gross 7 Net, Length 29.8, Breadth 11.9, Depth 4.3, Built 1945 at Seldovia, Horsepower 56, Owner Harry Aleck, Registered Juneau, ON 269512

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 142, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1165

 

CHIGNIK 6 (1957)     The 8 ton 31 foot wooden gas screw Chignik 6 burned August 7, 1957 at Chignik Lagoon.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   56 20 N 158 29 W   Chart 16011

Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 5 Net, Length 31.2, Breadth 9.5, Depth 4, Built 1941 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 90, Owner Chignik Fisheries Company, Registered Juneau, ON 240569

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1959) Pg 112, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1962) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 902

 

CHIGNIK 7 (1962)     The 8 ton 31 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Chignik 7 stranded and was lost March 27, 1962 near Ivanof Bay.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   55 50 N 159 29 W   Chart 16011

Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 5 Net, Length 31.3, Breadth 9.5, Depth 4, Built 1941 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 90, Owner Chignik Fisheries Company, Registered Juneau, ON 240570

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1962) Pg 125, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1963) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 929

 

CHIGNIK PRIDE (1961)     The 7 ton 27 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Chignik Pride was consumed by fire October 3, 1961 at Chignik Lagoon.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   56 20 N 158 29 W   Chart 16011

Additional Information: Tonnage 7 Gross 6 Net, Length 27.8, Breadth 11, Depth 3.3, Built 1947 at LaConner WA, Horsepower 96, SL WC8545, Owner Chignik Fisheries Company, Registered Ketchikan, ON 252366

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1962) Pg 125, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1963) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 929

 

CHIL BO SAN NO 1 (1986)     South Korean freighter Chil Bo San No 1 disappeared after leaving Hokkaido Japan bound for Alaska February 17, 1986. An extensive search found no evidence of what happened to the freighter or her crew of 18.

Mapping and Location: Unknown

Sources: 1. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 2. Daily Sitka Sentinel (March 5, 1986) “Search for Ship Ended” Pg 9

 

CHIL BO SAN NO 6 (1985)     The 285 foot South Korean trawler Chil Bo San No 6 was abandoned by her crew of 29 January 21, 1985 approximately 200 miles northwest of Adak Island. The vessel was reported to be in a sinking condition. The crew was rescued by another Korean vessel in the area.

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

Comment: It was reported at the time of the loss that the crew was returning to attempt to salvage the vessel. WG

Source: Daily Sitka Sentinel (January 23, 1985) “Korean Boat Sinks; Crew Is Rescued” Pg 3

 

CHIL BO SAN NO 6 (1989)     The 285 foot South Korean trawler Chil Bo San No 6 broke a propeller and drifted ashore January 11, 1989 two miles south of Spray Cape on the west side of Unalaska Island.  All 54 crewmembers were rescued by two U S Coast Guard helicopters and a small life boat from sister ship Pung Yang Ho.  Later the Chil Bo San No 6 was washed over a reef and settled on the rocks in a small cove.

Mapping and Location: Southwest Alaska   53 36 50 N 167 09 20 W   Chart 16011

Additional Information: Owner Wan Yang Fisheries of Seoul, South Korea

Sources: 1. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 2. Daily Sitka Sentinel (January 13, 1989) “Fishing Boat Crew Rescued” Pg 5

 

CHILIAN (1901)     The 248 gross ton bark Chilian struck a rock and was lost at 9 p.m. on November 30, 1901.  The tragedy occurred on the south side of Dutch Harbor on Unalaska Island during a blizzard.  The vessel was abandoned and sold at auction on December 7, 1901.  She was reported to be worth $30,000 at the time of the accident, the only cargo being her ballast.

Mapping and Location: Southwest Alaska   53 53 27 N 166 32 05 W   Chart 16528

Additional Information:  Age 8 years, Registration Valparaiso Chile, Last Port Plain Bay November 3 bound for San Francisco, Crew of 28 no casualties

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report filed at Unalaska December 7, 1901 by her master, James H Kinney of Alameda California.

CHILKAT (1837)     The Russian American Company schooner Chilkat was lost off of Cape Edgecumbe with all hands January of 1837.  Captain Vasilii Kirillovich Voronkovskii and 14 other crewmembers were lost along with the Chilkat. Wreckage of the vessel and her cargo of furs were found strewn along the Cape and on Saint Lazaria Island where she had been beached during a storm.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 59 N 135 42 W   Chart 17325

Sources: 1. Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992), 2. Russian Maritime Catastrophes (1741-1867) Pg 189

CHILKAT (1907)     The Chilkat was listed as a total loss at Chilkoot Inlet near Haines in 1907.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   59 N 135 13 W   Chart 17317

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

CHILKOOT (1946)     The 14 ton 51 foot wooden gas screw Chilkoot stranded and was lost at Guide Island, 10 miles northwest of Sitka, on May 27, 1945.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 08 N 135 31 10 W   Chart 17324

Additional Information: Tonnage 14 Gross 10 Net, Length 51, Breadth 11.4, Depth 4.3, Built 1903 at Astoria OR, Service freight, Horsepower 50, Crew 2, Owner Wallace Westfall, Registered Sitka, ON 127742

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1946) Pg 89, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1947) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 822

CHILKOOT (1949)     The 41 ton 60 foot wooden oil screw tug and fishing vessel Chilkoot was consumed by fire at Rocky Point, Montague Island June 6, 1949.  The four man crew was rescued by another tug, the New Sunrise.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 21 30 N 147 03 W   Chart 16700

Comment: Probably Rocky Bay.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 41 Gross 28 Net, Length 60.6, Breadth 15.8, Depth 5.8, Built 1911 at Astoria OR, Horsepower180, SL WA3640, Owner R A Bushra, Registered Ketchikan, ON 208481

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1955) Pg 105, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1956) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 742, 3. Seattle Daily Times (June 6, 1949) “Crew Saved When Alaska Tug Burns” Pg 1

 

CHINA B (2006)     The 47 foot steel halibut longline fishing vessel China B capsized and sank September 6, 2006 approximately 30 miles north of Saint Paul Island in the Bering Sea.  A series of large waves came over the stern and the vessel sank in less than five minutes.  All five crewmembers abandoned ship to a life raft and were rescued by the fishing vessel Golden Chalice.  The rescued crewmen were Capt. Kirk VanDoren and Art Gamash of Homer, Dan Ingram and Shawn Dochtermann of Kodiak and Mark Worley of Gig Harbor, Washington.

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

Additional Information: Length 46.2, Built 1981, ON 655198

Sources: 1. U S Coast Guard Enforcement Report (September 6, 2006), 2. USCG MISLE Case # 315170

 

CHIPPEWA (1948)     The 11 ton 32 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Chippewa stranded and was lost August 1, 1948 at Harris Cove, Kuiu Island.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 19 30 N 134 17 W   Chart 17320

Additional Information: Tonnage 11 Gross 7 Net, Length 32.3, Breadth 10, Depth 5.2, Built 1909 at Hope Island WA, Horsepower 40, Owner Edgar C Wood, Registered Tacoma WA, ON 250848

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1948) Pg 92, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1949) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 909

CHIRIKOF (1968)     The oil screw crab fishing vessel Chirikof foundered February 29, 1968 off of Kodiak Island.  All three crewmembers escaped to a skiff.  They did not have time to grab oars and drifted until spotted the following day by the Alaska Steamship Company freighter Chena.  The three men were too hypothermic to climb the Jacob’s ladder of the Chena so the U S Coast Guard was called and the cutter Confidence responded to rescue the men.

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

Sources: 1. Seattle Daily Times (March 9, 1968) “Maritime News” Pg 11, 2. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

CHRISTINA MARIE (1983)     The 29 foot gillnet fishing vessel Christina Marie grounded and was lost September 4, 1983 at Humpy Point in Dixon Entrance south of Ketchikan.  Bill Hamilton was lost.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   54 49 15 N 130 56 30 W   Chart 17420

Sources: 1. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 2. Daily Sitka Sentinel (September 6, 1983) “Coast Guard” Pg 6

 

CHRISTINE (1964)     The 10 ton 34 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Christine was destroyed by a tidal wave March 27, 1964 at Valdez.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   61 07 N 146 16 W   Chart 16700

Additional Information: Tonnage 10 Gross 7 Net, Length 34, Breadth 11.2, Depth 4.2, Built 1924 at Cordova, Horsepower 60, SL WC7563, Owner Leonard Sandstrom, Registered Seattle WA, ON 239838

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) Pg 138, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1002

 

CHRISTOPHER A (1998)     The 30 foot gillnet salmon fishing vessel Christopher A stranded in rough weather and was lost May 18, 1998 at the mouth of the Copper River.  Both crewmembers made it to safety.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 25 N 145 W   Chart 16013

Comment: The 33 foot salmon gillnetter Bonnie Gale was also lost in the same storm.  WG

Additional Information: ON AK9688N

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

 

CHUBBY (1999)     The 29 foot fishing vessel Chubby caught fire and sank September 4, 1999 three miles south of Haines.  Both persons on board made it to safety.

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

Comment: A fishing vessel Chubby was found adrift with no one on board September 18, 1971 near Eldred Rock in Lynn Canal.  One person was lost. Probably the same vessel.  WG

Sources: 1. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 2. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013)

 

CHUM (1940)     The 20 ton 41 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Chum was destroyed by fire August 18, 1940 three miles from the cannery at Tenakee Inlet.  No lives were lost in the disaster.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 47 N 134 57 W   Chart 17320

Additional Information: Tonnage 20 Gross 13 Net, Length 41, Breadth 13.2, Depth 4.8, Built 1917 at Cordova, Horsepower70, Crew 6, Owner Superior Packing Company of Washington, Registered Seattle, ON 215511

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1941) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 510, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1939) Pg 116

CHUM (1956)     The 11 ton 32 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Chum foundered November 6, 1956 at Sukoi Island in Frederick Sound.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 53 30 N 132 55 25 W   Chart 17360

Additional Information: Tonnage 11 Gross 7 Net, Length 32.3, Breadth 12.6, Depth 3.3, Built 1939 at Petersburg, Horsepower 75, Owner Alexander McGilton, Registered Wrangell, ON 238901

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1956) Pg 108, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1957) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 755

 

CIMBRIA (1984)     The 50 foot crab fishing vessel Cimbria listed and sank November 30, 1984 off of Cape Trinity near Egg Island in Alitak Bay.  The three crewmen aboard escaped in a life raft and were picked up by a skiff from Akhiok.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   56 53 35 N 154 13 W   Chart 16590

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

 

CINDY (1964)     The 13 ton 31 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Cindy 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 13 Gross 9 Net, Length 31.8, Breadth 12, Depth 3.9, Built 1958 at Kodiak, Horsepower 130, SL WP3110, Owner Robert C King, Registered Juneau, ON 279713

Sources: 1. Unofficial Wreck List, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) Pg 139

 

CINDY (1964)     The 14 ton 43 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Cindy stranded and was lost April 2, 1964 at Kodiak.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 14 Gross 9 Net, Length 43.6, Breadth 10.5, Depth 5, Built 1944 at Algonac MI, Former Name LCVP-C-44677 (U S N), Horsepower 225, SL WH9332, Owner William E Wood, Registered Juneau, ON 273741

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) Pg 139, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1002

 

CINDY (1964)     A vessel named Cindy owned by Bill Gregorioff was reported lost at Kodiak in the Good Friday earthquake of March 27, 1964.

