Alaska Shipwrecks (G)

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

G B M Co No 3 (1964)     The 65 foot wooden gas screw freight vessel G B M Co No 3 was destroyed by the earthquake tidal wave 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 84 Gross 72 Net, Length 65, Breadth 24, Depth 5.9, Built 1944 at Cosmopolis WA, SL WC7924, ON 176066

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) Pg 899, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1963) Pg 230

 

G F 1 (1951)     The 7 ton wooden gas screw G F 1 foundered when lost overboard from the oil screw Sea Lark July 13, 1951 approximately 400 miles southwest of Ketchikan.

Mapping and Location: Alaska Unknown

Comment: Lost overboard along with the 7 ton wooden gas screws B B 1 and G F 6

Additional Information: Tonnage 7 Gross, Built 1951, ON 261967

Source: Merchant Vessels of the U S (1952) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 955

 

G F 6 (1951)     The 7 ton wooden gas screw G F 6 foundered when lost overboard from the oil screw Sea Lark July 13, 1951 approximately 400 miles southwest of Ketchikan.

Mapping and Location: Alaska Unknown

Comment: Lost overboard along with the 7 ton wooden gas screws B B 1 and G F 1

Additional Information: Tonnage 7 Gross, Built 1951, ON 261972

Source: Merchant Vessels of the U S (1952) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 955

 

G G K (1949)     The 8 ton 33 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel G G K collided with and unknown object between Necker and Biorka Islands on December 13, 1949 and was lost.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 49 N 135 27 W   Chart 17326

Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 6 Net, Length 33, Breadth 9.8, Depth 4, Built 1941 at Sitka, Horsepower 90, Owner Gottfred Kellberg, Registered Sitka, ON 250966

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1950) Pg 206, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1951) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 937

 

G P C 19 (1956)     The 12 ton 31 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel G P C 19 was consumed by fire October 8, 1956 on the Standard Oil Float at Kodiak.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 12 Gross 10 Net, Length 30.9, Breadth 11, Depth 4.4, Built 1946 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 107, Owner Ella M Grimes, Registered Juneau, ON 249772

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1956) Pg 193, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1957) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 756

 

G P C 20 (1967)     The 31 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel G P C 20 was destroyed by a storm November 23, 1967 at Ouzinkie.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 12 Gross 10 Net, Length 31, Breadth 11, Depth 4.4, Built 1947 at Seattle WA, SL WE9337, ON 249878

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) Pg 899, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1963) Pg 233

 

G P C 21 (1965)     The 15 ton 34 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel G P C 21 was destroyed by a storm October 10, 1965 at Ouzinkie.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 15 Gross 13 Net, Length 34.2, Breadth 12, Depth 4.5, Built 1946 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 107, SL WA5471, Owner Nick Katelnikoff, Registered Juneau, ON 250074

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 249, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1167

 

G P HUDSON (1914)     The G P Hudson was reported lost in Chignik Bay in 1914.

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

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

 

G R F (1941)     The 28 ton 46 foot wooden scow G R F stranded and was lost on Karluk Beach June 15, 1941.  No one was aboard and no lives were lost.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 28 Gross and Net, Length 45.9, Breadth 18, Depth 4.2, Built 1929 at Port Blakely WA, Owner Alaska Red Salmon Packers of Washington, Registered Ketchikan, ON 170282

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1942) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 510, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1941) Pg 360

G THACKLE (1915)     The gas screw G Thackle is reported to have been lost on SW Prince of Wales Island in 1915.  The vessel was valued at $800 at the time of the casualty.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   54 53 45 N 132 29 30 W   Chart 17400

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

GAIL S (1997)     The 80 foot tug Gail S flooded, rolled over and sank while towing a 240 foot barge August 13, 1997 in Bristol Bay 130 nautical miles north of Cold Bay.  Four crewmembers were rescued and one was lost in the disaster.  The barge was salvaged still tethered to the sunken Gail S.

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

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

 

GALE (1977)     The 34 foot vessel Gale sank September 25, 1977 in Malina Bay.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   58 13 N 153 05 W   Chart 16580

Source: Unofficial Wreck List

 

GALAXY (2002)     The 171 foot cod fishing catcher processor Galaxy caught fire, suffered multiple explosions and was lost October 20, 2002 approximately 30 miles southwest of Saint Paul Island in the Bering Sea.  24 of the 26 crewmembers aboard were rescued by the U S Coast Guard and Good Samaritan vessels Blue Pacific, Glacier Bay and Clipper Express.  Weather on scene was 30 to 40 knot winds, 10 to 15 foot seas and freezing spray.  First mate Jerry Stephens and cook George Karn were lost.  Jose Rodas died as a result of injuries suffered in the disaster.  Also lost from the Good Samaritan vessel Clipper Express was Daniel Schmiedt, who was washed overboard by a rogue wave subsequent to the rescue of the Galaxy crewmembers.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 1385, ON 576981, Call Sign WYL5349

Sources: 1. U S C G News Release (October 20, 2002) “Ship explodes in Bering Sea, 26 fishermen abandon ship as Coast Guard crews race to rescue”, 2. Seattle Post Intelligencer (January 24, 2003) “Skipper describes tragic day aboard Galaxy fishing boat”, 3. U S C G News Release (October 22, 2002) “Coast Guard suspends search for missing Clipper Express crewman”, 4. USCG MISLE Case # 95035

 

GAMBIER (1949)     The 31 ton 47 foot wooden gas screw Gambier burned August 26, 1949 one mile west of Cape Bingham in Cross Sound.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 05 30 N 136 31 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 31 Gross 21 Net, Length 47, Breadth14, Depth 5, Built 1912 at Port Blakely WA, Former Name Itsol, Service freight, Crew 6, Horsepower 121, Owner Walter W Reams, Registered Juneau, ON 210084

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1952) Pg 202, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1953-1954) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 748

 

GARDNER (1901)     The river steamer Gardner was lost in 1901 at Jones Point.

Mapping and Location: West central Alaska   65 07 N 166 38 W   Chart 16006

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

 

GAY HEAD (1871)     The 300 ton wooden whaling bark Gay Head was abandoned in the ice around Point Belcher September 14, 1871.  Her home port was New Bedford, Mass. and value at the time of the disaster was $40,000.  Master of the Gay Head, Captain William H Kelley revisited the site the following year and found the vessel was burned where she lay.

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

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

GAY HEAD (1914)     The 252 ton wood whaling bark Gay Head stranded on a reef at Castle Head at 3:40 p.m. Saturday June 27, 1914 and was lost.  The following are excerpts from the Wreck Report filed in San Francisco by G W Porter of San Francisco, master of the vessel:

“Heavy gale, thick fog….Let go anchor, failed to hold.”  “Castle Head, Chignik Bay Alaska….went ashore on reef…Stranded…vessel refused Stays…total loss.”

The Gay Head left San Francisco on a whaling voyage October 4, 1913 with a crew of 31.  They had accumulated 120 tons of sperm oil worth $4,787. They departed Chignik June 26, 1914 and wrecked the following day.  The Gay Head was valued at $20,000 at the time of the casualty.  All crewmen survived.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   56 10 N 158 20 W   Chart 16566

Comment: Probably Castle Cape. WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 252, Built 1877 at Mattapoiset Mass., Registration San Francisco, ON 85494, Owner L E James MO of San Francisco, Vessel Insurance $5,000, Cargo Insurance $2,872

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report filed July 20, 1914

GAY LADY (1964)     The 11 ton 30 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Gay Lady collided with a submerged object and was lost July 21, 1964 in Prince William Sound.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 45 N 147 W   Chart 16013

Additional Information: Tonnage 11 Gross 7 Net, Length 29.9, Breadth 11.3, Depth 5.2, Built 1959 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 125, SL WL5215, Owner Raymond John Likowski, Registered Seattle, ON 278684

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) Pg 244, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1003

 

GAYLENE (1989)     Shifting cargo caused the 40 foot steel salmon troller Gaylene to founder and sink August 8, 1989 at Biorka Island.  All three crewmembers made it to safety.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 51 N 135 32 W   Chart 17320

Additional Information: ON 553632

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

GAZELLE (1885)     The 273 ton bark Gazelle was lost at Saint Lawrence Island in 1885 while on a whaling voyage.  The vessel departed San Francisco February 6, 1885 and was worth $50,000 with cargo at the time of the disaster.

