Alaska Shipwrecks (F)

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

F I P NO 24 (1928)     The 6 ton scow F I P No 24 stranded and was lost at Kingsmill Shore August 7, 1928.  There was no one aboard at the time of the casualty.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 50 N 134 25 10 W   Chart 17320

Additional Information: 6 Ton, Built 1918, ON 167161

Source: Merchant Vessels of the U S (1929) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 911

F P 3 (1941)     The 33 ton 60 foot wooden scow F P 3 stranded and was lost in Pavlof Bay October 22, 1941.  There was no one aboard the scow at the time of the casualty.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   55 20 N 161 38 W   Chart 16011

Additional Information: Tonnage 33 Gross and Net, Length 60, Breadth 16, Depth 4, Built 1931 at Seattle, Owner P E Harris & Company, Registered Juneau, ON 171283

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1942) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 510, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1941) Pg 354

F S REDFIELD (1911)     The 469 ton 160 foot wooden gas screw F S Redfield stranded and was lost near Cape Prince of Wales at 10:00 p.m. Saturday August 19, 1911.  The vessel departed Unalaska July 19, 1911 bound for Cape Prince of Wales.  There were 23 crewmen and 350 tons of general merchandise aboard.  She had about a third of a deckload of freight.  The following are excerpts from the wreck report filed by James McKenna, master of the F S Redfield:

“3 mi. east Cape Prince of Wales, Alaska”  “South gale, rainy, dark, cloudy”  “South gale and current setting in to shore, could not head to sea”  “Stranded”  “Anchors let go; dragged until she struck”  “One day after vessel went aground, the mate went ashore and telephoned for the Revenue Cutter Bear at Nome, who arrived 48 hours later and rendered all possible assistance by helping lighter cargo and carry crew to Nome”  “Total loss”

The F S Redfield, valued at $25,000 was a total loss.  The cargo, which was worth $10,000 was damaged $5,000 on the report.  The F S Redfield had insurance of $12,500 on the vessel and $3,500 on the cargo.  There was no loss of life.

Mapping and Location: West central Alaska   65 36 N 168 05 W   Chart 16006

Additional Information: Tonnage 469 Gross 371 Net, Length 159.6, Breadth 37.1, Depth 11.4, Built 1887 at Port Blakely WA, Service freight, SL KFBT, Registered San Francisco, ON 120704, Master James McKenna of Berkely CA, Owner James E McKenna of Plantation CA

Sources: 1. U S Customs Report of Casualty October 16, 1911 at Nome, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1911) Pg 181, 3. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1912) Pg 419

FAIRLAND (1931)     The 14 ton wooden oil screw Fairland was destroyed by fire at 5:00 p.m. Wednesday July 15, 1931 in Idaho Inlet.  Owner and master R P Cipic left for a seining trip with a crew of six July 12, 1931 out of Port Althorp.  They fought the fire for an hour alone and then were assisted by the Arab and the Rio Grande but the fire had made too much headway to stop.  The Fairland was beached in Idaho Inlet where she was totally consumed by flames.  All that was left of the vessel was a small portion of the stern.  In the casualty report filed by Cipic at Ketchikan July 22, he places the value of the Fairland at $10,000 no cargo.  Insurance on the vessel was said to be $7,000.  Weather at the time of the loss was slight NE wind and daylight.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 10 N 136 12 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 14 Gross 10 Net, Built 1926, Registered Tacoma and Ketchikan, ON 227322

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty July 22, 1931 at Ketchikan

FAIRMONT (1976)     The 34 foot vessel Fairmont burned and sank August 22, 1976 near Port Bailey.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 56 N 153 02 W   Chart 16594

Source: Unofficial Wreck List

 

FAIRWEATHER (1965)     The 70 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Fairweather stranded and was lost October 5, 1965 at the head of American Bay.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   54 51 N 132 48 W   Chart 17400

Comment: I have charted this loss in the American Bay on Dall Island. There is also an American Bay on the Alaska Peninsula.

Additional Information: Tonnage 73 Gross 49 Net, Length 70, Breadth 18, Depth 8.8, Built 1929 at Port Blakely WA, SL WA4890, ON 228284

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) Pg 898, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1963) Pg 210

 

FALCON (1940)     The 10 ton 38 foot gas screw fishing vessel Falcon was consumed by fire October 11, 1940 one half mile off of Hood Bay.  The four persons aboard made it to safety.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 23 N 134 24 W   Chart 17320

Additional Information: Tonnage 10 Gross 8 Net, Length 38.4, Breadth 9, Depth 4.4, Built 1918 at Shaw Island WA, Horsepower 15, Registered Wrangell, ON 216360

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1942) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 510, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1939) Pg 149

FALCON (1950)     The 26 ton 45 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Falcon foundered 10 miles east of Mitrofania Island on May 2, 1950.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   55 53 N 159 50 W   Chart 16013

Additional Information: Tonnage 26 Gross 18 Net, Length 45.3, Breadth 13.1, Depth 5.8, Built 1936 at Sand Point, Horsepower 60, Owner Alvin Osterback, SL WB 6667, Registered Juneau, ON 235993

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1950) Pg 176, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1951) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 937

 

FALCON (1964)     The 10 ton 30 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Falcon was destroyed by a tidal wave March 27, 1964 at Seward.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 06 30 N 144 26 30 W   Chart 16680

Additional Information: Tonnage 10 Gross 8 Net, Length 30.4, Breadth 9.7, Depth 4.1, Built 1953 at Gardena CA, Horsepower 225, SL WJ2567, Owner Martin L Goresen, Registered Juneau, ON 271856

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) Pg 218, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1003

 

FALCON (1964)     The 17 ton 35 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Falcon 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 17 Gross 11 Net, Length 35.4, Breadth 12, Depth 4.9, Built 1947 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 65, SL WF3966, Owner William Swafford, Registered Juneau, ON 251989

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 226, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1167

 

FALCON (1967)     The 7 ton 30 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Falcon foundered June 11, 1967 at Meyer’s Chuck Harbor, Ketchikan.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 20 30 N 131 38 45 W   Chart 17420

Additional Information: Tonnage 7 Gross 6 Net, Length 30.2, Breadth 8.8, Depth 3.5, Built 1927 at Bellingham WA, Horsepower 115, SL WN3863, Registered Seattle, ON 232059

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 226, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1167

 

FALCON (1969)     The oil screw Falcon was consumed by fire June 19, 1969 in the harbor at Sand Point.

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

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

FALCON (1970)     The oil screw seiner Falcon foundered and was lost August 13, 1970 a mile and a half northwest of Hanin Rocks just north of Kodiak.  Bill Gerow of Boston MA was lost in the disaster.  11 others on board were rescued.  The Falcon was traveling from Larson Bay to Kodiak.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 50 05 N 152 18 45 W   Chart 16594

Sources: 1. Seattle Daily Times (August 13, 1970) “1 dies, 11 saved in sinking near Kodiak” Pg A 5, 2. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

FAMOUS (1948)     The 41 ton 57 foot wooden oil screw Famous stranded and was lost November 23, 1948 at Point Alba.

Mapping and Location: Alaska Unknown

Comment: Maybe Point Alava, further research warranted.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 41 Gross 28 Net, Length 57.5, Breadth 16, Depth 5.7, Built 1901 at LaConner WA, Service freight, Crew 3, Horsepower 100, Owner Dan Starkweather, Registered Seattle, ON 121180

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1951) Pg 179, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1952) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 956

 

FAMOUS (1964)     The gas screw Famous foundered October 15, 1964 in Frederick Sound.