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

Source: Unofficial Wreck List

CINDY W (1965)     The 45 foot steel oil screw fishing vessel Cindy W was grounded and lost on Left Cape, Kodiak Island when a crewman fell asleep at the wheel. Attempts were made by sister vessel Bee W to pull the vessel from the beach. The bottom of the Cindy W was eventually damaged beyond repair. The hull was visible on Left Cape at the entrance to Kiliuda Bay for many decades.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 15 30 N 152 57 W   Chart 16580

Comment: I have yet to find an official documentation of this loss.

Additional Information: Tonnage 51 Gross 35 Net, Length 45.3, Breadth 16, Depth 9.8, Built 1961 Bellingham WA, Owner Wayne A. Murphy, H.P. 200, Call Sign WS3275, ON 286109

Source: 1. Alaska Fishermen RIP conversation on Facebook September 26, 2016 (WG), 2. Merchant Vessels of the U.S. (1979) Pg 336

 

CITATION (1975)     The oil screw Citation foundered August 10, 1975 in Sitka Sound.

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

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

CITY OF ANACORTES (1933)     The 41 ton 63 foot wooden oil screw City Of Anacortes was wrecked in Portland Canal (near the Alaska Canada Border) on May 8, 1933.  The six persons aboard made it to safety.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 02 N 130 12 W   Chart 17427

Additional Information: Tonnage 41 Gross 28 Net, Length 62.8, Breadth 12.8, Depth 7.4, Built 1909 at Decatur WA, Service passenger, Horsepower 60, Owner Wallace W Noyes, Registered Ketchikan, ON 206462

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1933) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 989, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1932) Pgs 264-5, 3. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 425

CITY OF ASTORIA (1898)     The 72 foot wooden towing steamer City of Astoria hit a submerged rock at 4:30 in the morning August 3, 1898 “near Sullivans Island about 250 feet off the point marked Taiya Sahnka”.  She had sailed from the port of Dyea (Skagway) bound for Taiya Sahnka (Lynn Canal) with no cargo towing a barge when the accident occurred.  Soon after the vessel stranded a wind came up preventing anything from being done.  “After rough weather set in the boat rolled off the rock into deeper water and sank.”  The wreck report filed by E W Johnston, a manager for the Pacific Clipper Line, said that Chart 8303 which was being used at the time of the casualty did not have the rock or reef marked. He noted that chart 8300 did. He also noted that the vessel had not been raised at the time of the accident report filing and would become a total loss if not raised soon. The casualty report was filed August 25, 1898.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 33 N 135 19 W   Chart 17317

Additional Information: Tonnage 56.47 Gross 29.64 Net, Age 8 years, Registered Seattle, Master E H Bragdon, Owner Warren C Stetson of Seattle ½, Passengers none, Crew 5 (none lost), Vessel Value $7,000, Vessel Insurance $5,000, Length 72 feet, breadth 16.5 feet, depth 5 feet, HP 50, Built 1889 East Portland, Oregon

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report

CITY OF PARIS (1901)     The stern wheel river steamer City of Paris was destroyed by fire at winter quarters on October 13, 1901.  The casualty occurred at Bergman on the Koyukuk River and was said to be caused by marauders looking for liquor. The vessel was burned to the water line.

Mapping and Location: Central Alaska   66 30 N 152 53 W

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

CITY OF SEATTLE (1979)     The 84 foot crab fishing vessel City of Seattle split a seam and foundered April 7, 1979 in the Gulf of Alaska 80 miles south of Yakutat.  All persons on board were picked up by the U S Coast Guard.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 33 N 139 44 W   Chart 16016

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

CITY OF SEATTLE (1981)     The 84 foot crab fishing vessel City of Seattle caught fire and sank September 14, 1981 in the Shelikof Strait five miles south of Cape Uganik.  The six crewmen aboard were rescued by the U S Coast Guard Cutter Confidence.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 58 N 153 30 W   Chart 16580

Comment: This vessel was salvaged and refurbished.  WG

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

 

CITY OF SEATTLE (1988)     The 92 foot crab fishing vessel City of Seattle grounded November 1, 1988 on the north side of the west tip of Atka Island.  The helmsman had fallen asleep causing the disaster.  There was no loss of life.

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

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

CITY OF SITKA (1898)     The small two masted schooner City Of Sitka foundered and was lost with three persons aboard March 8, 1898 off of Cape Ommaney.  She was on a voyage from Sitka to Wrangell when the casualty occurred.  On board were Sitka merchant C H Bate, Herman Thomas and Ah Poy from China.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 10 N 134 40 20 W   Chart 17320

Comment: This is likely the same vessel as Sitka(1898). WG

Sources: 1. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 40, 2. The Evening Star (June 20, 1898) “Two Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 2

CLAM (1937)     An explosion and fire destroyed the wood gas screw Clam at the mouth of Very Inlet on Sunday December 12, 1937 at 9:30 in the morning.  Charles Cooper, the master of the vessel remarked in the wreck report he filed February 2, 1938 “After fire I was stranded on the beach where I had a cabin and I was unable to come into Ketchikan to report the accident until this date.”  The Clam was owned by J T Bumgarner and valued at $1,000 at the time of the loss.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   54 58 45 N 130 55 30 W   Chart 17434

Additional Information: Tonnage 12 Gross 8 Net, Age 30 years, Registered Ketchikan, ON 203913, Last Port Ketchikan Dec 6, 1937, Destination Very Inlet, Crew of One

Source: Report of Casualty filed at Collection District 31 Ketchikan

CLARA (1927)     The wooden gas screw fishing vessel Clara broke her anchor chain in a heavy blow in Puffin Bay, Baranof Island at 11 a.m. October 14, 1927.  Olaf Haram, master and owner of the vessel and the only one aboard, attempted to get the engine started but the Clara’s prop fouled in the kelp near shore.  He mentions in the wreck report filed at Ketchikan October24, 1927 that the winds were the worst he had seen in years, “probably 75 miles per hour.”  The Clara piled up on the beach and was destroyed.  Haram narrowly escaped with his life.  The vessel was valued at $3,000 at the time and insured for $2,000.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 15 30 N 134 48 W   Chart 17320

Additional Information: Tonnage 9 Gross 6 Net, Age 18 years, Registered Ketchikan, ON 206384, Last Port Port Conclusion October 12, 1927 bound for fishing grounds

Source: Treasury Dept U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty October 24, 1927

CLARA (1936)     Escaping gas caused an explosion aboard the wooden gas screw Clara Wednesday December 16, 1936 at winter dry dock on the beach in Monti Bay at Yakutat.  Owner/operator Walter Thayer valued the Clara at $500 with no insurance in the wreck report he filed at Yakutat January 22, 1937.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 34 N 139 50 W   Chart 16761

Additional Information: Tonnage 12 Gross 10 Net, Built 1918, Registered Juneau, ON 216248

Sources: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty Collection District 31 Yakutat January 22, 1937

CLARA BELL (1876)     The 196 ton wooden whaling bark Clara Bell was abandoned in the ice a few miles south of Cape Smith during the whaling season of 1876.  The following is an excerpt from the U S Commission of Fish and Fisheries article “Destruction of the Arctic Whaling Fleet, 1876”:

In 1877, Captain Wm. M. Barnes of the Bark “SEA BREEZE” reported finding the CLARA BELL” lying at her anchor, wholly clear from ice and with no further damage than was done by the natives, who took whatever was of any use to them, and cut and hacked until they had make a bad looking vessel of her.  The first few vessels helped themselves to whatever was left of value, and the Schr. “

“NEWTON BOOTH” of San Francisco took the remaining oil.  The “CLARA BELL” lay there at her anchors till about the 20^th of September when she broke adrift and came up with the current and went out of sight in the ice to the northeast. She was last seen off Harrison Bay.”

Mapping and Location: Northern Alaska   70 40 N 151 30 W   Chart 16003

Additional Information: Home Port San Francisco, Cargo 650 Barrels whale oil, Value $18,000

Comment: U S Revenue Cutter Service Microfilm of the period lists this vessel at 295 ton last seen September 12, 1896 NE of Pt Barrow

Source: Alaska File of the Revenue Cutter Service 1867-1914 Microcopy 641

CLARA BLANCHE (1930)     The wooden gas screw purse seiner Clara Blanche was destroyed by a fire of unknown origin which started at 7 p.m. Friday July 11^th, 1930 in port at Tyee.  The crew of four escaped, but the Clara Blanche valued at $2,000 became a total loss.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 02 30 N 134 32 30 W   Chart 17360

Additional Information: Tonnage 15 Gross 10 Net, Built 1914, Registration Ketchikan, ON 212035, Master Henry Davis of Ketchikan, Owner Sebastian Stuart Fish Co, Insurance $2,000

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty July 21, 1930 by H A Seephames, VP of SSFC

CLARA J (1971)     The oil screw Clara J was consumed by fire September 25, 1971 at Hoodoo Bay in Prince William Sound.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 03 30 N 148 00 30 W   Chart 16700

Comment: Hoodoo Island was the old name for Evans Island.  WG

Sources: 1. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 2. Dictionary of Alaska Place Names (1971) “Evans Island” Pg 322

 

CLARA LIGHT (1886)     The 179 ton whale schooner/tender Clara Light was abandoned in the ice 15 miles N of Point Franklin late August of 1876.  She had departed San Francisco March 18, 1876 and was valued at $10,000 with cargo at the time of the loss.

Mapping and Location: Northern Alaska   70 54 28 N 158 47 58 W   Chart 16003

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

CLARA NEVADA (1898)     February 5, 1898 the 154 foot steel passenger steamer Clara Nevada disappeared in Lynn Canal. The vessel departed Seattle January 27th bound for Skagway with 42 crewmembers and as many as 40 passengers. She was on her return trip southbound from the gold fields with as many as 65 passengers on board when she vanished. Rumors at the time told of a large quantity of gold from the Klondike went down with the vessel. In 1908 a late February storm coupled with extreme neap tides exposed the wreckage of the ill fated Clara Nevada in the shallows north of Eldred Rock. The exposed wreckage also brought to light a revelation that two divers, George Stowell and H. Sanford had located the wreck in past years and salvaged much of the machinery and cargo. They were also able to determine a cause of the disaster. The divers’ investigation revealed that a fire had started in the boatswain’s locker that had spread to the wheel house forcing the crew aft. Emergency tackle was rigged for steerage but it failed in the ferocious winds. The vessel was blown onto uncharted Eldred Reef where a hole was stove into her port bow. The Clara Nevada slid off the reef and sank in the shallow water nearby. The fire was likely extinguished along with the lives of all those aboard. Stowell and Sanford claimed that they were not able to locate any of the gold rumored to have been aboard the vessel.