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

Sources: 1.Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992), 2. Alaska File of the Revenue Cutter Service 1868-1888

GAZELLE (1933)     The 9 ton 32 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Gazelle stranded and was lost at Juneau December 5, 1933.  There was no one aboard at the time of the loss.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 18 15 N 134 20 30 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 9 Gross 7 Net, Length 32.4, Breadth 9.1, Depth 4.5, Built 1918 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 18, Owner Martin Paddock of Tenakee, Registered Juneau, ON 216484

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1934) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1007, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1933) Pgs 332-3

GEM (1981)     The 47 foot fishing vessel Gem struck a rock and sank October 30, 1981 near Cape Spencer.  Three of her four crewmen were rescued from the beach after being found by a U S Coast Guard C-130.  A fourth crewman, Tim Blake, was lost.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   58 12 45 N 156 39 30 W   Chart 16016

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

 

GEMINI (1980)     The 110 foot crab fishing vessel Gemini iced up, rolled over and sank January 15, 1980 in the Gulf of Alaska.  Three of her five crewmembers were picked up from a life raft 150 miles southeast of Cold Bay by a U S Coast Guard helicopter from Cold Bay.  The Gemini was on her way to safe harbor in Beaver Inlet when the disaster occurred.  Lost were captain Roy O’Harrow and crewman Steve Holden.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 198 Gross 135 Net, Length 93.6, Breadth 29, Depth 9, Built 1974 Tacoma WA, ON 555788, Owner William A. White, Former Name Tara Dawn

Sources: 1. Dallas Morning News (January 20, 1980) Pg 41, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U.S. (1979) Pgs 563&2214, SL WYX3043

 

GENE (1942)     The 8 ton 32 foot wooden gas screw Gene stranded and was lost at Rye Island in September of 1942.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska Unknown

Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 6 Net, Length 32.5, Breadth 9.6, Depth 3.7, Built 1928 at Cordova, Horsepower 30, Service Freight, Crew 2, Owner Henry Wiese, Registered Cordova, ON 236915

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1944) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 754, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1943) Pg 153

GENEI MARU NO 7 (2002)     The 97 foot Japanese squid fishing catcher processor Genei Maru No 7 caught fire and was abandoned May 27, 2002 in the international waters of the north Pacific.  The abandoned vessel drifted ashore November 10, 2002 at Kazakof Bay on Afognak Island.  All recoverable fuel, miscellaneous oils, hazardous materials and plastics were removed from the derelict vessel.  Salvage and disposal of the hull was under consideration.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   58 06 N 152 35 W   Chart 16580

Sources: 1. USCG & ADEC Situation Report (December 6, 2002)” F/V Genie Maru No 7”, 2. Anchorage Daily News (November 14, 2002) “Crews take stock of wrecked ship”

 

GENERAL (1898)     The barge General foundered at sea off of the Aleutian Islands while in tow of the vessel Rival June 2, 1898.  The 12 men aboard the barge were rescued by the Rival.

Mapping and Location: Southwest Alaska  Unknown

Comment: It was reported September 1, 1898 that the schooner Uranus found a wrecked barge on Unimak Island with the word General marked on the bow. Many valuable stores were still on board.

            Sources: 1. Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992), 2. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg41, 3. The Morning Oregonian (September 2, 1898) “Northern Marine News” Pg 3

GENERAL MCPHERSON (1900)     The 90 foot wooden schooner General McPherson drug anchor, stranded and was lost at 3:30 a.m. Wednesday September 12, 1900 on the east side of Safety Harbor.  The following comments were from the Wreck Report filed September 18, 1900 by the vessel’s master, J S Morris of Seattle:

“Gale, cloudy, heavy sea, dark.”  “Heavy SE Gale and tidal wave….east side Safety Harbor…Stranded”  “Three anchors out with 60 fathoms best hawser, 45 fathoms second hawser, and 45 fathoms cable on steam anchor.”  “Left the wreck without assistance.”  “Total loss”

The General McPherson had departed Nome September 9 for Point Safety with a crew of eight and $500 worth of lumber weighing ten tons.  Both the vessel and her cargo were lost, but the crew made it to Safety.

Mapping and Location: West central Alaska   64 29 N 164 45 W   Chart 16200

Comment: Probably Port Safety, Safety Sound near Nome

Additional Information: Length 89.5, Breadth 21, Depth 7.6, Built 1867 San Francisco, Tonnage 109 Gross 93 Net, Registered Seattle, ON 85955, Owner A H Miller of Whatcome Washington, Vessel Value $7,000, Vessel & Cargo Insurance Unknown

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report filed September 18, 1900

GENERAL MILLER (1882)     The 108 ton two masted schooner General Miller was wrecked in the Shumagin Islands in 1882.  Her value at the time of the casualty was $15,000 with cargo.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   55 10 N 160 W   Chart 16540

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

GENERAL PERSHING (1964)     The 44 ton 59 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel General Pershing was destroyed by a storm July 23, 1964 near Valdez about four miles southeast of Glacier Island.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 33 N 147 11 W   Chart 16700

Additional Information: Tonnage 44 Gross 29 Net, Length 59.6, Breadth 15.4, Depth 7.1, Built 1918 at Gig Harbor WA, Horsepower 135, SL WA5289, Owner Parks Canning Company, Registered Seattle, ON 216418

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) Pg 245, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1003

 

GENERAL SIGLIN (1897)     The waterlogged dismasted hulk of the 80 foot sealing schooner General Siglin was reported seen at 53 15 N 135 55 W by the sealing schooner Willard Ainsworth May 5, 1898.  Her bulwarks were stove in and boats missing.  She had departed San Francisco bound for Kodiak.  The Coast Guard Cutter Corwin was dispatched to the area to locate the General Siglin.  “Should either the vessel or people be found you will render all possible assistance.  In addition to a valuable cargo of merchandise the vessel carries $4,000 in coin.”  On June 14, 1897 the vessel was located by the Corwin minus her crew except the body of her mate who was found lashed to the davits and a small boy found hidden in the cabin.  The $4,000 in coin was still aboard the General Siglin.  The vessel was towed to Sitka and beached.  Lost were captain Jerome Thomas, E C Greenfield (trading agent for the Northern Commercial Company at Wood Island), his wife and six year old son, mate Harry Saunders, cook J C W Ohn, seaman R Bendix, seaman Martin Jeppison and seaman P Peterson.

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

Comment: This vessel was put back into service and lost with all hands again in 1902.

Source: Alaska File of the Revenue Cutter Service 1867-1914 Roll 7

GENERAL SIGLIN (1902)     The 80 foot 81 ton two masted schooner General Siglin was lost off of False Pass October 3, 1902 along with her crew of eight.  She was traveling from Nome to Puget Sound with a scheduled stop at Dutch Harbor.   She was last seen outside the entrance to False Pass, but never made it to Dutch Harbor.  Lost were owners John Murray of Seattle and John McKay of Chicago, captain Oscar Bartel, Julius Lorain, Gustav Meuler, Alex McAllister along with two others.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   54 51 15 N 163 24 30 W   Chart 16535

Comment: Same vessel found lost with all hands in 1897. WG

Sources: 1. Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992), 2. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 24, 3. Seattle Daily Times (December 31, 1902) “Siglin and Dawson City” Pg 2, 4. Tacoma Daily News (May 17, 1904) “Prospectors Perish in the Far North” Pg 10

GEORGE (1871)     The 259 ton wooden bark George was abandoned in the ice around Point Belcher September 14, 1871.  The George was in the whaling trade out of New Bedford, Mass. and had a value of $40,000 at the time of the disaster.

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

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

GEORGE (1908)     The sloop George was lost at Nome February 5, 1908

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

Sources: 1. Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992), 2. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 156

GEORGE AND SUSAN (1885)     The 343 ton whaling bark George and Susan was driven ashore and wrecked in a heavy SW gale after dragging anchor and colliding with the 188 ton whaling bark Mabel at Wainright Inlet at 3:00 p.m August 10, 1885.  Both vessels were lost and all crew but 3 rescued by the U S Revenue Cutter Thomas Corwin.  The George and Susan was valued at $50,000 with her cargo of whale oil and bone.  The vessel left San Francisco March 7, 1885 bound for whaling in the Arctic.

Mapping and Location: Northern Alaska   70 36 N 160 W   Chart 16005

Comment: Some reports have this wreck site between Pt Belcher and Pt Franklin but I have mapped it at Wainwright Inlet because of the Mabel wreck report and RCS records.  WG

Sources: 1. Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992), 2. Alaska File of the Revenue Cutter Service 1867-1914, 3. U S Customs Wreck Report for Mabel filed at San Francisco October 19, 1885

GEORGE H (1957)     The 11 ton 37 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel George H burned August 11, 1957 at Wide Bay.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 22 N 156 11 W   Charts 10013, 16570

Additional Information: Tonnage 11 Gross 8 Net, Length 37.2, Breadth 12, Depth 3.5, Built 1949 at Seldovia, Horsepower 140, Owner R B Henington, Registered Juneau, ON 258031

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1958) Pg 206, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1959) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 801

 

GEORGE HOWLAND (1871)     The 361 ton wooden bark George Howland was abandoned in the ice around Point Belcher September 14, 1871.  The George Howland was in the whaling trade out of New Bedford, Mass. and had a value of $43,000 at the time of the disaster.