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

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

FANNY (1871)     The 391 ton wooden bark Fanny was abandoned in the ice around Point Belcher September 14, 1871.  The Fanny was a whaling vessel out of New Bedford, Mass with a value of $58,000 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”

FANTASEA (1983)     The fishing vessel Fantasea sank at Constantine Harbor January 1, 1983.

Mapping and Location: Southwest Alaska   51 24 30 N 179 19 E   Chart 16012

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

FAR NORTH (1956)     The 8 ton 30 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Far North was consumed by fire August 1, 1956 in Prince William Sound.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 45 N 147 W   Chart 16016

Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 6 Net, Length 30.3, Breadth 9.5, Depth 3.8, Built 1939 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 40, Owner James W Nichols, Registered Juneau, ON 238081

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1956) Pg 175, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1957)

 

FARALLON (1910)     The 158 foot 700 ton wooden steamer Farallon struck a reef and stranded in Cook Inlet at 9:40 a.m. Jan 5, 1910.  She departed Valdez January 2, 1910 with 8 passengers, 30 crew and a cargo of 30 tons of general merchandise bound for Unalaska and way ports.  The Farallon had been purchased by the Alaska Steamship Company to compete with Pacific Coast Steamship Company for Puget Sound and Alaska Gold Rush traffic.  All of those aboard made it to shore at the time of the casualty and survived for a month on the beach while waiting to be rescued.  J C Hunter, Master of the Farallon reported the following in the wreck report filed February 7, 1910:

“Snowstorm, smooth sea, light northerly wind, snow squalls.”  “Sounding and running slowly, with occasional stops.”  “North entrance Illiamna Bay, Black Reef…stranding.”

“As soon as ship struck, engines were backed, anchor put out astern, with a brand new 5” line, but unable to move her.  One hour later vessel commenced to fill.”

Hunter lists the value of the Farallon at $75,000 and her cargo at $2,000 both total losses.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 37 30 N 153 31 30 W   Chart 16648

Additional Information: Length 158.5, Breadth 33.8, Depth 18.5, Built 1888 San Francisco, Service passenger, HP 500, Tonnage 749 Gross 565 Net, Registered Port Townsend, ON 120724

Sources: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report February 7, 1910, 2. Pacific Coastal Liners (1959) Pg 181

“Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 756

 

FARRAGUT (1956)     The 13 ton 33 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Farragut foundered December 17, 1956 off of Point Higgins.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 27 28 N 131 50 W   Chart 17420

Additional Information: Tonnage 13 Gross 10 Net, Length 33.3, Breadth 10.5, Depth 4.6, Built 1945 at Baltimore MD, Former Name LCVP-C-79925 (U S N), Horsepower 140, Owner Ketchikan Pulp Company, Registered Ketchikan, ON 265146

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1957) Pg 177, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1958) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 777

 

FARWEST (1967)     The gas screw Farwest foundered June 19, 1967 at the Copper River southeast of Cordova.

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

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

FAST LADY (1993)     The 46 foot salmon seiner Fast Lady was consumed by fire July 27, 1993 at Chignik.  No lives were lost.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   56 18 N 158 24 W   Chart 16013

Sources: Unofficial Shipwreck List (Kodiak)

 

FAVORITE (1915)     There were two guests and three crew aboard the gas screw Favorite when she stranded on Hinchinbrook Island at 5: p.m. August 16, 1915.  Master and owner Bing Halleck attributed the casualty to engine trouble during an 80 mile an hour gale which forced the Favorite ashore.  The vessel had departed Douglas July 28, 1915 destined for Warm Spring Bay with 6 ½ tons of general merchandise aboard.  Passengers and crew all survived the stranding but the Favorite and her cargo were totally lost, with no insurance.  The vessel was valued at $2,200 and her cargo at $2,600.  All five survivors were taken aboard the Light House Tender Kukui at 5:00 a.m. August 21, 1915.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska  Unknown Chart 16709

Additional Information: Tonnage 12 Net, Age 3 years, Registered Juneau, ON 210512

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed by Halleck in San Francisco March 1917

FEARLESS (1901)     The 248 ton steam whaling bark Fearless struck a rock while at anchor on the south side of Dutch Harbor November 30, 1901 and was lost.  The vessel value at the time of the casualty was $30,000 no cargo.  The crew of 28 all survived. The Fearless had departed Plain Bay November 3, 1901 bound for San Francisco.

Mapping and Location: Southwest Alaska   53 54 N 166 31 W   Chart 16520

Sources: 1. Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992), 2. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 72

FEARLESS (1922)     90 mile an hour SE winds caused the anchor chain to carry away on a log boom that the wooden gas screw Fearless was tied to in Howkan Narrows at 5:00 a.m. September 24, 1922.  The vessel was forced ashore by the logs and lost.  The value of the Fearless at the time of the casualty was $1,500 with no cargo or insurance.  The crew of two survived.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   54 52 N 132 48 W   Chart 17409

Additional Information: Tonnage 10 Gross 7 Net, Age 14 years, Registered Ketchikan, ON 203344, Master Allan MacDonald of Ketchikan, Owners CP, LM & LJ MacDonald of Ketchikan, Last Port Ketchikan June 20, Destination Howkan

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed at Ketchikan September 30, 1922

FEARLESS (1960)     The 145 ton 90 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Fearless foundered January 31, 1960 off of Cape Chiniak.  Four persons were reported lost with the vessel which was returning to Kodiak from the southeast end of the island with a load of King Crab.  Lost were skipper Orville O Sandvik (49) of Seattle, Clyde Welcome(48) of Anacortes, Howard Benner (50) of Bellingham and Peter Wolkoff Jr (23) a native of Kodiak.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 145 Gross 98 Net, Length 90.1, Breadth 21.3, Depth 10.2, Built 1942 at Antioch CA, Former Names Liberator (U S N), IX-202 (U S N) and Capella, Horsepower 320, SL WB6625, Owner Plumbers Supply Company, Registered Seattle, ON 255264

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1960) Pg 191, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1962) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 903, 3. Dallas Morning News (February 1, 1960) “4 Men Perish as Boat Sinks” Section 1 Pg 2, 4. Seattle Daily Times (February 1, 1960) “Four Drown When Seattle Boat Sinks” Pg 13

 

FEARLESS II (1974)     The 32 foot vessel Fearless II sank March 8, 1974 in Shearwater Bay.

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

Source: Unofficial Wreck List

 

FENWICK (1993)     The 57 foot longline halibut fishing vessel Fenwick flooded and sank June 10, 1993 approximately 40 nautical miles south of Homer.  All seven persons on board were rescued.