In 1916 famous deep sea diver and wrecker C. F. Stagger also found the Clara Nevada and salvaged half a ton of copper and brass from the hulk. Mr. Stagger’s investigation of the wreck came to the conclusion that the wreck was not caused by a fire, but more likely, the vessel struck a submerged rock. The hull was completely encased in kelp and marine growth at the time of Stagger’s investigation 18 years after the disaster which could explain his conflicting report as to the cause of the sinking. He also claimed that there was no gold to be found aboard the vessel where he had been able to reach with his efforts.

Many stories and speculations have been printed about the loss of the Clara Nevada, but a complete picture has yet to surface. There are questions about not only the cause of the loss, but who was on board and what valuable cargo was she carrying? Those who have located and reached the wreck claim that the soft mud where she lies and the damaged condition of her hull make it unlikely that the gold that was aboard will ever be found. Her hull is said to be in a sad state either from collision, boiler explosion or the explosion of the dynamite she was carrying for the Treadwell Mine at Douglas.

It has been difficult to determine exactly how many people were aboard the Clara Nevada and who they were. There were no survivors and the purser’s records went down with the ship. Among those reported lost from the crew were captain C H Lewis, pilot Ed Kelly, first officer Smith, engineer David Reed, purser George Foster Beck, steward O’Donnell, Quartermaster Bat Hurley, Quartermaster Edward O’Brien, Fireman Billy Carey, Fireman Billy McDonald, Fireman Arthur Finnegan, Steerage Steward W.J. Jackson, Night Watchman H.M. Benton, Steam fitter George G. Hill, Cabin Boy John L. Butler, Cabin Boy C.E. Perkins, Cabin Boy George Rose and freight clerk George Rogers.  Some of the passenger thought to have been lost with the Clara Nevada include Frank Whitney of Cripple Creek CO, Al Noyes of Juneau, a young man named Hill of Seattle, Harry Hunt of Montana, George Rowe of Seattle, Al Nebocker of Portland OR, A. Bennicke of Portland OR, A.J. Selong of New York and Mr. and Mrs. Dros.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 58 15 N 135 13 10 W   Chart 17317

Additional Information : Length 154 feet, breadth 24.7 feet, Depth 11.8 feet, Built Camden NJ in 1872, Former Name U S C G S Hassler, Registered Seattle, ON 127222, Master C H Lewis of Portland Oregon, Owner P and A T Co of Seattle, Vessel Value $90,000, Vessel Insurance $20,000

Sources: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report filed by H P McGuire President of P and A T Co April 25, 1898, 2.San Francisco Chronicle (March 18, 1908) “Says Wreck Was Due To Fire” Pg 3, 3. Ann Arbor Argus (February 18, 1898) “Forty May Be Dead” Pg 6, 4. Daily Alaska Dispatch (June 28, 1916) “Relics From Clara Nevada Brought Here” Pg 5, 5. Oregonian (February 18, 1898) “None Left To Tell” Pg 6, 6. San Diego Union (February 20, 1898) “Skaguay Crowded” Pg 1

CLARE (1915)     It was 4 p.m. Tuesday November 9, 1915 when a missing electrode caused the engine to stop aboard the wooden fishing vessel Clare.  An anchor was put out near Wedge Island but it dragged in the stormy weather.  The Clare stranded and pounded to pieces in a gale but the crew of two escaped.  According to the wreck report filed November 18^th by her master, M E Lane, the vessel was valued at $1,500 and her cargo of 6,000 pounds of canned and salt fish was valued at $450; both lost.  Lane did not know if the Clare was insured.  The last port was listed as Dolomi November 9^th, 1915 with a destination of Ketchikan.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 08 45 N 131 57 45 W   Chart 17420

Comment: The wreck report calls this vessel Clare of Juneau. H W McCurdy Pg 258 spells the vessel Claire

Additional Information: Tonnage 5, Age 5 years, Registered Ketchikan, ON 200186, Owner Eng. Weise Inc of Seattle

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty November 18, 1915

CLARINDA (1947)     The 76 ton 89 foot wooden oil screw Clarinda was consumed by fire January 12, 1947 at Sand Point.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 76 Gross 52 Net, Length 89.6, Breadth17.1, Depth 7, Built 1913 at Port Clinton OH, Service freight, Horsepower 330, Crew 6, SL WCOW, Owner Jesse H Petrich, Registered Seattle WA, ON 211512

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1948) Pg 96, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1949) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 909

CLAUDIA C (2007)     The 33 foot fishing vessel Claudia C flooded and sank six miles off of Ninilchik in Cook Inlet July 2, 2007. The fishing vessel Holly Ann attempted to assist the Claudia C in pumping out the sinking vessel but the three aboard were forced to abandon ship to the Holly Ann as the Claudia C went down.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 18 Gross 15 Net, Length 32.8, ON 595749

Source: USCG MISLE Case # 359604

 

CLEONE (1877)     The 347 ton wooden whaling bark Cleone was lost in St Lawrence Bay on St Lawrence Island in 1877.  Captain Nye was at the helm of the New Bedford vessel which was valued at $35,000 at the time of the loss.

Mapping and Location: West central Alaska   63 30 N 170 30 W   Chart 16006

Source: Alaska File of the Revenue Cutter Service 1867-1914

CLEVEDON (1942)     The 7,314 ton Army transport passenger steamer Clevedon caught fire and was destroyed by the explosions of her cargo January 12, 1942 off of Yakutat.  The vessel was hauling a cargo of ammunition when a fire broke out in her engine room.  The Steamship Taku towed the burning Clevedon out of Yakutat Harbor across the bay and beached her.  High tide cast the blazing vessel free and she drifted for five hours until the explosions of her cargo finally sank her.  There was no loss of life.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 40 N 140 W   Chart 16016

Sources: 1. Seattle Daily Times (January 20, 1942) “Blast and Fire Sank Army Transport, Captain Reports” Pg 7, 2. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

CLEVELAND (1900)     The 258 foot iron steamer Cleveland stranded at Cape Rodney in a rough weather snow storm at 3:45 in the morning, Tuesday October 23, 1900.  There were 29 crew and 10 cargo handlers on board.  The Cleveland was carrying a cargo of 300 tons of coal.  The strong current and heavy weather pushed the vessel off course where she stranded and sank.  The passengers and crew were rescued from the beach by the Revenue Cutter McCullock.  One man, 27 year old 2^nd Mate F Edwards of Germany was lost.  The vessel was valued at $50,000 and cargo $1,000 neither insured.  The Cleveland was anchored outside of Nome when the storm came up and put to sea for safety October 22^nd.

Mapping and Location: West central Alaska   64 39 N 165 24 W   Chart 16200

Additional Information: Length 258.2 feet, Breadth 26.1 feet, Depth 15.9 feet, Tonnage 1160 Gross 730 Net, Built 1865 at Hull England, Registration San Francisco, ON 127128, Master Wm H Johnk of San Francisco, Owner James Tyson of San Francisco

Source: U S Coast Guard Wreck Report filed December 10, 1900 by master of vessel

CLOVERLEAF (1980)     The 60 foot wooden trawler Cloverleaf overturned and sank April 2, 1980 eight miles off of Sutwik Island near the Alaska Peninsula.  The vessel had been dragging for bait for the crab fleet with three crewmen aboard.  Her last transmission was a distress call received by the U S Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak. The Cloverleaf had taken a heavy roll to starboard and not recovered. The crew was abandoning ship in foul weather. Winds were reported at 65 mph and seas to 20 feet. Coast Guard aircraft and nearby vessels responded to the area but were not able to locate the Cloverleaf or her crew. The following day a crewman clinging to a log was spotted by one of two U S Coast Guard C-130 aircraft searching the area. It turned out to be Rick Laws, the captain of the vessel. The fishing vessels Bessie M and Rondys were able to retrieve Laws. He was transported to King Cove where he was picked up by a U S Coast Guard helicopter and transported to Kodiak for treatment of hypothermia. The other two crewmembers of the Cloverleaf, Kodiak fishermen Wink Cissell and Kim Hanlin, were lost.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   56 34 N 157 12 W   Chart 16011

Sources: 1. Unofficial Wreck List (Kodiak), 2. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 3. The Seattle Times (April 4, 1980) “Meanwhile, Coast Guard searchers…” Pg E-3, 4. U S Coast Guard History Website (1980) “27 Hours in the Cold Alaska Sea” by Greg King USCG Flight Engineer

 

CLOY E (1974)     The tug Cloy E burned and sank July 21, 1974 near Marshall.

Mapping and Location: Central Alaska   61 53 N 162 05 W   Chart 16006

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

CLYDESDALE (1957)     The 38 ton 55 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Clydesdale was destroyed by a storm and lost February 22, 1957 at Slocum Arm on the west coast of Chichagof Island.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 34 N 136 03 W   Chart 17320

Additional Information: Tonnage 38 Gross 30 Net, Length 55.6, Breadth 15.6, Depth 6.6, Built 1917 at Gig Harbor WA, Horsepower 100, SL WB5635, Owner Daniel R MacHale, Registered Sitka, ON 214968

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1957) Pg 114, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1958) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 777

 

COAST NO 3 (1973)     The 49 ton 63 foot wooden barge Coast No 3 foundered May 15, 1973 at Hawk Inlet.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 07 40 N 134 45 15 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 49 Gross and Net, Length 63.4, Breadth 20, Depth 4.5, Built 1939 at Seattle WA, ON 174387

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 151, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1974) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1635

 

COASTAL TRADER (1997)     The 168 foot fish tender Coastal Trader caught fire and was abandoned October 6, 1997 near Dixon Entrance, 70 miles off of Cape Muzon.  The vessel was travelling from Saint Paul Island to Seattle.  The seven crewmembers abandoned ship and were rescued by U S Coast Guard Helicopters and transported to Sitka. A salvaging vessel towed the Coastal Trader to Port Caldera where the cargo was removed. The vessel was then towed to Seattle.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   54 39 50 N 132 41 30 W   Chart 16016

Comment: This vessel was originally reported as a total loss off of Cape Muzon. WG

Additional Information: Length 168.5, ON 285716, Call Sign WCQ6020, Owner New England Fish Company ME

Sources: 1. Unofficial Shipwreck List (Kodiak), 2. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 3. USCG MISLE Case # 827357

 

COASTER (1929)     It was Tuesday January 22, 1929 when the wooden gas screw Coaster exploded and was destroyed by fire six miles west of Tenakee Springs.  The three man crew had been unloading the 2,000 pounds of camp supplies when the casualty occurred.  The following is an accounting given by a native crewmember:

“The accident occurred whilst anchored in Tenakee Alaska.  The stern of the boat swung in to the beach and became fast.  When the tide went out about three feet of bilge water ran through to the forecastle causing oil from the bilge to float on the surface to ignite and so burned the hull to the water’s edge.  Nothing was saved but the engine which is of course spoilt owing to it being submerged at high water”

The vessel’s master James Kasko gave the following description in the wreck report filed at Juneau February 2, 1929:

“was unloading supplies and camp equipment.  Tide was falling and Coaster swung with Tide and grounded by stern, all bilge water ran to the bow and ignited from a stove in the forecastle.  I was in Pilot House and was blown overboard, balance of crew also blown overboard.”