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

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

GEORGE JR (1925)     The 27 ton wooden gas screw George Jr foundered and was lost with all hands January 25, 1925 between Taku Harbor and Gastineau Channel.  The George Jr departed Petersburg January 23 bound for Juneau with three crewmen and one passenger.  She was also carrying 600 lbs of merchandise.  Lost in the disaster were the vessel’s master, Nick Bystrom, Ed Lee, John Loseth and R. R. Brown.  There was a heavy north wind, thick snow and heavy seas.  The George Jr was valued at $11,000 and her cargo at $1,500.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 05 45 N 134 07 30 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 27 Gross 21 Net, Age 4 Years, Registered Juneau, ON 222582, Owner George Ramstead of Juneau, Vessel Insurance $7,000, Cargo Insurance none

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed by Ramstead February 9, 1925 at Juneau

 

GEORGE R WHITE (1894)     The 61 foot sealing schooner George R White departed Seattle July 4, 1894 with a crew of 15 men and never returned. The vessel was owned by Paul Polson of LaConner, Washington. She was last heard from in the form of a letter October 25, 1894 out of Unalaska expressing Captain Wheeler’s intention to follow the seal herds south to the tropics and back north in the spring. The George R White was wrongly reported lost during the Great Easter Storm of 1895 when she was mistaken for the sealing schooner C G White. The C G White was lost off of the south end of Kodiak Island near Tugidak Island. It is possible the George R White was lost in the same storm but no evidence of her disappearance ever surfaced. Crewmembers reported to have been lost with the George R White were master J L Wheeler, mate Steve Baretech, cook M Butler, hunter Edward Pomeroy, hunter Andrew Danielson, hunter Justin Chenowith, seaman Richard Redmond, seaman C. Morris, seaman C. Brandt, seaman Louis A Burrell, seaman John Harrison, seaman Chris Swanson, seaman Robert Baxter, seaman Henry Parker and cabin boy James Carton.

Mapping and Location: Unknown

Additional Information: Tonnage 37.6 Gross 35.72 Net, Length 61.2, Breadth 18.4, Depth 6.3, Built 1890 at Port Madison, ON 86084

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1894) Pg 129, 2. Sacramento Record-Union (May 4, 1895) “Disaster at Sea” Pg 1, 3. The Morning Oregonian (August 21, 1895) “A Schooner Missing” Pg 3

 

GEORGE S WRIGHT (1873)     Five years after the purchase of Alaska the George S Wright became the first major shipwreck.  The 116 foot steamer departed Sitka January 20, 1873 with officers of the garrison and other passengers aboard headed for Portland.  The crew from captain to coal passers consisted of 21 souls and approximately 13 passengers were aboard.  The steamer made stops at Tongass and Klawock sailing for Nanaimo January 25, 1873.  It has been supposed that the vessel struck a rock somewhere near Cape Caution in the Queen Charlotte Sound about the 27th of January. One report states the vessel struck Devils Reef in the Sea Otter group.  Wreckage of the George S Wright was found from Queen Charlotte Sound to Prince of Wales Island.  Reports later surfaced that some survivors of the wreck had been captured and murdered by Haida Indians.  Crewmembers lost with the George S Wright were captain Thomas J Ainsley, purser B F Weidler, chief engineer John Sutton, second engineer James Minor, first mate David Noonan, seaman P Clawson, seaman Owen McGough, seaman James Irwin, seaman Gus Proffe, seaman J Jansen, steward Chris Adam, cook Pedro Selvo, waiter C Hevenichi, pantryman Moses Batiste, an Indian messboy and two other Indians.  Included in the passengers was paymaster Major John S Walker with his wife and son, U S Army Captain Henry C Dodge and George A Eades collector for the Port of Sitka.  Captain Ainsley was engaged to be married to a young lady from Jackson, Michigan.  The loss was a complete mystery.  In the summer of 1875 the remains of paymaster Major John S Walker were found with a life preserver still attached on an island at the entrance to Port Bazan on Dall Island.  In the spring of 1877 the Free Press of Nanaimo, British Columbia reported the arrest of several Wakena Indians for the murder of fifteen survivors of the wrecked George S Wright.  A story had surfaced detailing the loss of the George S Wright.  The vessel was said to have encountered a terrible storm in the Queen Charlotte Sound where intruding waves exploded her boiler.  One Wakena Indian who had been employed as a coal passer on the steamer and fifteen others escaped into a life raft and made shore on one of two small islands near the disaster.  A fire was built to warm the survivors which subsequently attracted a group of Wakena Indians.  With the help of the Wakena coal passer all the rest of the survivors were massacred in their sleep.  The story was substantiated with the arrest of the coal passer and two other Wakena Indians who were said to have confessed to the murders when arrested in 1877.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   British Columbia   Unknown

Additional Information: Length 116.7, Breadth 25, Depth 10.5, Tonnage 214.94, Home Port San Francisco, ON 10743, SL HVFN, HP 125

Sources: 1. Marine Disasters of the Alaska Routes (1916) Pg 23, 2. New York Times (August 5, 1877), 3. Lewis and Dryden Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1961) Pgs 204-5, 4. Public Service and Resources of Alaska (1879) Morris, 5. The Press (October 13, 1875) “The Late Major John S Walker” Pg 1, 6. The Daily Citizen (March 15, 1877) “Shipwreck and Disaster”, 7. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1868) Pg 95

GEORGE W (1988)     The 58 foot trawler George W disappeared with all hands March 17, 1988.  She was last seen in Uyak Bay on Kodiak Island with three crewmen aboard.  Two bodies were found by the fishing vessel Nomad two days later in a life raft near Sutwik Island 30 miles east of Chignik.  Lost were owner operator James Michael Miller (37), David Meersand (32) and Theodore O’Leary (27), all from Kodiak.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 48 N 154 04 W   Chart 16013

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

 

GEORGE W PERKINS (1905)     The schooner George W Perkins stranded and wrecked on the beach at Nome June 21, 1905.  The vessel was valued at $6,000 at the time of the loss.

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

Comment: This could be the Governor Perkins.  WG

Sources: 1. Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992), 2. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 115

GERANIUM (1974)     The five year old 11,477 ton Liberian flag freighter Geranium disappeared with all hands in a storm November 24, 1974 approximately 80 miles south of Kiska in the Aleutian Islands.  An empty lifeboat and scores of logs were all that was found.  28 Taiwanese crewmembers lost their lives with the vessel.  The Geranium was hauling logs and scrap metal from Port Angeles, Washington to Osaka, Japan.

Mapping and Location: Southwest Alaska   51 58 30 N 177 30 E   Chart 16012

Sources: 1. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 2. Seattle Daily Times (December 11, 1974) “Last crewman owes life to injuries” Pg F 7

 

GERTIE ELLEN (1958)     The 17 ton 37 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Gertie Ellen foundered January 4, 1958 off of City Float in Ketchikan.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 17 Gross 12 Net, Length 37.4, Breadth 12, Depth 5.8, Built 1941 at Cordova, Horsepower 105, SL WA5360, Owner Thomas G Clock, Registered Ketchikan, ON 240466

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1960) Pg 216, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1961) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 861

 

GERTRUDE (1921)     The 17 ton wooden gas schooner Gertrude was lost 12 miles SW of East Cape after a collision with the ice at 4:00 a.m. July 4, 1921.  The Gertrude left Nome on July 1st bound for the Siberian Coast with a crew of five and a cargo of 15 tons of general merchandise.  The crew survived the wreck but the vessel and cargo were listed as total losses.  The following are statements taken from the report of casualty filed by C K Larson of Nome, owner and master of the Gertrude:

“12 miles SW of East Cape….Strong SE wind, foggy weather, daylight.”  “Collided with ice….vessel was in ice for seven hours and became badly punctured before she got out and close to the shore.”  “Ran vessel on the beach and put lines on to hold her in easy position, but could do nothing with her, and she was pounded to pieces by the waves on the beach.”

Mapping and Location: West central Alaska – Siberia Unknown

Comment: Probably East Cape Siberia but could be Apavawook Cape on St Lawrence Island

Additional Information: Tonnage 17 Gross 11 Net, Built 1920, Registration applied for, Vessel Value $4,500, Cargo Value $5,000, Insurance none

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed July 15, 1921

GERTRUDE ANN (1978)     The fishing vessel Gertrude Ann capsized and was lost September 18, 1978 near Sitkinak Island.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   56 33 N 154 10 W   Chart 16580

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

GERTRUDE ANN (1980)     The vessel Gertrude Ann sank October 26, 1980 near Afognak Island.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   58 15 N 152 30 W   Chart 16580

Source: Unofficial Wreck List (Kodiak)

 

GERTRUDE S (1976)     The 70 foot vessel Gertrude S sank September 23, 1976 in Kupreanof Strait in 57 fathoms of water.  The crew was picked up by the fishing vessel Sierra Seas.

