Alaska Shipwrecks (R)

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

R EACRETT (1899)     The 32 ton 50 foot two masted wooden schooner R Eacrett stranded and was lost on Saint Lawrence Island at 8:00 p.m. November 6, 1899.  There was only one survivor from the crew of six.  Lost were owner Augustus Lear, Captain Johnson, mate Charles Elliott and crewmen Smith and Nichal.  The sole survivor was crewman James Murphy.  The vessel departed Nome November 3^rd bound for San Francisco to pick up mining supplies.  The return trip was scheduled for the following spring.  The vessel stranded attempting to weather the eastern end of Saint Lawrence Island, 20 miles east of Nukuliak.  The driving snow and howling winds didn’t allow James Murphy, who was at the helm, to hear the breakers nearby.  The R Eacrett was driven high on the beach.  Five of the crew died in the cold winter weather over the next six months.  A rescue vessel arrived June 1, 1900.  James Murphy, the only survivor, took passage to Nome on the rescue vessel, the bark Alaska.  The Alaska was lost less than a week later on her arrival at Nome, June 6, 1900.  Fortunately, Murphy and the rest of the 71 passengers and crew made it to safety.

Mapping and Location: West central Alaska   63 18 N 168 42 W   Chart 16006

Additional Information: Tonnage 32.11 Gross 30.51 Net, Length 49.5, Breadth 16.0, Depth 6.9, Built 1894 at Port Angeles WA, Registered Port Angeles WA, ON 111073

Sources: 1. Introduction of Domestic Reindeer Into Alaska (1900) “Concerning the Wreck of the Eacrett” Pgs 109-114, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1897) Pg 159

R I P (1978)     The gillnetter R I P sank from unknown causes May 30, 1978 off of “The Castle” on the Copper River Flats.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 20 N 145 12 W   Chart 16013

Comment: “The Castle” probably refers to Castle Island.  WG

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

R P NO 1 (1960)     The 9 ton 28 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel R P No 1 foundered June 26, 1960 at Bristol Bay.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 9 Gross 8 Net, Length 28.2, Breadth 10.8, Depth 4.5, Built 1957 at Tacoma WA, Horsepower 60, Owner Pacific Reefer Fisheries, Registered Tacoma WA, ON 274251

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1962) Pg 511, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1963) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 932

 

RACHEL COLLEEN (1998)     The 59 foot salmon seiner Rachel Colleen was consumed by fire and lost July 30, 1998 in Cordova Bay near Ketchikan.  All six crewmembers made it to safety.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   54 56 N 132 38 W   Chart 16016

Additional Information: 253479

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

 

RACHEL K (1994)     The 63 foot longline fishing vessel Rachel K flooded and sank in heavy weather September 14, 1994 southeast of Kayak Island.  All six crewmembers were hoisted from the water by a U S Coast Guard Helicopter.

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

Additional Information: ON 575123

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

 

RACONA II (2003)     The 72 foot vessel Racona II took on water and sank May 30, 2003 two miles off of Spruce Cape near Kodiak.  The two crewmen on board were rescued by the fishing vessel Compromise.

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

Source: Unofficial Shipwreck List (Kodiak)

 

RADAR (1964)     The 16 ton 36 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Radar 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 16 Gross 13 Net, Length 36.5, Breadth 12, Depth 4.9, Built 1945 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 165, SL WB5231, Owner Owen P Johnson, Registered Juneau, ON 249375

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) Pg 548, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1005

 

RADIO (1942)     The 76 ton 75 foot oil screw fishing vessel Radio stranded and was lost on a reef in Shuyak Strait September 27, 1942.  Captain Gunnar M Bergmann and crew of 9 all made it to safety in a dory.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   58 29 N 152 36 W   Chart 16580

Additional Information: Tonnage 76 Gross 63 Net, Length 74.8, Breadth 18.6, Depth 8.1, Built 1923 at Seattle WA, Crew 11, Horsepower 100, Owner Tongass Trading Company, Registered Ketchikan, ON 223038

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1943) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 757, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1942) Pg 251, 3. Juneau Empire (October 5, 1942) Pg 3

 

RADIO (1964)     The 13 ton 35 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Radio was consumed by fire October 22, 1964 at Hoonah.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 06 30 N 135 26 30 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 13 Gross 9 Net, Length 35.3, Breadth 10.4, Depth 5.7, Built 1925 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 144, SL WA9831, Owner Ernest O Rude, Registered Wrangell, ON 224708

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 569, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1173

 

RADUGA (2000)     The 35 foot fiberglass longline cod fishing vessel Raduga flooded, capsized and sank January 4, 2000 approximately five miles off of Cape Chiniak, Chiniak Bay.  The vessel was fishing cod in rough weather when the hull failed and fractured.  A U S Coast Guard helicopter rescued two crewmembers from a life raft and a third from the water.  The crewmember in the water suffered severe hypothermia, but all three survived.