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 46 50 N 135 13 W   Chart 17320

Additional Information: Tonnage 14 Gross 10 Net, Built 1908, Registered Seattle, ON 205602, Owner F J Wettrick of Seattle, Vessel Value $2,200, Cargo Value $250, Insurance unknown

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed at Juneau February 2, 1929

COASTY (1929)     A shipwreck report was filed in Seattle March 19, 1929 by the owners of the above vessel Coaster (J T Tenneson and F J Wettrick) using the name Coasty.

COBRA (1990)     The 58 foot fishing vessel Cobra flooded and was abandoned February 22, 1990 at Swanson Harbor.  All four crewmembers were rescued by the fishing vessel Jenny.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 11 30 N 135 05 W   Chart 17300

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

COHO (1990)     The 29 foot steel longline halibut fishing vessel Coho took water over the stern while heavily loaded with fish, capsized and sank June 7, 1990 in Cook Inlet off of Dangerous Cape.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 24 N 151 54 20 W

Additional Information: ON 271319

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

COHOE (1983)     The halibut schooner Cohoe flooded and sank in heavy weather April 1, 1983 approximately 20 miles northwest of Kayak Island.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 56 N 144 23 W   Chart 16013

Comment: A sailboat named Koho is reported lost April 3, 1983 two miles south of Kayak Island.  Both records originate in newspaper or magazine articles. WG

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

COLDBROOK (1942)     The 5,104 ton 390 foot diesel powered steel steam ship Coldbrook was sunk by enemy action June 16, 1942 about 75 miles south of Cordova near Middleton Island.  The Coldbrook was operating as a cargo steamship and was loaded with military supplies.  Some reports mention the vessel was grounded on Middleton Island and salvage efforts undertaken.  They were unsuccessful and the Coldbrook was abandoned.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 26 N 146 20 W   Chart 16013

Additional Information: Tonnage 5,104 Gross 3,127 Net, Length 390, Breadth 54.2, Depth 27.8, Built 1920 at Hog Island PA, Service freight, Crew 42, SL KOQK, Horsepower 2,500, Owner United States Maritime Commission, Registered Philadelphia PA, ON 219293

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1943) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 754, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1942) Pg 20, 3. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

COLLETTE (1974)     The 16 ton 43 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Collette foundered February 3, 1974 south of Spruce Cape on Kodiak Island.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 49 15 N 152 20 W   Chart 16594

Additional Information: Tonnage 16 Gross 13 Net, Length 43.8, Breadth 11.2, Depth 4.2, Built 1929 at Wrangell, ON 229216

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 153, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1978) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 2117

 

COLORADO (1901)     Monday, April 22, 1901 the 983 ton wooden barge Colorado was in tow of the British steam tug Pilot commanded by a Captain Cutter when at 5:15 p.m. the Colorado stranded on a reef in Wrangel Narrows opposite Anchor Point.  According to the master of the Colorado, F C Andrews, about 225 tons of the 1098 tons of sulphurite concentrates were lost, which at the time were worth about $12,000.   The barge, valued at $8,000 became a total loss as well.  Captain Cutter cited the cause of the accident as an out of place buoy.  He says in the wreck report “stranded owing to Red Buoy at Spruce Pt being 300 yards west of correct position.”  They had left Juneau April 20^th bound for Tacoma, Washington.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 38 15 N 132 55 35 W   Chart 17375

Additional Information: Tonnage 983, Built 1864 at Boston, Registered San Francisco, ON 4227, Owner R Dunsmain Sons of San Francisco, Crew 7 none lost, Vessel Value $8,000, Cargo Value $40,000, Insurance none.

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report filed June 16, 1901 by F C Andrews

COLUMBIA (1898)     It was Friday November 4, 1898 at 7 p.m. when the towline parted on the 170 foot wooden bark Columbia which was under tow of the tug Wallowa.  The two were near Port Simpson and Prince of Wales Island, having departed Skagway bound for Seattle with a cargo of 100 tons of general merchandise.  Owing to the severe sea and gale the Wallowa was unable to retrieve the Columbia and she drifted and washed ashore on Prince of Wales Island.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 54 53 45 N 132 29 30 W   Chart 17433

Additional Information: Tonnage 900 Net, Length 169.5 feet, Breadth 37 feet, Depth 21.4 feet, Built 1846 New York NY, Registration Seattle, ON 4842, Master J H Clifford of Seattle, Owner Pacific Clipper Line of Seattle, Crew 7 none lost, Vessel Value $10,000, Cargo Value $4,000, Insurance none.

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report filed by Master Clifford November 22, 1898 at Seattle

COLUMBIA (1904)     It was a dark night Wednesday November 30, 1904 with a heavy gale blowing when at 2:00 a.m. the 60 foot wooden schooner Columbia was driven ashore at McLeods Bay on Montague Island.  The four man crew was able to salvage the 5 tons/$500 worth of provisions aboard, but the Columbia, valued at $1,000 was a total loss with no insurance.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   59 53 N 147 15 W   Chart 16701

Comment: I have charted this wreck at McLeod Harbor on Montague…WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 41, Length 60, Breadth 17.7, Depth 7.2, Built 1893 in Seattle, Registered Valdez, ON 126941, Master/Owner T W Doherty of Valdez

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report filed at Valdez by Doherty January 30, 1905

COLUMBIA (1909)     The American wood square rigged ship Columbia stranded near Seal Cape Unimak Island at 12:30 a.m. April 30, 1909.  The 1,327 ton 206 foot vessel left San Francisco April 8 bound for Bristol Bay with 170 passengers, 24 crewmen and a load of $60,000 worth of cannery supplies.  J H Cameron, Master of the Columbia reported a heavy swell, no wind (she was under sail), and a snow storm caused the vessel to drift ashore in the dark.  Two anchors were set out but didn’t help.  The $18,000 vessel and her cargo were lost, but all those aboard were able to get to safety.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   54 23 30 N 164 38 30 W   Chart 16520

Additional Information: Length 205.9, Breadth 40, Depth 24, Tonnage 1,327, Built 1871 Bath Maine, Registered San Francisco, Owner Henry Nelson of San Francisco

Source: Wreck Report filed by Cameron June 7, 1909

COLUMBIA (1918)     The 19 ton 41 foot gas screw fishing vessel Columbia foundered September 14, 1918 in Saint Matthews Bay.  The 5 persons aboard made it to safety.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 44 N 146 20 W   Chart 16700

Additional Information: Tonnage 19 Gross 13 Net, Length 41, Breadth 12.6, Depth 5, IHP 25, Built 1910 at Port Orchard WA, Registered Ketchikan, ON 207566

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1921) “Vessels Reported Lost” pg 454, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1918) Pg 209

COLUMBIA (1979)     The 105 foot vessel Columbia sank at Unalaska December 18, 1979.  Crewmember James Horsefield died in the disaster.

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

Source: Unofficial Wreck List (Kodiak)

 

COLUMBIA (1997)     The 75 foot fish tender Columbia was destroyed by a fire in the engine room May 29, 1997 off of the Barren Islands.  The one person aboard made it to safety.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   58 57 N 152 15 W   Chart 16013

Additional Information: ON 223578

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

 

COLUMBIAN (1906)     The White Pass and Yukon steamer Columbian caught fire and was completely destroyed September 26, 1906 at Eagle Rock between the mouth of the Little Salmon River and Tanatalus. Six died as a result of the fire and subsequent explosions. The vessel was traveling downstream on the Yukon River when a fire ignited several tons of black powder destroying the steamer. Among those lost were first mate Joe Welsh (41) of Victoria BC, fireman Edward Morgan (24) of Victoria BC, deckhand John Woods (25) of England, deckhand Carl Christianson, deckhand Phil Murray (19) of Seattle and deckhand W.T. Smith. Passenger E.E. Windstandby, a miner from Dawson and purser L. C. Cowper of London survived. All 200 tons of freight on board including 156 tons of merchandise and 21 head of cattle were lost along with the Columbian.

Mapping and Location: Yukon Territory (Near Carmacks)

Comment: Six names are listed in newspapers as lost in this disaster although reports state “5 lost”. WG

Sources: 1.San Francisco Call (September 29, 1906)” Five Die in Wreck of Steamer Columbian” Pg. 2, 2. Fairbanks Daily Times (September 27, 1906) “Steamer Columbia Burns and Wrecked on Yukon” Pg. 1, 3. Morning Oregonian (September 29, 1906) “Death Roll Numbers 5” Pg. 7, 4. Seattle Daily Times (September 26, 1906) “Steamer Burned in Alaska” Pg 13

 

COLUMBUS (1925)     The 44 ton barge Columbus was wrecked and foundered at Holycross on the Yukon River in 1925.

Mapping and Location: Central Alaska

Additional Information: Tonnage 44, Built 1922, ON 168183

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1927) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 864, 2. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 368

COLUSA (1899)     The bark Colusa ran up on the rocks in Sitka Sound during a storm December 12, 1899.  She was valued at $20,000 with cargo at the time of the loss.  The vessel was bound from Kahului, Hawaii to Sitka Sound in ballast to intending to load a cargo of lumber. Captain Hewitt, his wife and the crew of 13 abandoned ship and made Sitka in four days.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 N 135 30 W   Chart 17326

Source: The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 52

COMBINE (2003)     The 41 foot longline cod fishing vessel Combine struck a pinnacle and was lost January 24, 2003 off of Popof Island approximately five miles east of Kodiak.  The master of the vessel issued a May-Day at 12:17 a.m. and the U S Coast Guard issued an urgent request for assistance.  A U S Coast Guard Helicopter and the fishing vessels Highliner and Currency responded.  All three crewmembers from the Combine were taken aboard the fishing vessel Highliner in good condition.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 46 N 152 24 10 W   Chart 16595

Additional Information: ON 944849

Source: U S C G News Release (January 24, 2003) “Three rescued from grounded fishing boat, CG investigating accident”

 

COMEDIAN (1961)     The 12 ton 38 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Comedian foundered April 16, 1961 off of the coast of Mary Island.