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

Sources: 1. Unofficial Wreck List (Kodiak), 2. NOAA AWOIS Wreck Map Record 54098

 

GF 8 (1954)     The 8 ton 27 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel GF 8 stranded and was lost July 9, 1954 two miles north of Middle Bluff.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   58 24 20 N 157 31 15 W   Chart 16323

Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 7 Net, Length 27.5, Breadth 10, Depth 3.9, Built 1951 at Tacoma WA, Horsepower 90, Owner Puget Sound Boat Building Corp., Registered Tacoma WA, ON 262051

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1952) Pg 210, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1955) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 738

 

GGSY#4 (1918)     The 29 ton wooden scow GGSY#4 foundered in a heavy gale 140 miles west of Cape Spencer Wednesday May 13, 1918.  There were no passengers or crew lost.  The vessel had departed from Ketchikan March 9th bound for Latouche.  It was 4:30 a.m. with winds at 60 mph and thick snow when the casualty occurred.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   58 12 45 N 137 39 30 W   Chart 16760

Additional Information: Built 1917, Registered Ketchikan and Seattle, ON 166703, Master George E Sprague of Seattle, Owner San Juan Fishing & Pkg Co of Seattle, Vessel Value $2,500 no cargo, Insurance none

Source: Report of Casualty filed at Washington

GIRDWOOD RANGER (1983)     The sailboat Girdwood Ranger sank in heavy weather May 30, 1983 south of Cordova.

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

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

GJOA (1920)     Nine crewmen were on the beach and only the master aboard the 20 ton wood gas screw Gjoa when the anchor cable parted in a SE storm at 8:00 a.m. Wednesday August 4, 1920 34 miles east of Cape Suckling.  The Gjoa stranded and was lost with 2.5 tons of salvage equipment aboard.  Captain Hans Keil and his crew survived.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska: 59 59 30 N 143 19 W   Chart 16016

Comment: The Gjoa could have been working salvage on one of the many wrecks along this beach including the Nellie Coleman (1905), Edith (1915), Washington (1915) and Constance (1919). WG

Additional Information:  Tonnage 20 Gross 13 Net, Built 1907, Registered Seattle, ON 204413, Owner and Master Hans Keil of Tacoma, Last Port Ketchikan June 22, 1920, Vessel Value $5,000, Cargo Value $800, Vessel Insurance $3,000, Cargo Insurance none

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed August 14, 1920 by Keil at Cordova

GLACIER (1957)     The 39 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Glacier burned August 16, 1957 at Ketchikan.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 20 30 N 131 38 45 W   Chart 16016

Additional Information: Tonnage 17 Gross 13 Net, Length 38.9, Breadth 11.4, Depth 6.5, Built 1916 at Ballard WA, 140 HP, SL WD3126, ON 213880

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1974) Pg 1256, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 260

 

GLACIER QUEEN (1978)     The fishing vessel Glacier Queen sank March 19, 1978 at Hinchinbrook Entrance off of Zaikof Point near Schooner Rock.  The crew was rescued by the fishing vessel Lone Fisherman.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 18 20 N 146 54 15 W   Chart 16700

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

GLACIER QUEEN (1979)     The barge Glacier Queen was towed to deep water and scuttled January 19, 1979 at an old military dump site west of Cape Saint Elias in 2,000 fathoms of water.  The vessel had been lying on the bottom of Seldovia Bay since November of 1978.  After many weather delays, she was refloated and towed to her grave by the vessel Salvage Chief.

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

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

GLADIATOR (1931)     The 21 ton gas screw Gladiator stranded 20 miles NE of Cape Sarichef when her steering gear broke at 9:00 p.m. September 22, 1931.  The Gladiator was valued at $5,000 and her 7 ton cargo of oil, Alaska curios etc was valued at $2,500.  The vessel was on a voyage from Nome to Seattle with a crew of three when the casualty occurred.  The following are statements from the wreck report filed by Edward Webster of Seattle, owner and master of the Gladiator:

“20 mi. NE of Cape Sarichef, Unimak Is….stranded…steering gear broke.”  “Wind blowing on shore…50 or 60 miles per hour, dark, night…did everything possible to keep off rocks; took a lone chance and landed on a soft spot on beach.”  “Sick man at boat, at that time doubtful if he would live, reached light house for assistance for sick man; got SOS to Coast Guard Cutter Chelan, at Squaw Harbor, Alaska, She responded immediately, picked me up at light house, proceeded to boat to get sick man, owing to dangerous and tricky surf, life boat was lost.  The officer in charge used good judgment in everything he tried to do but the elements were against him.  Result, everybody on beach landed OK.  Sick man taken care of, came to life, got into light house.  Chelan picked us up and brought us to Seattle, OK five days after.  We thank the officers for their efforts and in staking their all in coming to and rendering assistance for those unfortunately wrecked in Alaskan waters.  There is a lot of satisfaction to the people of Alaska to know that the Coast Guard is always willing to gladly help those wrecked in troubled waters, and at all times to go their limit.”

“To Commandant, U S Coast Guard….I want to thank you, also to say, being familiar with Alaskan waters, it was a pleasure to come across men of caliber of those we met at Cape Sarichef, viz Mr Pederson, Mr Dickman, Mr Moore, also Mr Perry and Staff of the Cutter Chelan

The Gladiator, valued at $5,000 was a total loss as was her cargo.  There was no insurance.

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

Comment: This date of this wreck is reported as August 25, 1932 in some records.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 21 Gross 19 Net, Built 1910, Registration Seattle, ON 207939

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed at Seattle May 25, 1932 by Webster

GLADIATOR (2008)     The 50 foot wooden salmon seiner Gladiator flooded her engine room, rolled over and sank July 30, 2008 near Kendrick Bay in Clarence Strait on the southeast end of Prince of Wales Island in 230 fathoms of water.  All five crewmembers were rescued by vessels who responded to the Gladiator’s Mayday and subsequent Urgent Marine Broadcasts.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   54 51 15 N 131 58 W   Chart 17420

Additional Information: Tonnage 42 Gross 28 Net, Length 49.9, Breadth 15.8, Depth 6.8, Built 1945 Seattle WA, ON 247663, Former Name New Sunrise, Call Sign WB5190

Sources: 1. USCG District 17 Enforcement Report (July 30, 2008), 2. USCG MISLE Case # 417334

 

GLADSTONE (1929)     The 35 ton wooden gas screw Gladstone caught fire and burned while moored for winter layup at 6:00 a.m. November 23, 1929 at Hood Bay.  The crew of five escaped injury but the Gladstone, valued at $12,500 was lost.  M B Dahl of Hood Bay, owner and master of the vessel, mentioned the possibility that the stove was the origin of the fire in the casualty report.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 23 N 134 24 W   Chart 17339

Additional Information: Tonnage 35 Gross 23 Net, Age 10 years, Registered Juneau, ON 217987, Insurance $10,000

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed by Dahl November 30, 1929 at Petersburg

GLADYS (1926)     The 11 ton gas screw fishing vessel Gladys caught fire and was lost at 4:30 p.m. Friday July 9, 1926 about 28 miles SSE of Coronation Island.  The three person crew left Ketchikan July 1st on a fishing trip to catch halibut.  They had approximately 3,000 lbs in the hold worth $400 when the casualty occurred.  The crewmen “took to boats and were picked up by trolling boat between Spanish Island and Cape Decision.”  The Gladys was valued at $9,000 and became a total loss along with the cargo of fresh halibut.  There was $3,000 worth of insurance on the Gladys but none on the cargo.  Hans Birkland, master of the vessel, mentions in the report of casualty filed July 12, 1926 that the fire started when a kerosene blow torch was being used on machinery and spread to fast to control with fire extinguishers.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 53 N 134 14 W   Chart 17402

Additional Information: Tonnage 11, Built 1924, Registered Ketchikan, ON 223602, Owner Jennie Rolie of Ketchikan

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed at Ketchikan by Birkland

GLADYS M (1993)     The 33 foot longline halibut fishing vessel Gladys M flooded, capsized and sank June 12, 1993 in Cook Inlet northeast of Augustine Island.  All four crewmembers were rescued.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 22 N 153 27 W   Chart 16640

Additional Information: ON 550579

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

 

GLEN (1907)     The 107 foot 127 ton wooden codfishing schooner Glen stranded in a heavy NE gale when her anchor cables parted at East Anchor Cove on Unimak Island at 7:30 p.m. Monday September 30, 1907.  The Glen departed San Francisco August 25 of that year with a crew of eight and had stowed about 85 tons or 28,000 codfish when the casualty occurred.  One crewman, a teenage boy named Burton Kelly was lost.  Weather at the time was reported to be a NE hurricane force gale, overcast, cloudy with heavy seas.  When the accident report was filed in San Francisco by a secretary for the owners, the Glen was high and dry and some of her cargo had been removed.  Vessel Value was listed at $6,000 with damage somewhere between $2,000 and $6,000 depending on whether she could be salvaged.  The report also states that only $1,700 of her $7,000 worth of codfish was lost.  Insurance on the vessel was listed at $3,000 and cargo at $1,504.  The John F Miller was reported wrecked January 8, 1908 trying to salvage the Glen.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   54 41 30 N 163 04 W   Chart 16535

Comment: There are many conflicting graphic representations of what happened to the Glen and Burton Kelly in newspaper accounts of the time. WG