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

Additional Information: ON 215187

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

 

FERN (1940)     The 10 ton 34 foot wooden gas screw Fern stranded and was lost in the middle of George Inlet in 1940.  There was no one aboard and no lives were lost in the casualty.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 10 Gross 7 Net, Length 34.2, Breadth 10, Depth 4.5, Built 1923 at Petersburg, Service freight, Horsepower 27 (Brake), Owner Chris Birkland, Registered Juneau, ON 223546

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1942) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 510, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1939) Pg 150

FERRO (1917)     The 5 ton 35 foot wooden gas screw Ferro went adrift, dragging two anchors ½ mile off the west side of Middleton Island March 22, 1917.  According to Jacob Ivach of Ketchikan, master and owner of the Ferro, the vessel drug her anchors during a heavy gale from the NE.  The gas screw Helgeland attempted to tow the Ferro but was unable and the vessel was set adrift into the dark snow filled night.  The Ferro was carrying 1,500 lbs of general cargo worth $500 which was lost along with the Ferro worth $3,000 at the time of the casualty.  Neither was insured.  The two person crew survived.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 26 N 146 20 W   Chart 16700

Additional Information : Tonnage 7 Gross 5 Net, Length 35, Breadth 9.5, Depth 3, Service Freight, Built 1914 at Ellamar, Horsepower 15, Registered Cordova, ON 213414, Last Port Cordova, Destination Middleton Island

Sources: 1. U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed at Cordova June 12, 1917 by Ivach, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1916) Pg 232

FERRY QUEEN (1953)     The 62 ton 65 foot wooden scow Ferry Queen foundered October 7, 1953 in Iliamna Bay, Cook Inlet.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 37 N 153 33 W   Chart 16640

Additional Information: Tonnage 63 Gross and Net, Length 64.9, Breadth 24, Depth 4, Built 1913 at Hope, SL WC8037, Owner Seldovia Packing Company, Registered Juneau, Owner 243433

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1952) Pg 183, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1955) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 738

 

FIDELITY (1964)     The 48 ton 59 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Fidelity was reported lost at Kodiak in the Good Friday earthquake of March 27, 1964.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 48 Gross 33 Net, Length 59.3, Breadth 16.3, Depth 7.5, Built 1925 at Gig Harbor WA, Horsepower 75, SL WA4954, Owner Washington Fish & Oyster Company, Registered Juneau, ON 224811

Sources: 1. Unofficial Wreck List, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) Pg 221

 

FIERCE COMPETITOR (1994)     The 105 foot crabber Fierce Competitor went missing in the Gulf of Alaska October 26, 1994 with five crewmembers on board.  Lost were skipper Robbie Simonsen (39) and his wife Vickie along with Larry Jones (37), Keith Young (31) and Gordon Young (18). Most of the crew was from Warrenton, Oregon. The vessel’s life raft was spotted 450 miles southeast of Kodiak 50 miles from where an EPIRB signal had been heard. Heavy weather prevented retrieval of the raft, but no signs of life were reported.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   Unknown

Sources: 1. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 2. Unofficial Shipwreck List (Alaska), 3. Daily Sitka Sentinel (October 27, 1994) “Missing Crab Boat in Gulf” Pg 1, 4. Daily Sitka Sentinel (October 31, 1994) “Fishing Village Mourns After Five Lost at Sea” Pg 7

 

FIN FIN (1960)     The 8 ton 30 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Fin Fin foundered February 27, 1960 in Zimovia Strait between Wrangell and Woronkofski Island.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 28 N 132 22 40 W   Chart 17360

Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 5 Net, Length 30.8, Breadth 8.9, Depth 3.8, Built 1938 at Sitka, Horsepower 110, Owner Simon Peter Moe, Registered Juneau, ON 246023

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1960) Pg 192, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1962) “Vessels Subject to Removal” Pg 683

 

FISCHER BROTHERS (1900)     The 76 foot wooden two masted schooner Fischer Brothers was blown onto a rock and lost several miles NW of Cape Rodney at 3:00 a.m. October 24, 1900.  Weather at the time was reported to be “very heavy wind; sea extremely rough; dark night.”  The eight crew and one passenger aboard the Fischer Brothers were assisted to the beach with a life line by several men on shore 6 or 8 hours after the wreck.  A M Flagg, master of the vessel, died ashore several days later of hardship and exposure.  There was no cargo aboard the Fischer Brothers but the vessel was a total loss worth $5,000.  The last port of the Fischer Brothers is listed as Port Clarence with a destination of Seattle.

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

Additional Information: Length 76.6, Breadth 20, Depth 8.4, Built 1896 at Ballard Washington, Tonnage 63.67, Registered Seattle, ON 121036, Owners Samuel Archer of Nome, H C Ewing and H F Compton of Seattle, Insurance unknown

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report filed November 2, 1900 by Archer

FISH MULE (1957)     The 34 ton 46 foot steel oil screw tug Fish Mule foundered December 25, 1957 at the entrance to Resurrection Bay.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 34 Gross 23 Net, Length 46.2, Breadth 14, Depth 5.6, Built 1945 at Wilmington DE, Former Name LCM-3-C-51974 (U S N), Service towing, Horsepower 330, Owner Cook Inlet Tug & Barge Company, Registered Juneau, ON 261670

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1958) Pg 184, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1959) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 801

 

FISHER (1977)     The 8 ton oil screw Fisher burned August 16, 1977 between Tree Point and Ketchikan.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross, Built 1974, ON 555900

Source: Merchant Vessels of the U S (1978) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 2118

 

FISHER BOY (1944)     The 18 ton 41 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Fisher Boy was lost in a collision with the oil screw Admiralty in Washington Bay September 25, 1944.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 43 N 134 23 20 W   Chart 17320

Additional Information: Tonnage 18 Gross 14 Net, Length 41.6, Breadth 12.4, Depth 5.2, Built 1910 at Dockton WA, Crew 4, Horsepower 20, Owner Storfold & Grondahl Packing Company, Registered Seattle, ON 207613

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1945) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 775, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1944) Pg 163

FLAMINGO (1954)     The 19 ton 45 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Flamingo foundered May 22, 1954 at Outer Point (Outer Rocks), Khaz Bay.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 33 30 N 136 09 30 W   Chart 17322

Additional Information: Tonnage 19 Gross 13 Net, Length 45, Breadth 13, Depth 4.7, Built 1910 at Ballard WA, Crew 6, Horsepower 143, Owner Dan Wright, Registered Juneau, ON 207395

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1952) Pg 185, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1957) “Vessels Subject to Removal” Pg 581

 

FLAMINGO (1964)     The 11 ton 31 foot wooden gas screw Flamingo 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 11 Gross 9 Net, Length 31.1, Breadth 11, Depth 3.8, Built 1945 at Seattle WA, Service freight, Horsepower 107, SL WA4993, Owner Harold W Dierich, Registered Juneau, ON 247748

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) Pg 223, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1003

 

FLATTERY (1951)     The 12 ton 36 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Flattery was consumed by fire August 7, 1951 at Cordova.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 35 N 145 45 W   Chart 16700

Additional Information: Tonnage 12 Gross 10 Net, Length 35.9, Breadth 10.7, Depth 5.5, Built 1918 at Tacoma WA, Horsepower 30, Owner Frederick L Bennett, Registered Juneau, ON 216297

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1952) Pg 185, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1953-1954) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 744

 

FLEET COMMANDER (1989)     The 32 foot salmon fishing vessel Fleet Commander got caught in heavy weather with a full load of lumber, capsized and sank June 2, 1989 southeast of Chisik Island. The vessel was hauling freight from Kenai to Chinitna on the west side of Cook Inlet. Laura Murphy was lost. Owner operator Paul Traxinger managed to climb into a life raft and drifted into Dry Bay 27 miles from the capsizing.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   58 57 N 152 15 W   Chart 16580

Sources: 1. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 2. Daily Sitka Sentinel (June 5, 1989) “Coast Guard Searching for Missing Boater” Pg 3

 

FLEETWING (1888)     The 114 foot wooden whaling bark Fleetwing went ashore on a reef one mile NE of Point Barrow August 3, 1888 and was lost.  The following are excerpts from the Wreck Report filed by Agents J & W R Wing in New Bedford, Mass.:

“Heavy gale of wind and heavy sea.  Night time and stormy”  “Parted chain cable and went ashore on a reef off Point Barrow, Arctic Ocean.  Second anchor not holding in time.”  “No assistance could be rendered at time vessel pounded until cable cut and went over bar.  And crew rescued after gale abated by balance of whaling fleet.  The vessel sunk and went to pieces.”