Mapping and Location: Alaska   Unknown

Comment: There are multiple Islands named Mary.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 12 Gross 8 Net, Length 38.5, Breadth 9.3, Depth 5, Built 1914 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 96, Owner William H Wood, Registered Sitka, ON 212067

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1959) Pg 122, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1962) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 902

 

COMET (1871)     The wooden whaling bark Comet was crushed in the ice between Point Franklin and Sea Horse Island on September 2, 1871.  Her home port was Honolulu, still part of the Sandwich Islands at that time.  Her American owners had registered her there to fly the Hawaiian Flag to protect the Comet from rebel cruisers.  All those aboard survived the casualty.

Mapping and Location: Northern Alaska   70 53 N 158 42 W   Chart 16003

Source: Harpers Weekly (Dec 2, 1871) “Destruction of the Arctic Whaling Fleet”

COMET (1916)     The launch Comet was wrecked in a storm February 19, 1916 near Pup Island. The vessel was en route from Ketchikan to Loring with three men aboard. When found on the beach, two of the men had succumbed to hypothermia. A third was transported to Ketchikan to be treated for the same malady.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 29 N 131 49 W   Chart 17420

Source: Daily Alaska Dispatch (February 24, 1916) “Found Dead on Beach” Pg 2

 

COMET (1959)     The 41 ton 56 foot wooden oil screw Comet stranded and was lost August 31, 1959 near Kodiak.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 41 Gross 33 Net, Length 56, Breadth 15.4, Depth 6.7, Built 1917 at Tacoma WA, Service freight, Horsepower 75, SL WA3823, Owner Libby McNeill & Libby, Registered Seattle, ON 215116

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1959) Pg 122, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1960) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 823

 

COMET (1964)     The 36 ton 48 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Comet stranded and was lost November 11, 1964 at Shaft Rock, Noyes Island.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 27 15 N 133 19 10 W   Chart 17400

Additional Information: Tonnage 36 Gross 29 Net, Length 47.9, Breadth 15.6, Depth 6.9, Built 1949 at Bellingham WA, Horsepower 165, SL WC4449, Owner William Demmert Sr., Registered Ketchikan, ON 258293

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) Pg 147, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1003

 

COMET (1983)     The 43 foot halibut fishing vessel Comet flooded her engine room and sank September 25, 1983 approximately 25 miles northeast of Dutch Harbor.  The skipper and three crewmembers were rescued by the U S C G Cutter Boutwell after only four minutes in the water.

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)

 

COMMANDER (1975)     The gas screw Commander stranded and was lost September 1, 1975 at Chignik Lagoon.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   56 20 N 158 29 W   Chart 16011

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

COMMANDER (1980)     The 75 foot wooden trawler Commander disappeared with all hands November 21, 1980 on the way from Seattle to Kodiak with four persons on board.  The vessel was last seen 30 miles off of Cape Spencer heading into 30-35 foot swells and 80 knot winds.  Wreckage was spotted on the beach 27 miles south of Yakutat.  Lost were four family members including Philip Edwards and his son Philip Jr., his brother John Edwards and his nephew Sam Bissett, all from Seattle.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 33 N 139 44 W   Chart 16016

Additional Information: Tonnage 114 Gross 71 Net, Length 74.5, Breadth 21.3, Depth 10, Built 1944 at Tacoma WA, Horsepower 240, SL WA3830, ON 246261

Sources: 1. The Seattle Times (November 23, 1980) “Search to resume for Seattle boat lost in Alaska” Pg D 7, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1976) Pg 296

 

COMPEER (1912)     The 347 ton 140 foot three-masted schooner Compeer wrecked at Cape Chichagof near Egegik in Bristol Bay on July 17, 1912. There were 30 persons aboard at the time of the disaster.  All made it to safety.  Built at Fairhaven, California in 1877, the Compeer was valued at $25,000 with cargo.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   58 20 N 157 32 W   Chart 16323

Additional Information: Tonnage 347 Gross 308 Net, Length 140.5, Breadth 32.5, Depth 11.2, Crew 7, Registered San Francisco CA, ON 125585, SL JSHD

Sources: 1. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 211, 2.  Merchant Vessels of the U S (1912) Pg 21, 3. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1913) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 422

COMRADE (1928)     The wooden gas screw Comrade was driven ashore in a storm at one in the morning December 22, 1928 at Lung Island at the south end of Duncan Canal.  When the vessel grounded, a lantern was tipped causing an explosion and fire which destroyed the Comrade, valued at $2,500.  The crew of two escaped injury but their provisions of a ton of coal and clothing worth $500 was lost along with the vessel.  There was no insurance.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 30 45 N 130 04 15 W   Chart 17360

Additional Information: Tonnage 9 Gross 7 Net, Built in 1916, Registered Petersburg, ON 217257, Master James W Rhodes of Petersburg, Owner C Hoogandorn of Petersburg

Source: U S Coast Guard Casualty Report filed at Petersburg by Hogandorn December 24, 1928

COMUS (1908)     The five ton 30 foot schooner Comus was wrecked in Lynn Canal near Berners Bay October 30, 1908 outbound from Skagway.  The Comus was valued at $2,500 with cargo

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 43 N 135 W   Chart 17316

Additional Information: Tonnage 5, Length 30. Breadth 10, Depth 4, Built 1894 at Port Angeles WA, Registered Skagway, ON 127093

Sources: 1. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 156, 2. Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992), 3. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1907) Pg 30, 4. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1909) Pg 388

CONCORDIA (1871)     The 368 ton wooden whaling bark Concordia out of New Bedford, Mass was abandoned in the ice near Point Belcher on September 12, 1871.  The following year Captain Kelley of the bark Gay Head visited the location and reported the Concordia had been destroyed by fire.

Mapping and Location: Northern Alaska   70 47 40 N 159 39 02 W   Chart 16003

Source: U S Revenue Cutter Service Files 1867-1914 Microcopy 641

CONCORDIA (1902)     The 110 ton schooner Concordia was wrecked 10 miles west of Virgin Rocks on April 27, 1902.

Mapping and Location: British Columbia   51 13 N 128 14 W

Source: The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 84

CONQUEST (1994)     The 58 foot fishing vessel Conquest was consumed by fire and sank near the Sand Point Boat Harbor December 9, 1994.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 75 Gross 60 Net, Length 58, ON 972079

Source: USCG MISLE Case # 880785

 

CONSTANCE (1919)     The 78 ton gas screw fishing vessel Constance stranded and was lost twenty five miles east of Cape Suckling Saturday August 23, 1919 at 2:40 a.m.  The crew of fifteen made it to the beach safely and was picked up by the schooner Northland.  The burden of 26,000 pounds of halibut and easterly tide currents running into shore helped cause the casualty.  The Constance was valued at the time of the wreck at $16,000 and her cargo of fish $4,000 both total losses.  The vessel was insured for only $10,000 and there was no cargo insurance.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 59 30 N 143 30 W   Chart 16013

Additional Information: Tonnage 78 Gross 53 Net, Age 6 years, Registered Seattle, ON 211877, Owner Hilde Averson & Averson of Seattle, Master M Hilde, Last Port Ketchikan August 16, 1919 for sea fisheries

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed October 11, 1919 by Hilde at Ketchikan

CONSTANCE (1927)     The gas screw Constance stranded on an uncharted rock at the entrance to Last Chance Harbor, Gambier Bay at 9 p.m. Wednesday October 24, 1927.  Captain Selmer Jacobson of Juneau was seeking shelter from strong SE winds when he hit the rock.  The 1,000 pound cargo of $500 worth of groceries and hardware became a total loss but Jacobson was later able to tow the wrecked vessel to Gambier Bay Cannery and salvage the engine.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 28 N 133 55 W   Chart 17362

Additional Information: Tonnage 15 Gross 10 Net, Age 18 years, Registered Juneau, ON 207072, Master/Owner Selmer Jacobson of Juneau, Insurance none

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed at Juneau October 31, 1927

CONSTANTINE (1898)     The river steamer Constantine was reported to have broken loose and sank while in tow of the steamer Progresso of South Portland 450 miles off of Dixon Entrance.  She was valued at $37,000 with the supplies aboard.  A rumor that circulated in Dutch Harbor soon after recounted a schooner captain finding the Constantine adrift and abandoned 200 miles off shore.  The schooner captain is said to have salvaged the supplies off of the river steamer.

Mapping and Location: Unknown Gulf of Alaska

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

CONTENTMENT (2002)     The 35 foot cod and crab fishing vessel Contentment struck a rock and sank at 4 a.m. February 18, 2002 approximately 40 miles south of King Cove.  Both crew members were rescued by the fishing vessel Coastal Pilot and taken to Dutch Harbor.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   55 03 N 162 19 W   Chart 16520

Comment: The fishing vessel Tradewind sank only a few miles away hours before.  WG

Additional Information: ON AK7574P

Source: U S C G News Release (February 18, 2002) “Five fishermen rescued after two vessels sink”

 

CONTEST (1871)     The 341 ton whaling bark Contest was abandoned in the ice around Point Belcher September 14, 1871.  The Contest was valued at $40,000 at the time of the disaster.

Mapping and Location: Northern Alaska   70 47 40 N 159 39 02 W   Chart 16003

Source: Harper’s Weekly (December 2, 1871) “Destruction of the Arctic Whaling Fleet”

CONTROLLER BAY (1999)     The 78 foot steel fishing vessel Controller Bay grounded and was lost May 8, 1999 in the vicinity of Cave Point, Cape Mordvinof, Unimak Island.  The vessel had been pot fishing for Pacific Cod. The master fell asleep at the wheel with the autopilot on, causing the disaster.  High winds and heavy seas broke up the Controller Bay on the rocks.  All four crewmembers abandoned ship in survival suits to a life raft and were rescued by the fishing vessel Shaman.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   54 47 10 N 164 37 W   Chart 16011

Additional Information: Length 77.9, ON 942350, Call Sign WAC8332

Sources: 1. U S C G Shipwreck List (1989-2004), 2. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013), 3. USCG MISLE Case # 907760

 

CONVENTION (1922)     The 23 ton 45 foot gas screw fishing vessel Convention foundered in Hecate Strait November 2, 1922.  Her five crewmen were lost in the disaster.

Mapping and Location: Unknown Southeast Alaska or Northern British Columbia

Additional Information: Tonnage 23 Gross 20 Net, Length 45, Breadth13.4, Depth 6, IHP 20, Built 1917 at Poulsbo WA, Registered Seattle, ON 215255

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1931) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 939, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1922) Pg 213

COOK INLET (1945)     The 30 ton 48 foot wooden oil screw Cook Inlet foundered January 31, 1945 near Afognak Village in Afognak Bay.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   58 00 30 N 152 46 W   Chart 16580

Additional Information: Tonnage 30 Gross 24 Net, Length 47.8, Breadth 13.4, Depth 5.6, Built 1912 at Tacoma WA, Former Names Hidden Inlet and Pysht, Service misc., Crew 4, Horsepower 60, Owner O L Grimes, Registered Juneau, ON 209705

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1946) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 804, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1945) Pg 145

COPPER (1950)     The 7 ton 32 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Copper burned at the dock in Seldovia on November 17, 1950.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 7 Gross 6 Net, Length 31.9, Breadth 9.4, Depth 3.9, Built 1917 at Cordova, Horsepower 12, Owner Elizabeth Colberg, Registered Juneau, ON 228427

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1950) Pg 114, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1951) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 937

 

CORA (1924)     The wooden gas screw Cora was destroyed by fire at Point Ward Cannery Sunday October 12, 1924 at 12:30 p.m.  The blaze was reported to have been caused by an engine backfire.  The following is a quote from the remarks section of the wreck report:

“Used salt water to drown fire as Pyrene extinguishers aboard were unfit for service.”