Additional Information: Length 106.6, Breadth 29, Depth 8.3, Built 1883 Marshfield Oregon, Tonnage 127.38 Gross 121.02 Net, Registered San Francisco, ON 85796, Master F G Buckman of San Francisco, Owner Pacific States Trading Co of San Francisco, Destination Bear Harbor

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report filed July 27, 1908

GLENDA RAE (1955)     The 11 ton 29 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Glenda Rae foundered October 27, 1955 at Rocky Bay near Seldovia.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 14 15 N 151 25 W   Chart 16640

Additional Information: Tonnage 11 Gross 10 Net, Length 29.1, Breadth 11.4, Depth 4.5, Built 1951 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 145, Owner Ella M Grimes, Registered Juneau, ON 261609

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1959) Pg 216, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1960) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 824

 

GLORIA JEAN (1972)     The 50 foot wooden oil screw seiner Gloria Jean disappeared with three crewmembers on board March 7, 1972 near Walden Rocks in Nichols Passage.  The vessel was travelling from Ketchikan to Metlakatla.  Owner operator Norman P Milne (49) was lost along with two others from Metlakatla.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 16 15 N 131 36 20 W   Chart 17420

Additional Information: Tonnage 41 Gross 28 Net, Length 50, Breadth 16, Depth 7.3, Built 1950 at Seattle WA, Former Name Janet N, SL WC7155, HP 100, Registered Ketchikan, ON 259553

Sources: 1. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 2. Anchorage Daily News (March 11, 1972) “Police Blotter” Pg 2, 3. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) Pg 308

 

GLORY BE (1971)     The cabin cruiser Glory Be caught fire and exploded August 21, 1971 In Resurrection Bay.

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

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

GO GET (1930)     The 29 ton wooden gas screw Go Get caught fire and was destroyed at the dock at Kukak Bay Cannery at 2 a.m. August 13, 1930. The crew of four escaped but the Go Get, valued at $4,000 was lost.  John Fraser, J A Kelton and other cannery crew assisted in the effort to put out the blaze using fire extinguishers and water but the Go Get became a total loss beyond repair.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   58 19 05 N 154 11 15 W   Chart 16603

Additional Information: Tonnage 29 Gross 11 Net, Age 9 years, Registered Seward, ON 221206, Master William Stone of Kukak, Owner F J Comeau of Seattle, Last Port Anchorage May 14, 1930, Destination Kukak, Insurance $3,500

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed at Juneau September 27, 1930 by Comeau

GOD’S WILL (1999)     The 85 foot trawler God’s Will sank 15 miles southwest Cold Bay while traveling between False Pass and King Cove October 21, 1999. Crewman Rick Edgemond (29) of Idaho was rescued from a life raft by U S Coast Guard helicopter from Cold Bay. Edgemond was transporting the vessel to King Cove to effect repairs. An electrical fire had damaged the God’s Will on October 18th.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   54 59 N 162 28 W   Chart 16006

Additional Information: Length 85, Owner Mathew R. Shadle of Kodiak, ON 513397

Source: U S Coast Guard News Release (October 21, 1999) “Coast Guard Rescues Man in Life Raft”

 

GOING (1932)     The 7 ton gas screw Going drug anchor and was driven onto the rocks at midnight September 7, 1932 on the westerly island of the Tatoosh Group.  Aboard the Going at the time of the casualty were owner and master T F Johnson, his Wife and Grandchild.  Mrs. Johnson was lost.  Weather at the time was reported to be a severe SE wind, rough seas and dark.  T F Johnson “tried to hold off with engine but engine stopped.”  The Going was said to be worth $1,500 with no insurance.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 31 N 131 50 W   Chart 17422

Additional Information: Tonnage 7 Gross 5 Net, Built 1916, Registered Ketchikan, ON 217982, Last Port Smugglers Cove September 5th, Destination Tatoosh Island Behm Canal

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty by Johnson October 14, 1932 at Ketchikan

GOLD HUNTER (1914)     The small gas screw Gold Hunter stranded and was lost October 15, 1914 at Point Couverdon.  The Gold Hunter had departed Excursion Inlet headed for Juneau with a crew of 2 when the vessel encountered high winds and tide rips which caused the casualty.  The crew escaped but the Gold Hunter, valued at $350 was lost with no insurance.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 11 25 N 135 03 10 W   Chart 17316

Additional Information: Tonnage 5 Net, Age 10 years, Registered Ketchikan, ON 201022, Master Allen Young of Ketchikan, Owner Malcolm Campbell of Juneau

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty at Juneau by Campbell January 23, 1915

GOLD N SUN (1986)     The 127 foot fishing vessel Gold N Sun sank April 15, 1986 approximately 15 miles northwest of Cape Sarichef, near Unimak Pass.  All six crewmen aboard were rescued.

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

Source: Unofficial Shipwreck List (Kodiak)

 

GOLD STAR (1906)     The 168 ton wooden barge Gold Star stranded in the Tanana River July 6, 1906 at Tanana and was lost.  The vessel was valued at $15,000 with cargo at the time of the wreck.  She was built at Saint Michael in 1898 and home ported at Eagle.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 168, ON 86440

Sources: 1. Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992), 2. Alaska Packers Association Records 1741-1939 (1982), 3. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1907) Pg 381

GOLDEN EYE (1994)     The 34 foot longline fishing vessel Golden Eye flooded and sank September 16, 1994 near Juneau.  Both persons aboard were rescued by the U S Coast Guard.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 18 15 N 134 24 30 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: ON AK9332C

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

 

GOLDEN FOREST (1929)     The 5658 ton Steam Ship Golden Forest stranded and was lost at Cape Ilktugitak at 3:04 a.m. September 5, 1929.  The ship had departed Akutan August 30th bound for Victoria British Columbia with 34 crew and 6,413 tons or $300,000 worth of cargo.  Fog and strong currents were blamed for the casualty. The following are excerpts from the report of casualty filed at Seward September 16, 1929 by master L C Drewson:

“Gentle breeze, small sea, moderate southeast swell, very dark.  Had taken soundings at 9 o’clock and 10 o’clock and found no bottom, and assumed that vessel was in middle of Shelikof Straits, course 43 true from Cape Karluk”

“Vessel struck rock at Avatak Island, Alaska on July 24, 1929, when bound from San Francisco, Cal., to Yokohama, Japan.  Had diverted course of ship to meet USS Haida at Unimak Pass on account of sick member of crew.  Vessel was badly damaged and was being convoyed by Br. Str. Salvage King which had been sent up from Victoria for repairs.  We were proceeding along the coast via Seward and Cape Spencer and thence via inside passage.”  “Br Str. Salvage King and motor vessel took off crew of Golden Forest and took us to Kukak, Alaska.”

The Golden Forest, valued at $300,000 was a total loss as was her cargo.  The vessel can still be seen on the rocks slowly rusting away at Cape Ilktugitak on the west side of the Shelikof Straits.  Insurance was unknown by the master at the time of this casualty report but another report was filed in San Francisco in October by the owners.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   58 01 15 N 154 34 45 W   Chart 16580

Additional Information: Tonnage 5658 Gross 3493 Net, Age 10 years, Registration San Francisco, ON 217737, Master L C Drewson of San Francisco, Owner Oceanic and Oriental Navigation Co of San Francisco

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty September 16, 1929 at Seward

GOLDEN GIRLS (2007)     The 42 foot salmon seiner Golden Girls capsized and sank August 20, 2007 in Ugak Bay. The vessel was attempting to haul a large number of fish aboard. All four crewmembers were able to escape to a skiff and were picked up by the fishing vessel Chiniak.  The sunken vessel was later cut up and taken away by her owner.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 20 Gross 16 Net, Length 42.5, ON 589863, Call Sign WYC5968

Sources: 1. Unofficial Wreck List (Kodiak), 2. Kodiak Daily Mirror (August 22, 2007) “Vessel overturns in Ugak Bay”, 3. USCG MISLE Case # 369516

 

GOLDEN PRIDE (1987)     The 83 foot trawler Golden Pride capsized and sank September 19, 1987 in Unimak Pass.  Rough weather was said to have contributed to the disaster.  The vessel’s four crewmembers escaped to a life raft and were rescued by another fishing vessel five hours later.

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

Sources: 1. Oregonian (September 22, 1987) “Fishermen rescued” Pg B6, 2. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

GOLDEN PROVIDER (1984)     The 78 foot fishing vessel Golden Provider sank August 14, 1984 in Bristol Bay, 65 miles northwest of Port Heiden.  All four persons aboard were picked up from their life raft by the fishing vessel Smaragd.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   56 54 N 158 48 W   Chart 16006

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

 

GOLDEN STREAM (2004)     The 38 foot fishing vessel Golden Stream caught fire from a stove and burned August 25, 2004 at Vallenar Point on Gravina Island.  All three crewmembers escaped to safety.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 25 35 N 131 51 W   Chart 17420

Source: Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013)

 

GOLDEN VENTURE (1988)     The 85 foot trawler Golden Venture capsized while making a turn with her trawl gear down and sank May 30, 1988 seven miles north of Yunaska Island.  Captain Rodney Main (44) of Tillamook, Oregon was lost.  Three other crewmembers made it to a life raft and were rescued by the fishing vessel Hazel Lorain.