The Fleetwing was valued at $16,000 and the outfit for a whaling voyage she was carrying was valued at $16,000.  Both were total losses, but the crew of 37 was all rescued.  Insurance on the Fleetwing and her whaling outfit was $12,000.  Her last port was Honolulu, Sandwich Islands March 1888 bound for whaling in the Arctic.  The Fleetwing was caught on a lee shore and lost in a terrible gale that also wrecked the Jane Grey, Ion, Mary and Susan and Young Phoenix.  The shipwrecked crews were taken aboard the revenue cutter Bear.

Mapping and Location: Northern Alaska   71 23 29 N 156 28 30 W   Chart 16004

Additional Information: Length 114.4, Breadth 28.5, Depth 17.2, Built 1877 at Port Jefferson New York, Tonnage 328, Registered New Bedford Mass, ON 120310, Master Charles F Gifford of New Bedford, Owner J & W R Wing Agents

Sources: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report filed December 6, 1888 at New Bedford, 2. Lewis and Dryden’s Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1895) Pg 361

FLEETWING (1902)     The 37 foot 14 ton wooden gas screw Fleetwing was driven ashore when her engine broke down at the mouth of the Snake River at 1:00 p.m. July 20, 1902.  The tug Kinghurst ran lines to a surf buoy and also set a kedge anchor in the heavy surf.  The wreck report filed by D E Johnson, master, states… “vessel filled with water and abandoned.”

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

Additional Information: Length 36.8, Breadth 10.7, Depth 3.5, Built 1899 at Seattle, Tonnage 14 Gross 9 Net, Registered Port Townsend Washington, ON 121120, Owner Teller Trading and Transportation of Seattle, Last Port Teller July 19, Destination Nome City, Cargo none, Vessel Value $3,000, Vessel Damage $2,000, Insurance none

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report filed at Nome July 22, 1902 by Johnson

FLEETWOOD (1992)     The 21 foot salmon troller Fleetwood grounded and sank March 3, 1992 southeast of Shelter Island.  Both crewmen donned survival suits and swam to the beach where they were rescued.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 26 N 134 52 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: ON AK1179K

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

 

FLINT (1957)     The 35 ton 52 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Flint stranded and was lost September 1, 1957 outside Womans Bay Channel, Kodiak Island.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 43 N 152 31 W   Chart 16596

Additional Information: Tonnage 35 Gross 24 Net, Length 51.9, Breadth 15, Depth 6.9, Built 1927 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 165, SL WA5011, Owner Harry S Larson, Registered Seattle, ON 226367

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1957) Pg 181, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1958) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 778

 

FLORA (1923)     The 22 ton wooden gas screw Flora was lost at 6:10 a.m. January 24, 1923 after stranding at Duck Island.  Master and owner, Ole S Bjerke of Seattle stated “heavy snow and strong tide carried vessel off course.” The weather at the time was dead calm sea, light northeast wind, dark and snowing.  The gas screw Hideveld took the crew off of the Flora the morning after the stranding and brought them to Ketchikan.  The Flora, worth $7,000 with no cargo was a total loss.  She was insured for $4,000.  At the time of the casualty, the Flora was bound for Ketchikan, having left Prince Rupert January 23, 1923.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   54 59 N 131 14 30 W   Chart 17434

Additional Information:  Tonnage 22 Gross 15 Net, Age 10 years, Registered Seattle, ON 210101

Source: Report of Casualty filed at Ketchikan January 26, 1923

FLORA (1927)     Fire from an unknown source destroyed the 10 ton wooden gas screw Flora at the Standard Oil Dock at Petersburg at 9:00 a.m. October 28, 1927.  The Petersburg Fire Department and the gas screw Highway rendered assistance.  The 3 person crew survived the casualty, but the Flora, valued at $1,000 was a total loss no insurance.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 48 10 N 132 58 W   Chart 17375

Additional Information: Tonnage 10 Gross 8 Net, Age 16 years, Registered Petersburg, ON 208964, Master C Buker, Owner Petersburg Packing Company

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed October 28, 1927 by Buker

FLORENCE (1878)     The 245 ton wooden bark Florence out of San Francisco was lost in the Arctic Ocean during the whaling season of 1878 near Point Barrow.  She was carrying $13,000 worth of whale oil at the time of the casualty.

Mapping and Location: Northern Alaska   71 23 29 N 156 28 30 W   Chart 16004

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

FLORENCE (1905)     The 40 foot 10 ton wooden schooner Florence stranded and was lost 7 miles north of Egavik at 9:00 a.m. Friday October 20, 1905. The following are statements from the wreck report filed by part owner and crew member Aben Chicicululuk July 14, 1906:

“Heavy gale, heavy weather with sleet…very rough.”  “Westerly gale throwing vessel on beam end.”  “Tried to make shelter inside Cape Dunbigh or Bisboro Island.”  “Dropped both anchors and with jib and reefed mainsail tried to ease vessel on shore, but she struck on a bar offshore and went to pieces.  Documents lost.”

Master of the Florence, Lincoln Archagra was lost, but the other two crewmen survived.  The Florence had departed Nome October 17, 1905 bound for Unalakleet.

Mapping and Location: West central Alaska   64 07 45 N 161 18 30 W Chart 16200

Comment: Besboro Island, Cape Denbigh. WG

Additional Information: Length 40, Breadth 13.6, depth 4.2, Built 1903 White Mountain Alaska, Tonnage 10 Gross 8 Net, Registered Nome, ON 201299, Owners Lincoln Archagra and others Chinck, Alaska

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report filed by Chicicululuk July 14, 1906

FLORENCE (1909)     The 90 ton 101 foot wooden stern wheel steamer Florence was lost at winter quarters on Saint Michael Island Sunday October 10, 1909 at 10 p.m. The following are statements taken from the wreck report filed at Saint Michael October 14, 1910 by A F Zipf, agent for owners Northern Navigation:

“Dark night, gale 40 miles per hour.”  “On little canal near mouth Stabbine Slough on St Michael Island.  Blown crosswise channel in heavy gale.  Medium high tide going out.  Steamer’s deck awash at high tide.”  “Anchors were immediately put out trying to pull off bow or stern, but tide fell too fast to do any good.”  “Owners using chartered gas launch Elan and stern wheel steamer Klondyke now trying to raise steamer.”  “Owners have twenty five men now working, but season being so late and weather cold, ice being already formed at the point where steamer sunk, nothing can be done.”

The 15 employees and 7 crewmembers of the Florence made it to safety, but the fate of the Florence, valued at $15,000 was not good.  At the time that the wreck report was filed they were unable to ascertain the total damage but figured the loss was probably total with no insurance.

Mapping and Location: West central Alaska   63 31 20 N 162 17 20 W   Chart 16240

Additional Information: Length 101, Breadth 22, Depth 5, Service Pass., HP 9, Built 1898 San Francisco, Tonnage 90 Gross 51 Net, Registered St Michael, ON 121068, Master Otto Patte of Saint Michael, Owner Northern Navigation of San Francisco

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report

FLORENCE D (1980)     The fishing vessel Florence D sank April 16, 1980 at Circle Bay on the southwest coast of Woronkofski Island.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 23 N 132 26 W   Chart 17360

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

FLORENCE S (1952)     The 37 ton 75 foot wooden barge Florence S foundered August 15, 1952 in the Yukon River near Galena.