“Vessel Burned to water’s edge.  Engine cylinders and manifold cracked.  Hulk was later towed by G S Monoghan to lagoon at Anan Creek and there beached.”

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 10 55 N 131 53 10 W   Chart 17385

Additional Information: Tonnage 13 Gross 10 Net, Built 1917, Registered Seattle, ON 214807, Owner Point Warde Packing Co of Seattle, Crew 3 all survived, Vessel Value $3,000, Insurance none

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed at Wrangell December 18, 1924

CORA B (1978)     The charter boat Cora B struck a rock flooded and was towed to Bass Harbor on Naked Island November 7, 1978.  There she was stripped and burned.  The vessel had been used at times by the U S Bureau of Mines and the U S Forest Service.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 37 30 N 147 24 30 W   Chart 16705

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

CORAL (1997)     The 43 foot longline fishing vessel Coral grounded and sank March 23, 1997 in Resurrection Bay.  Both crewmembers made it to safety.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 48 N 149 30 W   Chart 16680

Additional Information: ON 991096

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

 

CORAL MASTER (1976)     The 78 foot vessel Coral Master sank in October of 1976.

Mapping and Location: Alaska Unknown

Source: Unofficial Wreck List

 

CORAL SEA (1960)     The 148 ton 96 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Coral Sea burned July 19, 1960 in Frederick Sound.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 50 N 134 25 W   Chart 17360

Additional Information: Tonnage 148 Gross 101 Net, Length 96.3, Breadth 21.3, Depth 10.8, Built 1943 at Bristol RI, Former Name APC-95 (U S N), Horsepower 400, Owner Coral Sea Boat Company, Registered Seattle, ON 254813

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1960) Pg 129, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1961) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 860

 

CORDOVA (1966)     The 55 ton 79 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Cordova burned June 6, 1966 in the Copper River Flats near Cordova.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 25 N 145 W   Chart 16013

Additional Information: Tonnage 55 Gross 37 Net, Length 79.2, Breadth 18.3, Depth 4.2, Built 1935 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 160, SL WA3898, Owner New England Fish, Registered Seattle, ON 233860

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 158, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1165

 

CORDOVA (1995)     The 82 foot wooden crab fishing vessel Cordova flooded and sank May 5, 1995 approximately 85 miles north of Cold Bay in the Bering Sea.  The vessel was on her way to the herring opening in Togiak when she began taking on water from the bow.  After multiple attempts to dewater the Cordova, all four crewmembers abandoned ship in survival suits to a life raft and were rescued by the fishing vessel Lady Kodiak. During the process of abandoning ship it was observed that about six feet of anchor chain was out. It was speculated that the anchor had slipped its dogs allowing it to punch through the bow and flood the vessel.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   55 12 N 162 42 W   Chart 16006

Additional Information: Length 82.3, ON 251242, Call Sign WB7420, Built 1945 at Seattle WA, Former Names Kernel Korn and BSP 3113 USA

Sources: 1. Unofficial Shipwreck List (Alaska), 2. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 3. USCG MISLE Case # 71123, 4. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1979) Pgs 756 & 1925

 

CORDOVA SALVOR (1957)     The 180 ton 100 foot steel oil screw Cordova Salvor stranded and was lost November 4, 1957 at Cape Sarichef.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   54 35 50 N 164 55 30 W   Chart 16011

Additional Information: Tonnage 180 Gross 160 Net, Length 99.9, Breadth 31.9, Depth 5, Built 1942 at Decatur AL, Former Name LCT-5-353 (U S N), Service freight, Horsepower 495, SL WD3974, Owner J A Jones Construction Company, Registered Juneau, ON 261741

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1957) Pg 120, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1958) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 777

 

COREA (1890)     The 133 foot wooden bark Corea stranded at three in the morning Wednesday April 23, 1890 in thick weather, and was subsequently lost.  H H Wheeler of San Francisco was Master of the vessel at the time.  The following are excerpts from the wreck report:

“Heavy breeze, thick weather, strong tide, smooth sea, cloudy, and dark night.”

“Lookout forward and captain and 2^nd mate on deck”

“Stranded…sand bar six miles south of Kalgin Island.”

“Got her off the reef and found the vessel was filling, so ran her 25 miles in sinking condition to East shore of Cook Inlet and beached her.”

There were 97 passengers and 19 crewmen aboard the Corea at the time of the casualty, all of whom were saved.  The $45,000 cargo of 500 tons of cannery materials and merchandise was 80 percent lost.  The Corea, valued at $15,000 is listed as a total loss.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 28 N 151 55 W   Chart 16662

Additional Information: Tonnage 564.62, Length 133.4, Breadth 31.5, Depth 18, Built 1868 at Boston Mass, Registered San Francisco, ON 5448, Owner Arctic Fishing Co of San Francisco, Last Port San Francisco March 27, 1890, Vessel Insurance $12,500, Cargo Insurance $41,600

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report filed June 3, 1890 by F P Kendall Mgr/Owner Arctic Fishing

CORINTHIAN (1868)     The 390 ton whaling bark Corinthian was lost at Blossom Shoals August 30, 1868.

Mapping and Location: Northern Alaska   70 23 N 161 57 W   Chart 16003

Source: Alaska File of the Revenue Cutter Service, “Losses of 1868-1888”

CORNELIUS HOWLAND (1876)     The 333 ton wooden whaling ship Cornelius Howland was caught in the ice and abandoned in the Arctic Ocean during the whaling season of 1876.  Her home port was New Bedford, Mass and she was valued at $40,000 including her 1,400 barrels of whale oil and 8,000 pounds of whale bone on board at the time of the disaster.

Mapping and Location: Northern Alaska (Unknown)

Source: U S Commission of Fish and Fisheries: The Fishery Industries of the United States Section 5 Volume II “Destruction of the Arctic Whaling Fleet, 1876” Pgs 83-84

CORNELL NO 10 (1982)     The 130 foot barge Cornell No 10 grounded and sank July 31, 1982 approximately 22 miles west of Carter Spit in Kuskokwim Bay.

Mapping and Location: West central Alaska   59 19 N 162 W   Chart 16006

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

CORONA (1929)     The wooden gas schooner Corona was destroyed by fire August 26, 1929 approximately 15 miles WSW of Noyes Island. The fire was discovered at 12:15 p.m. while the eleven man crew was endeavoring to catch halibut.  The wreck report states as follows:

“Dories had just been launched for second set, Engineer smelt something burning, got as far as cabin but could not get to engine room on account of flames, explosion occurred and engineer burned on legs, arm and face, blowing overalls off of body and other clothes afire.”

“Fought fire with water, unable to control, started to explode & forced to take to dories.”

“Ga S Tordenskold arrived too late to assist in putting out fire but carried crew to Steamboat Bay, Alaska, from thence to Craig, Alaska by New England Fish Company’s vessel Chinnook.”

The vessels master and owner, John Courage of Seattle valued the Corona at $23,000 and her 2,500 lbs. of fresh halibut at $250, both lost.  The crew all survived.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 30 N 133 40 W   Chart 17400

Additional Information:  Tonnage 36 Gross 19 Net, Age 19 years, Registered Seattle, ON 207806, Last Port Ketchikan August 21, Vessel Insurance $10,000, Cargo Insurance none

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed August 30, 1929 at Ketchikan by Courage

CORRINE (1966)     The 22 ton 39 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Corrine foundered April 24, 1966 off of Craig.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 28 30 N 133 09 W   Chart 17400

Additional Information: Tonnage 22 Gross 17 Net, Length 39.5, Breadth 12.6, Depth 7.3, Built 1948 at Bremerton WA, Horsepower 165, Registered Ketchikan, ON 255647

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 159, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1165

 

CORSAIR (1912)     The 15.74 ton 54 foot wooden gas screw steamer Corsair stranded at Point Martin near Katalla at 2:00 a.m. October 29, 1912 carrying 14 tons of general ware cargo.  She soon caught fire and was destroyed.  Of the two aboard, only her master Peter Dahl of Katalla survived.  Engineer Albert Ness was lost.  Conditions at the time of the casualty were high seas and 70 to 80 mile an hour winds.  The Corsair is reported to have been “engaged in lengthening off steam”.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 10 N 144 36 W   Chart 16723

Additional Information: Tonnage 15.74, Length 53.8, Breadth 13.1, Depth 4.6,  Built 1906 at Puyallup WA, Registered Cordova, ON 203585, Owner Charles Auer of Katalla, Vessel Value $5,000, Cargo Value $3,000, Vessel Insurance none, Cargo Insurance unknown

Sources: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report filed December 14, 1912 by C Auer managing owner, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1912) Pg 152

CORSON (1913)     The motor vessel Corson was lost at Ketchikan August 10, 1913.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 20 30 N 131 38 45 W   Chart 17430

Source: The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 231

CORY B (2005)     The 32 foot gillnet fishing vessel Cory B disappeared and was presumed to have foundered around August 28, 2005 near Coffee Point en route to Naknek in Bristol Bay.  Debris from the vessel was spotted two to four miles north of Coffee Point after a storm washed through the area.  Myron J Rapacz, skipper of the Cory B and the only one on board, was lost with the vessel. Rapacz was believed to have been fishing near Cinder River, was returning to Naknek and was caught in the storm.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   58 12 20 N 157 26 15 W   Chart 16323

Additional Information: Vessel Identification AK9594B

Sources: 1. U S C G News Release (August 31, 2005) “Coast Guard, others search for skipper of fishing vessel Cory B”, 2. USCG MISLE Case # 254671

 

CORYPHENE (1905)     The 167 foot wood bark Coryphene stranded 1.5 miles from the beach 16 miles north of Cape Prince of Wales carrying 1,000 tons of general merchandise, coal and lumber on August 5, 1905.  The Coryphene had left Nome July 26, 1905 bound for Tin City.  The following are excerpts from the wreck report filed by the master of the Coryphene, Archie McClean:

“10 miles, hazy, drizzling rain.  Moderate sea…Struck eight fathoms.  Tried to wear ship with wheel hard a port.”

“Run anchor to deep water, tried to kedge off without success.  Sea and wind increasing.  Abandoned vessel 6 a.m. Aug. 6.  Wind moderate gale.  Rudder unshipped.  Stern giving away. Aug. 6, took everybody aboard at 7 a.m.”