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

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

GOLDEN VIKING (1983)     The 86 foot crab fishing vessel Golden Viking capsized and sank in rough weather September 1, 1983 approximately 9 miles south of Saint Matthew Island.  The vessel was making a turn in preparation for setting the first string of pots for opening day of Red King Crab Season when she capsized. Four of her six crewmen escaped in a life raft and were picked up by the fishing vessel Tiffany.  Lost were Mike McKee of Seattle and Nick Moe of Newport, Oregon.

Mapping and Location: Southwest Alaska   60 24 N 172 42 W   Chart 16011

Sources: 1. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 2. The Seattle Times (September 2, 1983) “Two missing following capsizing of crab boat” Pg C 16, 3. Oregonian (September 3, 1983) “Search for crab boat crewmen ended” Pg E6, 4. Crewmember conversation on alaskashipwreck.com (December 26, 2018) “Commercial Fishing Losses of 1983”

 

GOLDEN WEST (1918)     The 23 ton wooden gas screw fishing vessel Golden West was lost at 6:00 p.m. Monday February 25, 1918 when her engine broke down and she drifted onto the rocks on the west coast of Graham Island, British Columbia.  The Golden West departed Ketchikan February 12th with three crewmen bound for “sea fisheries”.  The crew had caught 4,000 pounds of fish which were lost along with the Golden West.  Anchors were dropped as the vessel drifted ashore but the lines parted in the strong SE wind and heavy seas.  The three escaped to the beach where they were picked up by the gas screw Libanon on March 4, 1918.  They were then transferred to the gas screw Hilda off Port Lewis, B.C. and taken to Ketchikan March 5th.

Mapping and Location: British Columbia

Additional Information: Tonnage 23 Gross 18 Net, Built 1914, Registered Seattle, ON 212325, Master and half owner Robt Engdal of Seattle, Second Owner Carl Jackson of Seattle, Vessel Value $6,000, Vessel Insurance $3,000, Cargo value $600 no insurance

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed at Ketchikan March 6, 1929 by Engdal

GOLDHUNTER (1881)    The 8.1 ton schooner Goldhunter lost her rudder in a storm and was driven ashore “about 30 miles east of entrance of Behrings Bay” Saturday April 2, 1881.  Aboard were James Hollywood of Sitka, his wife Anna, their two young daughters and three other crewmen. They survived the casualty but the Goldhunter, valued at $800 was a total loss with no insurance.

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

Comment: Probably Yakutat Bay. WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 8.1, Registered Sitka, Owner/Master James Hollywood of Sitka, Port last sailed from “Coasting from Behring Bay”

Sources: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report filed by James Hollywood June 3, 1881, 2. Daily Sitka Sentinel (December 9, 1986) “Sitka’s Past” Pg 5

GOOD HOPE (1902)     The 12 ton 34 foot wooden schooner Good Hope slipped anchor and was driven ashore in a strong SE wind at 9:00 a.m. September 11, 1902 two miles west of Lanes Derrick, Nome Roadstead.  Basil Daniloff, owner and master of the Good Hope and John Slater his only crewman were lost in the casualty.  The Good Hope, valued at $1,100 was carrying four tons of general merchandise worth $400.  Some of the cargo was salvaged but the vessel was a total loss with no insurance.

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

Additional Information: Length 39.9, Breadth 11.1, Built 1901 in Nome

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report filed July 28, 1903 by George T Everton Administrator of the Estate of Captain B Daniloff

GOOD HOPE (1933)     Four passengers and four crew were lost when the 14 ton gas screw Good Hope struck Shishmaref Shoals and was lost October 13, 1933.  The vessel departed Deering bound for Nome with Henry Ivanoff at the helm.  His engineer was Murphy Apaodruk and two deckhands Roy Olok and Edward George.  Passengers were Elmer Hendrickson and three natives, Clara Foster, Catherine Aden and Bertha Ioktongak.  The Good Hope was also carrying the U S Mail.  Weather at the time was described as high winds, terrible wind, dark night…storm.  The vessels dory washed up on the beach with a bag in it containing the ships papers and log book.  The disaster occurred ten miles north of Cape Prince of Wales.

Mapping and Location: West central Alaska   66 15 N 166 04 W   Chart 16005

Additional Information: Tonnage 14, Age 8 years, Registered Nome, ON 225038, Owners Henry Ivanoff and two brothers, Vessel Value $6,500, Insurance none obtainable

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed Nome by Wm W Sazug agent and charterer October 31, 1933

GOOD NEWS (2009)     The vessel Good News went aground and was destroyed November 8, 2010 between Afognak and Marmot Islands.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   58 15 N 151 55 W   Chart 16580

Source: Unofficial Shipwreck List (Kodiak)

 

GOOD PARTNER (1923)     The 13 ton gas screw Good Partner was lost at Metlakatla at 1:30 a.m. February 14, 1923 when the dolphin she was tied to gave way in a heavy wind and sea.  No one was aboard at the time.  Several attempts were made to get to the vessel by Frank M Williams, the master of the Good Partner and some of his friends from Metlakatla.  They were unsuccessful and the vessel, worth $6,000 was lost with no insurance.  The engine, worth $3,000 was saved.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 07 45 N 131 34 30 W   Chart 17434

Additional Information: Tonnage 13 Gross 9 Net, Age 14 years, Registered Seattle, ON 208676, Owner Annette Island Packing Co of Seattle

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed at Ketchikan February 21, 1923 by Williams

GOOSE (1948)     The 12 ton 33 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Goose stranded and was lost September 5, 1948 23 miles west of Cape Spencer.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   58 12 45 N 136 39 30 W   Chart 16016

Additional Information: Tonnage 12 Gross 8 Net, Length 32.9, Breadth 11, Depth 4.7, Built 1947 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 310, SL KPFR, Owner San Juan Fishing & Packing Company, Registered Juneau, ON 252482

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1948) Pg 200, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1949) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 909

GOVERNOR PERKINS (1905)     While the three man crew of the 51 foot wooden steamer Governor Perkins were ashore, an onshore storm came up and the vessel parted her mooring gear and washed ashore near Nome July 14, 1905.  The following are excerpts from the wreck report:

“Nome Beach near mouth of Snake River…Stranding…West force of, 10. Dark…Parting of moorings gear with heavy onshore wind and seas.”  “Storm broke suddenly, engine room being flooded impossible to get up steam owing to heavy sea running and impossible to get to her to render any assistance.”  “Immediately on the vessel coming ashore ropes were put round her and over her bite so men on shore could hold her down.  Listed inshore to prevent her working.  And to protect her as much as possible all moveable equipment was removed to a place of safety to protect it being washed away.”  “Hull  total loss, engines and boiler badly damaged.”

The Governor Perkins was valued at $6,000 no cargo, and had $4,000 worth of insurance.

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

Additional Information: Length 51, Breadth 12, Depth 5.1, IHP 35, Built 1884 San Francisco, Tonnage 17 Gross 8 Net, Registered San Francisco, ON 202021, Master T A Whistler of Nome, Owner Charles Anderson of Alameda California

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report filed by Whistler July 15, 1905

GRACE (1939)     The 13 ton wooden gas screw Grace collided with the gas screw ARB 10 of Wrangell at 3:00 a.m. Sunday August 20, 1939 and became a total loss.  The wreck occurred between Vank and Sokoloff Islands.  William Willard, master of the Grace stated in his report of casualty that his wheelman tried to cross the bow of the ARB 10 to stay on the beach side.  After the accident the ARB 10 towed the Grace partially submerged to the beach and anchored her.  They then picked up the crew of five of the Grace and took them to Wrangell.  The conditions at the time were calm seas and dark.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 30 N 132 35 W   Chart 17382

Additional Information: Tonnage 13 Gross 9 Net, Built 1914, Registered Wrangell, ON 212425, Owner Wrangell Packing Co, Last Port Afleck Canal August 19th, Destination Wrangell, Vessel Value $3,000, Vessel Insurance $3,000

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed by Willard at Wrangell August 25, 1929

GRAMPUS (1901)     The 326 ton steam whaling bark Grampus was beached and condemned near Point Barrow July 18, 1901 after being “nipped in the ice”.  The vessel had departed San Francisco March 14, 1901 for a whaling trip to the Arctic.  The Grampus was valued at $50,000 with cargo.  Her crew survived.