Mapping and Location: Central Alaska

Additional Information: Tonnage 37 Gross and Net, Length 75, Breadth 16, Depth 3.6, Built 1898 at Saint Michael, Owner George S Black, Registered Juneau, ON 121085

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1956) Pg 180, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1957) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 756

 

FLORIDA (1871)     The 470 ton wooden bark Florida of San Francisco was abandoned in the ice around Point Belcher September 14, 1871.  Captained by D R Frazer, the Florida was estimated to be worth $51,000 at the time of the disaster.  “After being abandoned, the Florida drifted ashore at Sea Horse Islands and was found the following year by Captain William H Kelley, who commanded the Gay Head at the time of the disaster in 1871, burned to the water’s edge.”

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

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

FLY BOY (1983)     The 56 foot crab fishing vessel Flyboy capsized and sank February 27, 1983 off of Lava Point on Akutan Island.  Captain Ove Haagensen (53) was lost attempting to right the vessel.  Two other crewmen, Alex Tcherepaiyaoff and Dale Lott were rescued.

Mapping and Location: Southwest Alaska   54 10 20 N 166 04 45 W   Chart 16520

Sources: 1. Unofficial Wreck List (Kodiak), 2. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 3. The Oregonian (March 15, 1983) “Bering Sea claims 16 in winter storms” Pg B6

 

FLYER (1919)     The 6 ton wooden scow Flyer was blown from her moorings, cast on shore, and broken up by the ice and water at 9:00 a.m. October 9, 1919 at the mouth of the Kiwalik River.  There was no one aboard at the time and no cargo.  The vessel was a total loss, valued at $500 and had no insurance.

Mapping and Location: West central Alaska   66 N 161 51 W   Chart 16005

Additional Information: Built 1905, Registered at Nome, ON 205771, Master L A Sundquist of Candle, Owner Candle Creek Mining

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

FLYIN’ LION (1993)     The 30 foot seiner Flyin’ Lion capsized and sank June 24, 1993 in the Egegik River.  An improperly connected towline was blamed for the disaster.  All three crewmembers were rescued.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   58 13 N 157 22 W   Chart 16011

Additional Information: ON 604133

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

 

FLYING CLOUD (1946)     The 20 ton 41 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Flying Cloud foundered November 16, 1946 off of Point Gardner on the south end of Admiralty Island.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 20 Gross 14 Net, Length 41.2, Breadth 11.3, Depth 5.1, Built 1909 at Dockton WA, Horsepower 143, Owner Walter E Johns, Registered Juneau, ON 206973

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1952) Pg 188, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1953-1954) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 748

FLYING CLOUD (1949)     The 105 foot power barge Flying Cloud stranded off of Grass Island in the Copper River Flats February 22, 1949 with four persons aboard. Leonard Holeman, the engineer of the vessel hiked 30 miles through sloughs and waist deep snow to get help. The vessel had departed Cordova for Seattle where it was to be outfitted for cold storage. The heavy southeasterly winds, sleet and snow forced the vessel ashore. Holeman fashioned snow shoes from spruce branches in order to plow through the deep snow to seek aid for the other three persons aboard. All were eventually rescued.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 17 30 N 145 11 30 W   Chart 16013

Comment: This vessel is also called North Cloud in the same news story. She had been purchased recently as “Army Surplus”. WG

Source:  Sitka Sentinel (February 23, 1949) “Barge Aground Near Cordova”

 

FLYING SCUD (1886)     The 25 ton 50 foot wooden schooner Flying Scud was lost with 26 souls between Cape Douglas and Kodiak in November of 1886.  The schooner departed Douglas Station near Cape Douglas November 14, 1886 bound for Kodiak.  On board were owner Captain H Anderson, master Nels Hansen, Vasilli Griznoff, Vassili Griznof Jr., 15 native hunters from Afognak, Akhiok and Karluk and the Wife and five Children of John W Smith, the Alaska Commercial Company’s agent at Douglas Station. The Smith children ranged in age from a toddler to a girl of 17. The Flying Scud never made it to Kodiak even though weather was reported fair when she departed the Alaska Peninsula. The company agent at Kodiak, not knowing that the vessel had departed the Cape Douglas area for Kodiak in November, reported that all was well and the Flying Scud busy hunting into the winter. It was not until broken bidarkas and wreckage was found on area beaches many weeks later that the alarm was sounded.  The weather had been particularly cold and severe that winter.  The reality of the loss was not fully known or reported until the spring of 1887 when traffic between the outer settlements and Kodiak resumed, following the storms of the winter.

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

Comment: The Douglas Station reported as the point of departure for the Flying Scud may have been the now abandoned village of Kaguyak on the northeast coast of the Alaska Peninsula. WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 25.96 Gross 24 Net, Length 50.2, Breadth 16.5, Depth 6.7, Built 1881 at Kodiak, Registered at Kodiak, ON 120605

Sources: 1. Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992), 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1885) Pg 138, 3. Daily Alta California (May 18, 1887) “From the Far North”, 4. San Francisco Bulletin (May 16, 1887) “Alaska Territory” Pg 4

FOAM (1899)     The 6 ton 31 foot wooden schooner Foam sprung a leak and was beached at Nakchamik Island at 8:00 a.m. Saturday April 1, 1899.  Master and owner Mark Morris of Unga was the sole person aboard and reported the following in his wreck report filed April 27, 1899:

“SW gale, snowstorm, sprung a leak….20 miles from Anchorage Bay (Nakchamik Island) stranded Shanachu Island…went ashore at daylight 8 a.m.”  “Sprung a leak and had to run for the beach to save my life….Had no assistance.”  “Prior to stranding I anchored but was unable to keep the vessel free, so had to run for the beach.”

The wreck report mentions that the 3 tons of stores, guns and ammunition aboard was saved.  The Foam, valued at $400 was lost no insurance.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   56 20 N 157 49 W   Chart 16566

Additional Information: Length 30.6, Breadth 10, Depth 4, Built 1882 at Kodiak, Tonnage 6, Registered Unga, ON 120607, Last Port Sand Point March 28, 1899, Destination Island Bay

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report filed by Morris April 27, 1899

FOG (1976)     The 28 foot vessel Fog was reported to have foundered December 11, 1976.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   Unknown

Source: Unofficial Wreck List (Kodiak)

 

 

FORCE FIVE (2000)     The 32 foot aluminum salmon fishing vessel Force Five was consumed by an engine room fire and lost July 13, 2000 near Port Moller.  Both crewmembers abandoned ship and were rescued by another vessel.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   55 59 30 N 160 34 30 W   Chart 16006

Additional Information: ON 992204, AK8839K

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

 

FOREMOST (1977)     The 166 ton 86 foot steel oil screw crab fishing vessel Foremost rolled over and sank May 4, 1977 approximately 75 miles east southeast of Saint George Island toward Cape Sarichef.  All 5 crewmembers were rescued by the Seattle based fishing vessel Sea Venture.