Mapping and Location: West central Alaska   65 55 N 168 W   Chart 16200

Additional Information: Tonnage 811 Gross 733 Net, Length 160.2, Breadth 34.2, Depth 20.4, Built 1878 Millbridge Maine, Registered Seattle, ON 125653, Master Archibald McClean of Seattle, Owner W A Woodin of Anacortes Washington, Crew 15 none lost, Passengers none, Vessel Value $10,000, Cargo Value $8,000, Vessel Insurance $5,000, Cargo Insurance unknown

Comment: The Daily Gold Digger reported August 17, 1905 that the Coryphene was being dismantled and what cargo could be, salvaged.  The Nome Nugget also had similar reports.

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report filed Aug 9, 1905 by McLean

COTTAGE CITY (1902)     The steamship Cottage City stranded September 7, 1902 at Island Point, Etolin Island with 150 passengers aboard. The vessel was owned by Pacific Coast Steamship Company and was valued at $50,000 with cargo at the time of the casualty.  All passengers were transferred to the steamer Spokane several hours later and taken to Juneau. The Cottage City was bound for Seattle. 100 tons of cargo were jettisoned and the remainder, consisting 10,000 cases of salmon, was taken ashore by lighters. The stem, forefoot and 40 feet of keel were torn away from the Cottage City when she struck the shelf of rock where she stranded. Three weeks after the wreck, the Cottage City was refloated and made it to Seattle under her own steam.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 06 N 132 21 W   Chart   17385

Comment: This entry is included because evidence of the wreck may still be found. WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 1885 Gross 981 Net, Length 293, Breadth 40.6, Depth 23.3, Built Bath ME 1890, 1,300 IHP

Sources:  1. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 84, 2. San Francisco Chronicle (September 10, 1902) “Runs on Rocks but Passengers are Safe” Pg 1, 3. Daily Alaska Dispatch (September 9, 1902) “The Steamer Cottage City On Rocks At Etolin Island Pg 1, 4. Daily Alaska Dispatch (October 8, 1902) “Cottage City at Seattle” Pg 4

COUGAR (1946)     The 43 ton 59 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Cougar foundered July 22, 1946 four miles off Rocky Point in the Shelikof Strait.  She had departed Karluk with 20,000 fish bound for Kodiak.  The vessel took on water in the engine room, split open and sank stern first.  Three crewmembers and seven passengers were lost with the vessel including captain Irving Glen Palmer of Tacoma WA, deckhand Ray Lawson of Aberdeen WA, engineer A G Sturman of Bellingham WA, Lois Mueller of Denver CO and the Alaska Native Service, Lorraine Habch, Mrs. Amund Taylor (on her way to have a child), Lester Knagin and Willie Roft.  Names of three others lost were not known including a waitress from Carmel, a man from Carmel and a commercial fisherman.  Harold Aga of Larson Bay survived 11 hours clinging to a gas tank.  He was rescued by a passing fishing vessel, taken to a nearby cannery and flown to the hospital in Kodiak.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 39 45 N 154 13 50 W   Chart 16580

Additional Information: Tonnage 43 Gross 29 Net, Length 59.2, Breadth 15.1, Depth 7.0, Built 1917 at Tacoma WA, Crew 7, Horsepower 105, SL KDPM, Owner Pioneer Canneries, Registered Juneau, ON 214748

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1946) Pg 105, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1947) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 822, 3. The Seattle Times (July 24, 1946) “Alaska Sinking Takes 10 Lives” Pg 10

COURTNEY FORD (1902)     The 146 foot three masted wood schooner (originally a brigantine) Courtney Ford stranded and was lost at 8:15 p.m. September 7, 1902 at Glen Island.  The vessel had departed St Michael September 2^nd and was bound for Port Townsend, Washington and San Francisco.  The Courtney Ford was in ballast with no cargo and had eight crewmen and one “work away” on board.  Three crew were lost; 1^st mate C N Sanderson (47) from Sweden, Walter Olson (22) from Denmark and Seaman C Carlson (37) from Denmark.  The following statements were taken from the wreck report filed by her captain, M E Burgeson, on October 28, 1902:

“Dark cloudy night; strong wind and squally breeze from west.”  “Saw breakers ahead; went to wear ship; just then vessel struck.”

The wreck is reported to have been caused by “Iron about the compass”. Other reports mention that Amak Island was mistaken for Akun Island while the crew was dead reckoning in the fog because of the faulty compass.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   55 18 N 162 55 W Chart 16006

Comment: Glen Island is the southernmost of the Kudiakof Group near the SW end of the Alaska Peninsula NE of Unimak Island

Additional Information: Tonnage 401.11 Gross 381.06 Net, Length 146.3, Breadth 34.2, Depth 12.5, Built 1883 at Benicia California, Registered San Francisco, ON 126173, Owner Pacific Shipping Co of San Francisco, Vessel Value $19,000, Vessel Cargo 25 ton of ballast, Vessel Insurance none

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report filed at San Francisco

COWBOY (1981)     The fishing vessel Cowboy was lost in rough weather August 20, 1981 in the Gulf of Alaska.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   Unknown

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

CRAIG FOSS (1965)     The 179 ton 88 foot steel oil screw tug Craig Foss foundered November 7, 1965 in Cook Inlet.  All 10 crewmembers were rescued.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 179 Gross 120 Net, Length 88, Breadth 23.9, Depth 12.2, Built 1942 at New Orleans LA, Former Name Major Henry James Conner, Horsepower 600, SL WG7565, Owner Foss Launch & Tug, Registered Seattle, ON 270694

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 161, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1165

 

CRANE (1939)     The 10 ton 34 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Crane stranded and was lost October 12, 1939 at Valdez.  No one was aboard at the time of the casualty.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   61 07 N 146 16 W   Chart 16013

Additional Information: Tonnage 10 Gross 6 Net, Length 34, Breadth 9.8, Depth 3.5, Built 1935 at Cordova, Horsepower 35, Owner Victor E Hackett, Registered Juneau, ON 234524

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1941) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 510, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1939) Pg 122

CRESCENT (1974)     The 24 ton 57 foot wooden oil screw Crescent stranded and was lost October 14, 1974 at Totem Bay, Kupreanof Island.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 28 N 133 23 W   Chart 17360

Additional Information: Tonnage 24 Gross 16 Net, Length 57, Breadth 14.8, Depth 5, Built 1914 at Sunrise Beach WA, Former Name Arlyn Nelson, ON 212556

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 161, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1978) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 2117

 

CRESSET (1952)     The 36 ton 53 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Cresset foundered January 17, 1952 in a storm at Kodiak.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 36 Gross 29 Net, Length 53.6, Breadth 15.1, Depth 7.2, Built 1898 at Tacoma WA, Former Name Mary, Crew 8, Horsepower 165, Owner W A Ritter, Registered Seattle, ON 92895

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1952) Pg 122, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1953-1954) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 748

 

CREST (1964)     The 13 ton 36 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Crest 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 13 Gross 9 Net, Length 36.7, Breadth 10.8, Depth 4.5, Built 1950 at Juneau, Horsepower 110, SL WE2649, Owner Aaren W Bauder, Registered Juneau, ON 259798

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) Pg 154, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1002

 

CREST (1999)     The 48 foot wooden salmon seiner Crest capsized and sank in 60 fathoms of water August 14, 1999 at Chasina Point in Clarence Strait.  All five crewmembers abandoned ship to a skiff and were escorted to Wards cove by the fishing vessel Wendy.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 16 50 N 132 01 30 W   Chart 17420

Additional Information: ON 250399

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

 

CRICKET (2008)     The fishing vessel Cricket foundered June 10, 2008 in southern Sitka Sound about 17 miles from Sitka.  The two persons aboard abandoned ship in survival suits and were rescued by the NOAA research ship Rainier.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 00 N 135 30 W   Chart 17320

Sources: 1. Anchorage Daily News (June 10, 2008), 2. U S C G Enforcement Report (June 10, 2008)

 

CROSS SOUND (1933)     Darkness and a shifting river bar are listed as the causes of the stranding and loss of the wooden gas screw Cross Sound.  The casualty occurred at 8:00 p.m. October 19, 1923 near Francis Anchorage in Farragut Bay.  The following are excerpts are from the wreck report filed by Carl Venelstad October 30, 1933:

“strong NE breeze, dark and cloudy.”  “Proceeding at moderate speed and keeping lookout.”  “stranded and foundered”  “Capt Malver on the Diesel boat Urania tried to raise the vessel but was unsuccessful on account of the depth of water, about 6 fathoms and too much sand.”

The Cross Sound had departed Petersburg October 10^th with two aboard on a fishing, hunting and prospecting trip and was valued at $3,000 at the time of the loss.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 09 N 133 10 W   Chart 17367

Additional Information: Tonnage 7.53 Gross 6 Net, Age 16 years, Registered Juneau, ON 214790, Crew 2 none lost, Insurance none

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed at Petersburg October 30, 1933

CROW (1978)     The 117 foot old Navy landing craft Crow sank 9 miles off of Wide Bay November 20, 1978.  The vessel was transporting construction materials to a cannery.  The six crewmen aboard were rescued from a life raft by the U S Coast Guard.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 22 N 156 11 W   Chart 16013

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

 

CROWN CITY (1942)     The 5,433 ton 410 foot oil screw Crown City stranded and was lost on Sledge Island September 1, 1942.  The vessel was carrying foodstuffs, mobile machinery, Quonset huts, clothing, coal, ore, gasoline, airplane parts, and had a deck load of lumber.  Much of the cargo was salvaged.

Mapping and Location: West central Alaska   64 29 N 166 13 W   Chart 16006

Additional Information: Tonnage 5,433 Gross 3,366 Net, Length 410, Breadth 54.4, Depth 27.2, Built 1920 in Los Angeles CA, Service freight, Crew 34, Horsepower 2,700 (Brake), SL KUSP, Owner U S Maritime Commission, Registered Los Angeles CA, ON 220039

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1943) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 754, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1942) Pg 113, 3. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

CROWN NO 2 (1954)     The 1,295 ton 260 foot steel scow Crown No 2 stranded and was lost February 27, 1954 near Tree Point.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   54 48 15 N 130 55 45 W   Chart 17420

Additional Information: Tonnage 1,295 Gross and Net, Length 260, Breadth 48.1, Depth 12, Built 1946 at Everett and Seattle WA, Former Name APL-6 (U S N), Owner Crown Zellerbach Corporation, Registered Seattle, ON 251515

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1952) Pg 123, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1955) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 937

 

CROWN REEFER (1946)     The 5,100 ton USAT refrigerator ship Crown Reefer ran aground and was abandoned January 27, 1946 off of Kirilof Point, Amchitka Island.  The vessel was transporting perishables and cargo from Seattle for the Army at Kodiak and on Aleutian Island bases.  All 39 officers and crewmembers were rescued by Navy rescue tug.  The ship broke up some time later.