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

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

GRANNY ROSA (1992)     The 51 foot salmon seiner Granny Rosa capsized and sank February 29, 1992 in the Prince William Sound Traffic Lane north of Bligh Island and west of Busby Island.  All four crewmembers were rescued.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 53 30 N 146 42 W   Chart 16700

Additional Information: ON 288261

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

 

GRANT T-300 (1932)     A small wrecked troller with a 10 horsepower gas engine marked Grant T-300 was found May 1, 1932 between Dixon Harbor and Icy Point northwest of Cape Spencer.  Human bones were found on a nearby beach.  W G Rohrer registered as the owner of the vessel in Juneau in 1919, but he had passed away years before the wreck was found.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 23 10 N 137 04 20 W   Chart 17301

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

GRATITUDE (1865)     The 337 ton whaling bark Gratitude was stove in by ice and lost June 26, 1865 while trying to get into the protection of grounded ice 40 miles from Cape Lisburne.  She had departed New Bedford June 19, 1862 with Lewis N Herendeen as Captain and had a cargo of whale oil and bone.

Mapping and Location: Northern Alaska   68 53 N 166 13 W   Chart 16003

Sources: 1. Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992), 2. 19th Century Commercial Shipping Losses (2006)

GRAVINA POINT (1947)     The 59 ton 71 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Gravina Point burned August 11, 1947 at Cordova.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 59 Gross 31 Net, Length 71.6, Breadth 17.1, Depth 5, Built 1920 at Vancouver WA, Horsepower 192, Owner William Miller, Registered Seattle, ON 219964

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1952) Pg 220, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1953-1954) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 745

 

GRAY FOX (1989)     The 36 foot fishing vessel Gray Fox burned and sank August 12, 1989 between Ugak Island and Narrow Cape.  All those on board were rescued.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 25 30 N 152 20 W

Additional Information: ON 618641

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

 

GRAY GHOST (1995)     The 35 foot wooden salmon troller Gray Ghost flooded and sank March 21, 1995 approximately 25 miles southwest of Juneau near Whitestone Harbor.  Both crewmembers were rescued by the fishing vessel Hoover.  Mark White survived with mild hypothermia, but Miles Dewitt did not survive.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 04 N 135 04 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: AK4157E

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

 

GREAT BEAR (1916)     The 367 ton wooden gas screw Great Bear stranded on the center of Pinnacle Rock on the west side and seven miles out from Saint Matthew Island and was lost Thursday August 10, 1916.  Captain L L Lane of Seattle blames faulty dead reckoning and a lack of knowledge of current conditions was to blame.  The Great Bear departed Unalaska August 6th bound for Saint Paul and Saint George Islands with a crew of 21 and 275 ton of general merchandise worth $50,000.  The crew survived the wreck but the Great Bear, valued at $80,000 and her cargo were both lost.  The vessel had no insurance.  The weather at 12:57 a.m. when the accident occurred was “wind blowing about ten miles an hour, weather intensely thick and dark, heavy SW ground swell, very dark.”  The crew of the Great Bear was assisted by the USCG Cutter McCullough fifteen days after the wreck.  Before the wrecked vessel was completely destroyed by heavy weather, some of the equipment and supplies were salvaged by the power schooner Gladiator and taken to Nome. The Great Bear had been outfitted like a private yacht.

Mapping and Location: West central Alaska 60 24 N 172 42 W   Chart 16006

Comment: One L L Lane of Seattle also wrecked the Helen Johnson in 1910 going from Nome to Point Hope. WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 367 Gross 223 Net, Built Port Blakely Washington 1916, Registered Seattle, ON 214235, Owners L L Lane and John Borden of Chicago, Vessel Value $80,000, Insurance none

Sources: 1. U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed at Nome August 27, 1916, 2. Seattle Daily Times (November 27, 1916) “Wreckage of Ill-Fated Great Bear Disappears in Fierce Bering Gale” Pg 13

GREEN TOAD (1942)     The 9 ton 30 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Green Toad foundered at Ketchikan in December of 1942.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 9 Gross 6 Net, Length 30.8, Breadth 11.5, Depth 4.3, Built 1913 at Olympia WA, Horsepower 35, Owner Ernest A Hinkle, Registered Port Angeles WA, ON 211881

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1947) Pg 201, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1948) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 861

GREGORY LIND (1999)     The 26 foot wooden sea cucumber urchin dive boat Gregory Lind was consumed by fire and lost January 21, 1999 at the Ketchikan Pier.  The fire was started by either an ungrounded fuel line during fueling or a propane heater.  All three on board made it to safety.

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

Additional Information: ON 546267

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

 

GREYHOUND (1907)     The 52 foot 9 ton wooden gas screw Greyhound was crushed by ice at 4:00 a.m. Friday January 4, 1907 on the sand spit between the Snake River and the Bering Sea.  The following are excerpts from the wreck report filed by owner E M Andrews of Nome:

“Pulled out on beach for winter.” “Ice drove on shore by wind.”  “SE gale, high sea pushing ice inshore, very dark.”  “The wind was so strong and raised the sea so high that a solid field of ice was pushed ashore, crushing everything in its path.”

Andrews reported that the Greyhound was a total loss and worth $4,500 to $5,000 no insurance.

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

Additional Information: Length 52, Breadth 10.5, Depth 3.8, Service tow, IHP 30, Built 1904 at Nome, Registered Nome, ON 201318, Master Thomas Quinn of Nome

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report filed at Nome January 9, 1907

GRIZZLE N (1970)     The oil screw Grizzle N foundered and was lost August 13, 1970 in Kachemak Bay.

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

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

GRIZZLY (1922)     The 28 ton wooden gas screw Grizzly was driven onto the beach to avoid loss of life at noon November 12, 1922 in Jute Bay in the Shelikof Strait.  The Grizzly was on her way from Kodiak to Kanatak loaded with 29 tons of lumber when she began icing heavily and then sprung a leak.  The crew of four was captained by Walter Johnson of Kodiak.  The weather at the time was said to be heavy seas, freezing weather, heavy SW wind, dark, no moon and thick. The Grizzly, worth $12,000 and her cargo were reported as total losses.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 32 30 N 155 51 W   Chart 16580

Additional Information: Tonnage 28 Gross 19 Net, Built 1912, Registered Juneau, ON 209663, Owner S S Robertson of Pittsburg PA, Last Port Kodiak November 12, 1922, Insurance doubtful unknown

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed at Kodiak February 25, 1923 by Johnson

GROM (1996)     The 39 foot salmon gillnet fishing vessel Grom grounded and became a total loss September 24, 1996 in Shelter Bay, Prince William Sound.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 26 N 146 39 W   Chart 16700

Additional Information: ON 697819

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

 

GROWLER (1868)     The 48.5 ton schooner Growler left Victoria, B.C. bound for Sitka March 19, 1868 and never made it.  She was outfitted for sealing in the Pribilof Islands.  Wreckage of the Growler and bodies of the crew washed ashore on the southern end of Prince of Wales Island.  The vessel was presumed to have stuck a rock at Cape Chacon and foundered.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   54 41 30 N 132 00 50 W   Chart 17420

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

GROWLER (1973)     The 160 foot freighter Growler capsized and was lost in a heavy storm October 1, 1973 in the Bering Strait 11 miles north of Wales.  All three crewmembers were lost including captain James Halliger of Seward, engineer Harry Germeau of Port Townsend WA and Ralph Geiger of Sequim WA.  The converted Navy patrol vessel and landing craft was carrying construction equipment between Nome, Kotzebue and Bethel.  An empty life raft washed ashore on a beach two miles north of the village of Wales.

Mapping and Location: West central Alaska   65 37 N 168 05 W   Chart 16220

Sources: 1. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 2. Seattle Daily Times (October 5, 1973) “1 dead, 2 missing in freighter capsizing” Pg B 4

 

GRUBSTAKE (1915)     The small power vessel Grubstake was wrecked at Cala Reef in 1915.  Captain John Keller had departed Ketchikan bound for Ham Island where the captain had taken up residence.  He had a cargo of household goods and livestock which were lost with the Grubstake.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 18 55 N 131 36 05 W   Chart 17434

Comment: Probably California Rock. WG

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

GRUBSTAKE (1921)     The 18 ton gas screw Grubstake broke a shaft and foundered 3 miles south of Smugglers Cove on Revillagigedo Island December 28, 1921.  The vessel departed Ketchikan that day for Wadding Cove with two aboard.  The following are comments found in the report of casualty file my owner Mrs John Keller:

“Breaking of shaft, foundered.”  “strong southeast….hoisted small sail.”  “Heavy sea and boat was lifted on reef or rocks on shore and bottom smashed…crew reached shore, next day vessel broke up.”

The Grubstake was said to be worth $1,600 no insurance.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 37 N 131 53 W   Chart 17422

Comment: Possibly same vessel as 1905 Grubstake in same area same owner name.  WG

Additional Information: 14 Gross 8 Net, Built 1908, Registered Ketchikan, ON 205014, Master L Thornton, Owner Mrs. John Keller of Ketchikan

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed July 18, 1922 by Mrs. Keller

GRUNION (1942)     The 311 foot U S Navy submarine Grunion (SS-216) was reported lost August 16, 1942 in the vicinity of Kiska Harbor.  She had severely damaged the Japanese transport ship Kashima Maru on July 31, 1942 northeast of Kiska.  Her last transmission relayed that she intended to cover Kiska Harbor.  Six officers and 54 enlisted men were likely lost with the Grunion.