Mapping and Location: Southwest Alaska   54 35 50 N 164 55 30 W   Chart 16011

Additional Information: Tonnage 166 Gross 99 Net, Length 86.6, Breadth 24, Depth 9.8, Built 1970 at San Diego CA, Horsepower 775, SL WY9754, ON 527506

Sources: 1. Unofficial Wreck List, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1976) Pg 447, 3. Seattle Times (May 5, 1977) “Seattle crab boat sinks in Bering Sea; crew saved” Pg E14

 

FORMAN F (1956)     The 6 ton 28 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Forman F foundered August 22, 1956 on the north shore of McHenry Anchorage, Etolin Island.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 58 N 132 27 W   Chart 17420

Additional Information: Tonnage 6 Gross 5 Net, Length 28.8, Breadth 8.2, Depth 3.2, Built 1933 at Ketchikan, Horsepower 75, Owner Raymond H Peterson, Registered Ketchikan, ON 232787

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1956) Pg 182, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1957) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 756

 

FORRESTER (1975)     Frank Phillips, a North Bend, Oregon fisherman was lost when his 32 foot fishing vessel Forrester collided with the Alaska Marine Highway ferry Malaspina June 21, 1975 in Olga Strait.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 11 N 135 27 W   Chart 17320

Sources: 1. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 2. Seattle Daily Times (June 23, 1975) “Oregon man killed in collision with ferry” Pg A 9

 

FORT UNION (1930)     The 2,654 ton 267 foot wooden barge Fort Union was beached for salvage and broken up at Ship’s Cove, Port Conclusion September 1, 1930.  Her hull was said to be rotten and her value only $500 at the time.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 15 20 N 134 39 45 W   Chart 17331

Additional Information: Built 1919, Registration Seattle, ON 168954, Owner Puget Sound Reduction Co of Blaine Washington, Last Port Port Alexander

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed by W H Snow watchman and owner January 13, 1931

FORT YUKON (1981)     The barge Fort Yukon was lost in rough weather August 20, 1981 approximately 60 miles southeast of Yakutat.

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

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

FORT YUKON (2007)   The 197 foot steel fish tender barge Fort Yukon stranded and was lost on Titcliff Island outside of Wide Bay November 27, 2007. The F/V Ladie Blackie had the Fort Yukon in tow in Wide Bay November 27, 2007 and was attempting to dewater and repair the barge. High winds and seas forced the two vessels between the islands outside of Wide Bay. The Ladie Blackie lost power when water plugged her fuel filters and she grounded on shoals. The tow line parted and the Fort Yukon drifted free. A day later she washed up on the beach on Titcliff Island and was lost. The Lady Blackie was lost as well. There was no loss of life.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 19 45 N 156 20 10 W   Chart 16570

Additional Information: Tonnage 1403, Length 197, Breadth 40.1, Depth 13, Built 1963 Portland OR, ON 291359, Former Name YB 24

Sources: 1. USCG MISLE Case # 383772 Lady Blackie sinking, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1979) Pgs 530 & 1901

 

FORTUNA (1959)     The 10 ton 36 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Fortuna foundered May 5, 1959 approximately two miles off of the mouth of Burnett Inlet in southeast Alaska.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 04 N 132 28 W   Chart 17360

Additional Information: Tonnage 10 Gross 7 Net, Length 36.1, Breadth 10.2, Depth 4.2, Built 1916 at Tacoma WA, Horsepower 35, SL WA9191, Owner Carl T Messinger, Registered Wrangell, ON 215792

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1959) Pg 194, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1960) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 824

 

FORTUNE HUNTER (1898)     The steam schooner Fortune Hunter and an unknown barge were found at sea by the steamer Tillamook “waterlogged and in unmanageable condition 55 miles from St Michael” in October of 1898.  The Fortune Hunter and barge were towed to Golovin Bay and beached.  The barge was lost along with one man.

Mapping and Location: West central Alaska   64 24 N 163 W   Chart 16200

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

FORWARD (1964)     The 22 ton 47 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Forward was destroyed by a tidal wave March 27, 1964 at Kodiak.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 22 Gross 18 Net, Length 47.5, Breadth 12.5, Depth 5.9, Built 1917 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 50, SL WK4652, Owner Paul R Jensen, Registered Seattle, ON 214883

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) Pg 228, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1003

 

FOSS 209 (1975)     The barge Foss 209 overturned while in tow of the Leslie Foss September 26, 1975.  She was towed 60 miles off shore near Cape Saint Elias and sunken with explosives.

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

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

FOUR SONS (1978)     The 72 foot fishing vessel Four Sons stranded and was lost December 22, 1978 on Unalaska Island.  The crew was picked up by the American Viking and taken to Dutch Harbor.

Mapping and Location: Southwest Alaska   53 35 N 166 50 W   Chart 16011

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

 

FOX (1915)     The 15 ton 52 foot gas fishing boat Fox caught fire and burned at Shelter Island near Juneau September 4, 1914.  The three persons aboard made it to safety.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 26 N 134 52 W   Chart 17316

Additional Information: Tonnage 15 Gross 10 Net, Length 51.9, Breadth 11.5, Depth 4.1, Service passenger, Crew 1, Built 1903 at Astoria OR, Registered Juneau, ON 200194

Sources: 1. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 258, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1915) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 424, 3. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1914) Pg 173

FOX (1995)     The 31 foot wooden salmon seiner Fox flooded, capsized and sank August 15, 1995 in Smuggler’s Cove.  The load of fish onboard shifting contributed to the loss.  All five crewmembers made it to safety.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 20 50 N 134 58 45 W   Chart 17315

Comment: Could also be Smuggler Cove south of Ketchikan. WG

Additional Information: ON 564959

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

 

FOX RIVER (2000)     The 116 foot landing craft Fox River caught fire in her engine room at 3:30 p.m. November 29, 2000 while traveling on a hunting trip to Shuyak Island. The two persons aboard, Willie Flyum and Allen Smith, were unable to radio for help as the fire spread to the wheelhouse where the radios were. The men activated one of the vessel’s Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons and donned survival suits. The signal was picked up at 5:39 p.m. and a U S Coast Guard helicopter went in search of the distressed vessel, not knowing the circumstances. Winds were blowing at 30 miles an hour and seas were 15 feet. Using night vision goggles, the Coast Guard chopper was able to locate the smoldering Fox River and evacuate the two crewmembers from the deck. Both of their survival suit’s feet were melted.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 93 Gross 63 Net, Length 100.3,  Built 1944, ON 559497, SL WUU8864, Service Freight

Sources: 1. Juneau Empire (December 1, 2000) “Homer Men Rescued from Burning Boat”, 2. U S Coast Guard Information Exchange (Internet 2018) “Fox River”

 

FOXFIRE (1990)     The 30 foot wooden fishing vessel Foxfire burned and sank May 27, 1990 at Point Pigot in Prince William Sound.  The only person aboard abandoned ship and was rescued by the vessel Azuma Searay.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 48 15 N 148 20 45 W   Chart 16700

Additional Information: ON 634160

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

FOXIE (1935)     The 10 ton 33 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Foxie burned August 1, 1935 at Tenakee.  The 2 persons aboard made it to safety.