Mapping and Location: Southwest Alaska   51 25 15 N 179 17 50 E   Chart 16450

Sources: 1. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 2. Seattle Daily Times (January 29, 1946) “Reefer’s Crew Saved in Wreck” Pg 19

 

CRUISER (1991)     The 32 foot long line fishing vessel Cruiser burned and sank September 20, 1991 off of Marmot Island near Kodiak.  The one person aboard was rescued.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   58 13 N 151 50 W   Chart 16580

Additional Information: ON 931611

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

 

CRUSADER (1943)     The 101 ton 73 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Crusader foundered May 1, 1943 in the Shumagin Islands.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   55 10 N 160 W   Chart 16011

Additional Information: Tonnage 101 Gross 68 Net, Length 73.4, Breadth 21.2, Depth 9.7, Built 1937 at Tacoma WA, Crew 10, Horsepower 240, SL WPTB, Owner Spiro Babich, Registered Tacoma WA, ON 236722

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1948) Pg 111, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1949) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 909, 3. Oregonian (May 7, 1943) “Astoria Craft Lost in North” Pg 13

CRUSADER (1991)     The 27 foot longline fishing vessel Crusader lost steering while hauling gear, grounded and sank June 11, 1991 on Indian Rocks in Cross Sound.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 15 N 136 20 W   Chart 17300

Comment: Probably Inian Rocks.  WG

Additional Information: ON 264063

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

 

CRY HAVOC (1997)     The 32 foot salmon seiner Cry Havoc grounded and was lost August 24, 1997 at Ugashik.  No one was on board at the time of the disaster.

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

Additional Information: ON CG053241

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

 

CRYSTAL (1895)     The 33 ton 49 foot wood schooner Crystal was lost Friday September 27, 1895 at 11:15 p.m. in Yakutat Bay.  The 7 passengers and 4 crewmen made it to safety but the Crystal and her ten ton cargo of codfish was lost.  The following is an accounting of the wreck by her master N Lawson of Tacoma and others:

“We, the undersigned, crew and passengers of the schooner Crystal, of Tacoma, 32.52 tons, N Lawson, Master, bound to Tacoma from Kodiak, affirm that on the afternoon of September 27^th, 1895, we lay at anchor off Kantaag Island, Yakutat Bay.  At about 6 p.m. a gale sprung up from the southeast, causing us to drag our anchors into deep water, and losing our port anchor, we were compelled to heave up starboard anchor, make sail, and stand up Yakutat Bay on the starboard tack.  11:15 p.m. the weather being very thick, we went ashore on the east shore of Yakutat Bay, about 16 miles north of Yakutat, not being able to see the land until the vessel struck.  The lead was kep going constantly, but the depth of water varied from six fathoms to no bottom at twenty fathoms.  The tide was half ebb and all hands were landed in the boats.  At low tide the ship was nearly high and dry, and all effects of both the passengers and crew were saved.”

“The vessel was badly stove in and the wreck was sold to James W Johnson of Yakutat and T V Smith of Seattle.  No insurance.”

“On October 5, 1895, the crew and passengers were transported to Yakutat by the schooner yacht Dauntless, of Everett, Geo E Montandon, master, to await transportation to Sitka. “

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 48 N 139 37 W   Chart 16761

Additional Information: Length 48.6, Breadth 15.2, Depth 6.8, Tonnage 32.52, Built 1895 in Tacoma, Registered Tacoma, ON 127073, Master/Owner N Lawson of Tacoma, Last Port Kodiak August 25^th, Bound for Tacoma, Vessel Value $2,500, Cargo Value $500, Insurance none

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report filed October 22, 1895

CRYSTAL S (1974)     The 199 ton diesel powered fishing vessel Crystal S flooded, capsized and sank August 12, 1974 approximately 3.5 miles northwest of Akutan Island.

Mapping and Location: Southwest Alaska   54 07 N 165 55 W   Chart 16011

Additional Information: Tonnage 199 Gross, Built 1970, ON 524448

Source: Merchant Vessels of the U S (1976) Pg 1424

 

CUB NO.2 (1928)     The 13 ton wood barge Cub No 2 parted an anchor line in a storm at 5:00 a.m. July 26, 1928.  She was washed ashore and quickly broke up near where she had been anchored at Saint Michael Harbor.  The Cub No 2 was empty and valued at $300 with no insurance.

Mapping and Location: West central Alaska   63 29 N 162 02 W   Chart 16006

Additional Information: Tonnage 13 Gross 10 Net, Built 1924, Registered Nome, ON 169050, Master Alexander Allan of Nome, Owner Same and C S Hilfrich of Nome

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed at Nome August 21, 1928

CURACAO (1913)     The 241 foot iron steam schooner Curacao struck an uncharted rock 1.5 miles WSW of Culebra Island Tonowak Bay and was lost 7:20 a.m. Saturday June 21, 1913.  The Curacao had 39 passengers and 51 crewmen all of whom were transported from the wreck by the USCG SS Gedney to Ketchikan soon after the stranding.  The Curacao, valued at $200,000 was listed as a total loss as a result of the wreck.  She was also carrying 1200 tons of cargo listed as general merchandise.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 39 20 N 133 28 10 W   Chart 17404

Comments: The location of this wreck is on the reef with its name.  There is a casualty report filed in Ketchikan June of 1930 by this vessel which firmly evidences the Curacao’s salvage.

Additional Information:  Length 241.3, Breadth 38, Depth 16.3, Tonnage 1503 Gross 895 Net, HP 1,170, Built 1895 Philadelphia, Registered NY, ON 127113, Master William Thompson of Seattle, Owner The Pacific Coast Company Seattle, Last Port Craig June 21^st, Destination Heceta Island Swifts Cannery, Vessel Insurance $153,500

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report filed at New York and San Francisco Sept 13, 1913

CURLEW (1984)     The 48 foot wooden fishing vessel Curlew stranded and foundered September 30, 1984 near Herendeen Island in the Shumagin Islands.  The Curlew was towing the Kelly Ann who had been experiencing engine trouble southeast of Atkin Island.  Three of the four crewmen aboard the Curlew were lost including David Miller, Phil O’Donoghue and Geoff William O’Donoghue.  Ray Miller, the fourth crewmen from the Curlew, managed to get aboard the Kelly Ann to safety.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   55 04 N 159 25 W   Chart 16540

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

 

CURLEW (1990)     The 33 foot wooden fish tender Curlew capsized and sank in rough weather October 1, 1990 off the Barren Islands.  Both crewmembers were rescued.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   58 57 N 152 15 W   Chart 16580

Additional Information: ON 290562, Built 1963

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

CYANE (1883)     The 296 ton wood bark Cyane stranded and was lost at 7:00 p.m. August 23, 1883 while on a whaling cruise in Arctic waters.  The crew of 17 was forced to abandon the vessel 5 miles NE of Point Belcher and the vessel went to pieces in a heavy SW gale.  The Cyane was valued at $7,500 with no cargo aboard at the time.

Mapping and Location: Northern Alaska   70 47 40 N 159 39 02 W   Chart 16003

Additional Information: Tonnage 295.76, Built 1848 in Baltimore MD, Registered San Francisco, ON 5686, Master/Owner James McKenna of San Francisco, Vessel Insurance $7,500

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report filed October 29, 1883 at San Francisco

 

CYCLONE (2012)     The fishing vessel Cyclone sank six nautical miles east of Cape Chiniak March 2, 2012. All three crewmembers abandoned ship in survival suits and were rescued by Good Samaritan fishing vessel Glacier. The Glacier was in the area and responded to the U S Coast Guard Urgent Marine Information Broadcast. Weather was reported to include winds southwest 25 knots and seas 8-10 feet. The Cyclone flooded from the lazarette.

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

Source: 17^th Coast Guard District Enforcement Report (Dec 2011-Mar 2012)

 

CYDONIA (1972)     The 63 ton 68 foot wooden oil screw Cydonia foundered January 4, 1972 near Point Hugh, Stephens Passage.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 34 10 N 133 48 30 W   Chart 17360

Additional Information: Tonnage 63 Gross 43 Net, Length 68, Breadth 19.2, Depth 8.6, Built 1915 at Seattle WA, ON 212948

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 163, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1978) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 2117

 

CYGNET (1995)     The 72 foot steel fishing vessel Cygnet flooded and sank November 17, 1995 off of Flat Island in Cook Inlet.  The two persons aboard made it to safety.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 19 45 N 151 59 45 W   Chart 16640

Additional Information: ON 947991

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

 

CYNTHIA REA (1975)     The gillnet fishing vessel Cynthia Rea grounded and sank June 16, 1975 on Zarembo Island, 30 miles south of Petersburg.  Three crewmembers were lost in the disaster.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 20 N 132 50 W   Chart 17360

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

CYPRESS (1920)     The 33 ton gas fishing boat Cypress stranded on the west spit of Dry Bay Bar and was lost about 9 p.m. May 29, 1920.  John G Edensword, the master of the vessel, stated that it was daytime in a heavy fog when the Cypress stranded but “breakers set in after stranding…tried to release boat from spit…could not on account of heavy sea and breakers.”  The 4 man crew was assisted by the gas boat Spencer of Northwest Fisheries Co and gas boat Eagle of Deep Sea Salmon Co.

Mapping and Location: Unknown SE or SC Alaska

Comment: There are many Dry Bays but my money would be on the one along the SE Gulf of Alaska east of Yakutat where the Alsek River comes out.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 33 Gross 21 Net, Built 1917, Registered Seattle, ON 214704, Owner Booth Fisheries of Seattle, Last Port Dry Bay, Destination Dundas, Vessel Value $6,500, Cargo 17-18 ton fish, Cargo Value $3,600, Vessel Insurance unknown, Vessel Loss entire engine salvaged, Cargo partially salvaged

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed June 24, 1920 by Edenword at Juneau

CZARINA (1911)     The 116 foot wood schooner Czarina stranded in a gale in the E side of Nagai Island and was lost at 10:00 p.m. February 15, 1911. The vessel had a crew of ten aboard all who survived the casualty.  The Czarina, valued at $10,000 and her 300 ton cargo of salt and provisions worth $8,000 were lost.  Captain William Wallstedt of Oakland California stated that he was seeking shelter from the weather.

“Attempted to steer behind point for shelter; struck on reef shown in chart as being on other side of the bight in which stranding occurred.”  “Gale; sudden change of wind driving vessel on lee shore; chart faulty; night. Alternately clear and snow squalls.”

“Bottom went out of vessel but top held together; stuck in rocks of the reef; next day when weather moderated made the shore in dories.”

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   55 05 N 160 W Chart 16540

Additional Information: Length 116, Breadth 30.6, Depth 10.6, Tonnage 230 Gross 218 Net, Built 1891 Fairhaven California, Registration San Francisco, ON 126818, Owner Union Fish Co of San Francisco, Last Port San Francisco Jan 25, 1911, Destination Pirate Cove, Vessel Insurance $6500, Cargo Insurance $7000

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report filed at San Francisco March 22, 1911