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

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

GUARDIAN (1898)     The 173 foot 1124 ton wooden bark Guardian struck a reef and sank north of Sigalda Island near Unalaska at 10 p.m. Sunday August 7, 1898.  The vessel departed Kotzebue Sound July 21st with 17 crewmen and 1 passenger carrying only 350 tons of ballast.  The following statements came from the wreck report filed by master Jas. C  Eagles at Seattle:

“Fresh..thick fog…very dark…Thick fog and strong currents.”  “Rock north of Sigalda Island, Alaska Long 165 Lat 54 near Unalaska.”  “Stranding…put wheel down, attempted to tack ship.”

“Ship first struck starboard side, backed off reef; current and wind carried her about 100 yards on to another reef when she filled and sunk.”  “British ship Amphia rescued a portion of crew.”

All those aboard survived, but the Guardian, valued at $12,000 became a total loss.  The master of the vessel did not know whether the Guardian had insurance at the time the report was filed.

Mapping and Location: Southwest Alaska   54 06 N 165 05 W   Chart 16006

Comment: Probably Tigalda Island.  WG

Additional Information: Length 173, Breadth 38.8, Depth 23.5, Built 1863 Damariscotta ME, Tonnage 1123.59 Gross, 1072.55 Net, Registered Port Townsend, ON 10896, Master Jas C Eagles of Boston Mass, Owner John Little of Rico Colorado

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report filed August 29, 1898 at Seattle

GUIDE (1962)     The gas screw vessel Guide foundered September 6, 1962 at Angoon.

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

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

GULF KING (1964)     The 11 ton 32 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Gulf King 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 11 Gross 7 Net, Length 32, Breadth 10.1, Depth 5.6 Built 1952 at Tatitlek, Former Name Jessie V, Horsepower 140, SL WJ2533, Owner First Bank of Valdez, Registered Juneau, ON 266197

            Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 270, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1168

 

GUNNER (1920)     The gas screw whaling boat Gunner was lost in Prince William Sound in 1920 when a whale gun exploded.  The Gunner was used to secure whale meat for fox farmers.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska Unknown

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

GUY (1900)     The small steamer Guy was lost while on a mail run from Skagway to Haines December 22, 1900 1.5 miles below Skagway.

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

Sources: 1. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 63, 2. Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992)

GUY JUNIOR (1961)     The 50 ton 58 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Guy Junior foundered in October of 1961 off of Montague Island.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 50 Gross 34 Net, Length 58.6, Breadth 16.5, Depth 5.6, Built 1927 at Houghton WA, Horsepower 80, SL WA5571, Owner William S McDonald, Registered Juneau, ON 226435

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 272, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1168

 

GYPSY (1964)     The 57 ton 70 foot wooden oil screw passenger vessel Gypsy 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 57 Gross 33 Net, Length 70.8, Breadth 16, Depth 7.7, Built 1921 at Los Angeles CA, Horsepower 275, SL WA5581, Owner Marine Tours Inc., Registered Juneau, ON 221683

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) Pg 263, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1003

 

GYPSY (1996)     The 33 foot vessel Gypsy sank September 27, 1996 in Marmot Bay.  The two persons on board made it to safety.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   58 00 N 152 06 W   Chart 16580

Source: Unofficial Shipwreck List (Kodiak)

 

GYRO JUMBO (1971)     The fishing vessel Gyro Jumbo sank In a storm May 31, 1971 on the Copper River Delta.  One crewmember was lost.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 25 N 145 00 W   Chart 16013

Comment: A second vessel may have been lost on the Delta in the same storm.  WG

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

13 Replies to “Alaska Shipwrecks (G)”

  1. Looking for information on the Gertrude Ann, your site indicates capsized 1978. My father purchased it from Bill Ecklof of Peterson Bay, Alaska. I fished Salmon and Halibut with it before my father sold it to Johnny Hillstrand. Would like to know what happened to it. Thanks Very much

    1. The Merchant Vessels of 1965 lists a Gertrude Ann that was built in Tacoma in 1949, length 33 ft, breadth 11 ft, depth 5.7 ft, call sign WF5708, Official Number 258624 owned by William A Eklof. I found the same vessel owned by Gary Peterson of Kodiak in 1978 and 1979 registered to fish salmon as well as long line and pot gear. In 1980 the Gertrude Ann is owned by Joseph J Grantham of Kodiak and is registered to fish long line and pot gear. I cannot find any mention of the vessel after that. My Alaska Shipwreck list has a vessel by that name sinking near Afognak Island October 26, 1980. That information comes from a friend of mine in Kodiak that used to work at the Harbormaster’s Office. I checked newspaper and Coast Guard records and came up empty. The Kodiak Mirror is not archived digitally so I was not able to go back to October of 1980 and see if there was a news story. It is possible the loss was not registered with the Coast Guard so there is no record.

      1. Thank you very much. Drifted for Salmon in Cook Inlet, Halibut and Crab in Katchemak Bay. Ralph Cowles bought it from Eklof, not sure what year but about 1963.

    2. Looking for Bret Cowles from Anchor Point was in the Army at Ft. Gordon and then he went to Korea and I went to Japan. Are you the same Bret?

  2. I have been researching the General Siglin built in 1894 Coos Bay Oregon. It wrecked 100 miles off Queen Charlotte Island in 1897, all 9 aboard were lost. One of the mates (Harry Saunders) was found lashed to the davits and a little boy in the cabin, the rest were washed overboard. I found an 1897 article in the San Francisco Call that listed the names of those aboard (Jerome Thomas was the Captain). I’ve also read that the Siglin was towed to Seward and bought by Albert Goddard who rehabilitated the schooner and used it for several years before selling to someone else. Am I correct that the 1902 loss of the General Siglin and her crew of 8 is totally separate from the 1897 loss? Any clues on who owned the Siglin when it was lost in 1902 and who was aboard her? Was her wreckage ever sighted or did she just disappear? I could sure use some help with my question if you have the time. Thank you very much.

    1. I believe the two General Siglin wrecks are the same vessel. They were both about the same size and both built in 1894. The second wreck of 1902 is almost as curious as the first. According to dozens of newspaper stories of the period, the General Siglin disappeared. Most have the vessel coming south from Nome, but some have her travelling north from San Francisco. I found one newspaper story titled “General Siglin Found” from November 30, 1902 Port Townsend, Washington that the vessel had “passed up the sound today in tow. The schooner appeared to have lost some sails, which probably accounts for her long passage.” What is strange is there are still articles in February of 1903 discussing the still missing General Siglin. I will follow up and see what else I can find. The only Gen’l Siglin registered in 1900 is Official Number 86298. She was a schooner 80 feet in length, 23 Breadth, 8.4 depth, 85 Gross and 81 Net tons built at Marshfield, Oregon in 1894 with Seattle as a home port. It stays on the record books through 1903 and then is no longer listed in 1904. Good luck in your research and Smooth Sailing. Captain Warren Good

      1. Since I last asked about the General Siglin, I’ve found a couple more newspaper articles that clarify things (I think). I also found the 1902 article saying the long missing schooner was seen (being towed) passing Port Townsend on 12/1/1902, however, the very next day is a little article saying that Capt. Larson of the schooner Annie, mistakenly identified it as the General Siglin, when it was actually the Volante. That would explain why after 12/1/1902 there were more articles about the loss of the General Siglin.

        The most helpful article I found was dated Port Townsend Daily Leader 11/22/1902 and it said the Siglin had been fitted with a fish freezing and cold storage plant and was fishing in the Bering Sea and was last seen (by the revenue cutter Manning) 2 days from Dutch Harbor when a massive storm hit them. The Manning was able to make it to Dutch Harbor, but the Siglin never did. The end of the 1902 article says “the Siglin has had a checkered career; over 5 years ago she was picked up as a derelict in Alaska water with a dead master lasted to the wheel”……….so evidently they ARE the same schooner. Thanks so much for your help.

        1. So sad to see a vessel lost with all hands. Tragic to see the same vessel lost with all hands twice. I will get the names of those lost and put them with the records on this site and in my books. Thanks so much for your help. I am going to email you a free copy of my Alaska Shipwreck book. Smooth Sailing…

  3. Those that were lost on the General Siglin in 1897 were:
    E.C. Greenfield (trading agent for the Northern Commercial Co. at Wood Island, Alaska), his wife and six year old son. Also Jerome Thomas the Captain, Harry Saunders the mate, J.C.W. Ohn the cook, R. Bendix a seaman, Martin Jeppesen a seaman and P. Peterson a seaman.

    As for the final loss on the General Siglin, I only know two names, although there were others: Two of the 4 owners were on the schooner when it went down: John Murray of Seattle and John McKay of Chigaco. They and 2 other men owned the General Siglin and their company was called Bering Sea Fish and Transportation Company. I’d love to know the names of the other people aboard the doomed Siglin when it was lost in 1902.

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