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

Comment: More commonly referred to as Tenakee Springs.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 10 Gross 7 Net, Length 33, Breadth 11.5, Depth 4, Built 1920 at Tenakee, Horsepower 14, Owner Andrew Jack of Tenakee, Registered Juneau, ON 220368

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1936) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1033, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1935) Pgs 334-5

FRANCES K (1980)     The 67 foot wooden diesel powered fishing vessel Frances K was lost with all hands May 18, 1980 approximately 25 miles south of Yakutat. The Frances K departed Pelican May 17 on a fishing trip with four crewmembers aboard. Wreckage was spotted the following day by the pilot of a light aircraft. Lost were skipper Ron Pfeiffer (33) John Holgate Jr. (20), Tom Bears (20) and Tracy Beach (24) all from Haines.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 74 Gross 34 Net, Length 67.2, Breadth 20.3, Depth 7.7, Built 1953 St Augustine Fl, ON 265999, Owner Robert H Stickler, SL WF2500

Sources: 1. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 2. Daily Sitka Sentinel (May 21, 1980) “Search Ends” Pg 5, 3. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1979) Pg 537

 

FRANCES LEE (1993)     The 107 foot steel crab fishing vessel Frances Lee stranded near Knoll Point July 22, 1993 while traveling from Newman Bay to Alitak.  All six crewmembers abandoned ship and were taken aboard the fishing vessel Macanaw.  The Lucky Island, Midnight Sun and Resolution also responded to the distress call. Four of Frances Lee’s crewmembers returned to the stranded vessel with dewatering pumps from the Resolution and Midnight Sun. Others from the U S Coast Guard cutter Mustang and a Coast Guard helo assisted in the dewatering attempt. The tug Ardie and fishing vessel Barb M arrived on scene and assisted in removing fuel from the Frances Lee. The vessel was refloated and put in tow of the Ardie and Barb M in an attempt to take her to a more protected location for salvage. On July 25, 1993, during the salvage attempt, the Frances Lee capsized between Knoll Point and Twoheaded Island. The tow was taken over by the Coast Guard cutter Mustang who towed her out to deeper water and scuttled the Frances Lee in 50 fathoms using 112 rounds from her 25 MM guns.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   56 54 N 153 35 W   Chart 16580

Additional Information: Tonnage 194 Gross 132 Net, Length 94.3, Breadth 30, Depth 11, 1040 HP, Built 1978 Mobile AL, ON 600732, Call Sign WSX6947

Sources: 1. Unofficial Shipwreck List (Kodiak), 2. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 3. USCG MISLE Case # 55546

 

FRANCES R (1915)     The 38 foot wooden gas boat Frances R was found sunk near the mouth of the Chickamin River October 27, 1915. She had departed Sitka on October 10, 1915 with Charles Alexander “Sandy” Clark, Mike DeCosta and Reginald F Irwin of the U S Bureau of Fisheries on board bound for the Chickamin River to investigate illegal fishing. No sign of the three men was ever found, even with substantial rewards posted by the family of R F Irwin. Kidnapping and murder were considered as possibilities at the time of the disappearance of the men but nothing was ever proven. Evidence found aboard the Frances R indicated that Sandy Clark and inspector Irwin took the vessel’s skiff up the Chickamin River leaving cook Mike DeCosta behind. The skiff was found bottom up in Behm Canal with no sign of the two who had been aboard. The anchor line of the Frances R had been extended and indications were that Mike DeCosta had done so in order to allow the vessel to drift onto the beach so that he might go in search of Clark and Irwin. None of the three men were ever found.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 47 N 130 58 W   Chart 17420

Comment: This vessel may have been salvaged and is likely the same Frances R lost again in 1920. WG

Sources: 1. Daily Alaska Dispatch (November 6, 1915) “All Hope Vanish of Finding Men” Pg 6, 2. Daily Alaska Dispatch (November 9, 1915) “Launch Party is Given up for Lost” Pg 5, 3. Valdez Daily Prospector (December 18, 1915) “Name of Man Lost Appears on Register” Pg 3, 4. Rockford Republic (June 2, 1916) “Alaska Warden Gone, Fear Indian Foul Play” Pg 10, 5. Valdez Daily Prospector (January 11, 1916) “Increase Reward for Fish Warden” Pg 1

 

FRANCES R (1920)     Engine trouble caused the 13 ton gas screw Frances R to strike a rock and strand at Lyman Point Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. March 31, 1920.  The two aboard made it to safety, but the Frances R, valued at $4,000 (no cargo) was lost with no insurance.  They had departed Ketchikan that day bound for Hadley.  Weather at the time was “heavy wind-thick snow-very dark.”  Master of the Frances R, Arthur Propp stated in the Report of Casualty filed at Ketchikan “Could not avoid casualty as engine had stopped, and no way to prevent striking.” The vessel drifted to shore and was dashed to bits.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 32 30 N 132 16 35 W   Chart  17426

Additional Information: Tonnage 13 Gross 9 Net, Age 9 years, Registered Ketchikan, ON 208551, Owner Philip C Roessel of Ketchikan

Sources: 1. U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed April 7, 1920, 2. Juneau Empire (April 13, 1920) Pg 7

 

FRANCIS ALICE (1905)     The 131 ton two masted schooner Francis Alice was wrecked in 1905 in the Bering Sea.  The six crewmen aboard survived but the Francis Alice was a total loss.

Mapping and Location: Alaska Unknown

Comment: U S Revenue Cutter microfilm has same name vessel lost at Indian Point on the Siberian Coast October 3, 1900.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 131 Gross 125 Net, Built 1881 St Helens OR, Length 95.3, Breadth 24, Depth 10.2, Registered , ON 120455

Sources: 1. Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992), 2. Merchant Vessels of the United States (1905) Pg 61, 3. Merchant Vessels of the United States (1906) Pg 383

FRANCIS ALLEN (1905)     The schooner Francis Allen was lost in 1905 in the Bering Sea.

Mapping and Location: Unknown

Source: The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 115

 

FRANCIS W (1998)     The 42 foot salmon troller Francis W was destroyed by a galley stove fire October 19, 1998 at Ketchikan.  There was no one on board at the time of the disaster.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 20 30 N 131 38 45 W   Chart 17420

Additional Information: ON 218669

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

 

FRED J WOOD (1923)     The 181 foot wooden schooner Fred J Wood was washed ashore in a storm and pounded to pieces September 27, 1923 less than two miles from the beach in Port Clarence Bay.  The 105 persons aboard had departed San Francisco on a gold hunting expedition in the spring of 1923.  They had little to show for their efforts when rescued by the steamer Buford.

Mapping and Location: Northern Alaska   65 12 N 166 45 W   Chart 16006

Additional Information: Tonnage 681 Gross 601 Net, Length 181, Breadth 38.1, Depth 14, Built 1899 at Hoquiam WA, ON 121109, SL KPHL

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1922) Pg 19, 2. Bellingham Herald (November 2, 1923) “Fred J Wood’s Skipper Tells of Loss of Ship” Pg 9

 

FREDA (1988)     The fishing vessel Freda capsized and sank September 11, 1988 in Dixon Entrance.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   54 30 N 133 W   Chart 16016

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

FREDELIA IV (1918)     The 21 ton seine boat Fredelia IV was lost one mile south of Pleasant Bay in Seymour Canal at 5:00 a.m. October 31, 1918.  The Fredelia IV was towing the barge Neptune in a 60 mile an hour gale when the tow line broke and the Neptune and Fredelia IV collided.  The gas boat Baltic picked up all hands.  The owner and master, D J Halferty of Seattle and an engineer were the only two aboard the wrecked vessel. The Fredelia IV, valued between $4,500 and $6,000 was a total loss with no insurance.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 38 40 N 133 59 15 W   Chart 17360

Additional Information: Tonnage 21 Gross 14 Net, Built 1913, Registered Seattle, ON210876

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed by H H Hungerford for Halferty November 12, 1918.  Hungerford, a business associate of Halferty was left in Alaska to salvage what was possible.

FREDERICK A (1936)     The gas screw Frederick A drug anchor and stranded in Akutan Bay Sunday September 13, 1936 and was lost about 2 ½ miles east of the southern peninsula of Akutan Bay.  There was no one on board when a gale blew the vessel ashore.  The Frederick A was valued at $4,800 with no cargo and had no insurance.  The hull became a total loss but the engine and equipment were salvaged.

Mapping and Location: Southwest Alaska 54 08 05 N 165 46 20 W   Chart 16531

Additional Information: Tonnage 12 Gross 10 Net, Built 1920, Registered Juneau, ON 219974, Owner Frederick Anderson of Unalaska

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed by Leon Anderson April 16, 1937

FREDERICK C (1966)     The 73 ton 69 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Frederick C stranded and was lost June 8, 1966 east of Ocean Cape at 59 32 N 139 51 W.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 73 Gross 49 Net, Length 69.1, Breadth 17.6, Depth7.5, Built 1919 at Tacoma WA, Horsepower 150, SL WA5165, Registered Juneau, ON 218353

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 244, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1167

 

FREYEA (1918)     An explosion caused by “distillation in bilge” was the cause of the loss of the wooden gas screw Freyea at 4:00 p.m. July 3, 1918.  The vessel was on the beach at Hadley for overhauling and only Stanly Oaksmith, master and owner was aboard.  Oaksmith escaped the vessel, battened down the hatches and tried to smother the flames using a fire extinguisher.  He was joined in the effort by H L Putty, Paul Nordstrom, L R Farrell and John Anderson but they were unsuccessful.  “There was nothing under the conditions of the very hot weather that would have saved her.”

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 32 N 132 17 W   Chart 17426

Comment: Hadley used to be in Lyman Anchorage. H W McCurdy has vessel as Freyer. WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 15 Gross 10 Net, Built 1912 rebuilt 1915, Registered Ketchikan, ON 209772, Vessel Value $3,500, Vessel Insurance $2,500

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed by Oaksmith July 20, 1918

FRIADA (1956)     The 6 ton 28 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Friada foundered March 9, 1956 two miles west of Cape Baranof.

Mapping and Location: Alaska Unknown

Comment: Possibly Cape Burunof just south of Sitka.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 6 Gross 5 Net, Length 27.9, Breadth 8.5, Depth 4.1, Built 1916 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 15, Owner Frank G Brandt, Registered Ketchikan, ON 218153

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1956) Pg 190, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1957) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 756

 

FRIDOLF GEK (1924)     The 27 ton wooden Russian schooner Fridolf Gek was wrecked September of 1924 when she drug anchor at the north bank of the Snake River near Nome.  The following is from the wreck report filed by Max Gottschalk of Nome, master of the Fridolf Gek:

“Stranded and pounded on beach, no power in vessel at time.”  “Dragged anchor and went on beach and vessel pounded heavily…seams opened up, hull filled water and sand.”

“Vessel stranded Sept. 1924 as above stated and lie on the beach a wreck until War Dept between 8/12/25 & 8/20/25 took charge of the vessel as a wreck and menace to navigation and a landing place, and in the way of construction of jetties being constructed. Engineers War Dept declared vessel a wreck and to get her out of way, took off her iron keel, partially caulked her to keep from sinking and moved said vessel to mud flat on north bank of Snake River where said hull still remains.  Tail shaft broken, propeller gone, engines gone, bulwarks back of stern smashed in, seams opened up, deck housing smashed in, and vessel a complete wreck with little remaining except the naked hull.”

Mapping and Location: West central Alaska   64 30 N 165 25 W   Chart 16006

Additional Information: Tonnage 26.98 Gross 12.11 Net, Built 1911, Registered Vladivostock Russia, Owner T Boiko of Vladivostock, Last Port Anadyr Russia, Destination Nome, Crew 2, Vessel Value $3,000 no insurance

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed by Gottschalk October 26, 1928 at Nome

FRIEDA (1964)     The 67 ton 69 foot wooden oil screw Frieda was reported missing out of Port Bailey in the Good Friday earthquake of March 27, 1964.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 56 N 153 02 W   Chart 16594

Additional Information: Tonnage 67 Gross 48 Net, Length 68.9, Breadth 17.3, Depth 7.9, Built 1925 at Dockton WA, Service freight, Horsepower 100, SL WA5183, Owner Kadiak Fisheries Company, Registered Ketchikan, ON 224649

Sources: 1.Unofficial Wreck List, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) Pg 236

 

FRISCO (1972)     The 26 ton 46 foot steel oil screw fishing vessel Frisco foundered October 24, 1972 approximately 11 miles southeast of Kodiak in the Gulf of Alaska.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 26 Gross 10 Net, Length 46.3, Breadth 14, Depth 4.8, Built 1944 at Portland OR, Former Name LCM-3-C-52445 (U S N), ON 278594

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 245, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1974) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1635

 

FRISCO (2000)     The 50 foot wooden salmon fishing vessel Frisco struck an underwater object, flooded and was lost August 21, 2000 at South Craig Point on Zarembo Island.  All four crewmembers abandoned the vessel to the seine skiff and reached Wrangell safely.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 23 20 N 132 37 30 W    Chart 17360

Additional Information: ON 215228

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

 

FROLIC (1949)     The 9 ton 36 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Frolic foundered August 17, 1949 near Kane Island in Salisbury Sound.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 19 25 N 135 40 W   Chart 17323

Additional Information: Tonnage 9 Gross 6 Net, Length 36.2, Breadth 9, Depth 3.7, Built 1908 at Bellingham WA, Horsepower 15, Owner E H Kelton, Registered Bellingham WA, ON 205941

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1950) Pg 195, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1951) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 937

 

FROLIC (1955)     The 14 ton 31 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Frolic burned August 4, 1955 at Hydaburg Cooperative Dock in Hydaburg.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 14 Gross 11 Net, Length 31.5, Breadth 10.8, Depth 5.4, Built 1934 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 16, Owner Daniel Kahklen, Registered Ketchikan, ON 233496

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1955) Pg 188, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1956) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 743

 

FROSTY (1951)     The 6 ton 26 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Frosty stranded and was lost in February of 1951 on the beach at Knudson Cove.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 28 30 N 131 48 W   Chart 17422

Additional Information: Tonnage 6 Gross 5 Net, Length 26.4, Breadth 9.4, Depth 3.2, Built 1917 at San Francisco, Horsepower 65, Owner John R Dolph, Registered Ketchikan, ON 249201

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1955) Pg 188, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1956) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 743

 

FUKUYOSHI MARU NO 85     The Japanese longliner Fukuyoshi Maru No. 85 was abandoned after an explosion and fire February 8, 1987 approximately 120 miles northwest of Dutch Harbor.  One crewmember was lost and 25 others picked up by sister ship Fukuyoshi Maru 8.  The U S Coast Guard sank the burned out vessel six days later. The Fukuyoshi Maru 85 was in use by U S National Marine Fisheries in a foreign fisheries program counting fish. The fire was reported to have started from a propane explosion in the galley of the ship. 49 year old Toshitaka Sakaguchi, a crewmember from Japan was believed to have died in the explosion.

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

Sources: 1. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 2. The Oregonian (February 20, 1987) “Survivor recalls explosion” Pg D8, 3. Daily Sitka Sentinel (February 12, 1987) “Fishing Boat Burning In Bering Sea” Pg 6