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

Additional Information: ON 605456

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

 

RAINBOW (1885)     The 351 ton whaling bark Rainbow was crushed in the ice and lost near Mys Navarin, Russia April 14, 1885.  The vessel sailed out of San Francisco December 10, 1884 bound for the North Pacific whaling.  She sank in 20 minutes and was a total loss along with her cargo of whale bone.

Mapping and Location: Russia

Sources: 1. The Northern Mariner (April 2006) “Nineteenth Century Commercial Shipping Losses” Pg 65, 2. Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992)

RAINBOW (1932)     The 8 ton 32 foot gas screw towing vessel Rainbow broke loose from her mooring and was lost at 8:00 p.m. Thursday May 5, 1932.  The vessel was operated locally around Ketchikan and had no one aboard at the time of the tragedy.  The following are statements taken from the casualty report:

“5 ½ miles W Totem Bay, Kupreanof Is.”  “Stormy weather”  “Stranded”  “Force 7, stormy, sea rough, dark”  “No knowledge of casualty until vessel found stranded”  “Vessel broke free moorings in high sea and stormy weather, and washed ashore; vessel totally demolished on rocky shore”

The Rainbow was valued at $1,000 and had no cargo and no insurance.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 28 N 133 23 W   Chart 17360

Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 6 Net, Length 32, Breadth 9.7, Depth 4.1, Built 1910 Port Townsend WA, Horsepower 20, Registered Ketchikan, ON 207837, Master Alex Miller, Owners Antone Carlson and W G Haugen of Ketchikan

Sources: 1. U S C G Report of Casualty June 24, 1932 at Ketchikan by Alex Miller, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1931) Pgs 472-3

RAINBOW (1939)     The 6 ton 30 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Rainbow was consumed by fire August 8, 1939 off the north side of South Indian Island.  The only person aboard the vessel was able to get to safety.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 22 15 N 134 42 W   Chart 17315

Additional Information: Tonnage 6 Gross 5 Net, Length 29.8, Breadth 8.6, Depth 3.9, Built 1919 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 9, Owner Ova Rommen, Registered Seattle, ON 218743

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1941) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 511, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1939) Pg 254

 

RAINBOW III (1947)     The 139 ton 100 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Rainbow III stranded and was lost July 13, 1937 in Marmouth (Marmot) Bay near the village of Afognak.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   58 N 165 12 W   Chart 16580

Additional Information: Tonnage 139 Gross 86 Net, Length 100.3, Breadth 19.3, Depth 10.2, Built 1943 at Stockton CA, Crew 11, Horsepower 330, Owner B R Giske, Registered Seattle, ON 252504

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1948) Pg 427, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1949) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 911

 

RAINDANCER (2001)     The 34 foot gill net fishing vessel Raindancer burned and sank June 25, 2001 in Cook Inlet.  Both persons aboard were rescued by a nearby vessel.

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

Additional Information: ON 578875

Source: U S C G District 17 Enforcement Report (June 25, 2001)

 

RAINER (1977)     The fishing vessel Rainer grounded and was lost December 4, 1977 approximately 12 miles off of Cape Cheerful in the Aleutian Islands near Dutch Harbor.

Mapping and Location: Southwest Alaska   54 00 50 N 166 40 20 W   Chart 16011

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

RAINER II (1982)     The cabin cruiser Rainer II exploded, burned and sank February 20, 1982 in Carroll Inlet approximately 20 miles out of Ketchikan.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 17 N 131 30 W   Chart 17420

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

RAINIER (1885)     The 51.55 ton bark Rainier was lost in the Arctic in 1885.  The vessel was worth $50,000 with cargo at the time of the loss.

Mapping and Location: Alaska Unknown

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

RAINIER (1903)     The 179 ton 81 foot wooden fishing steamer Rainier stranded and was lost in Icy Strait at 3:45 p.m. Sunday October 25, 1903.  The vessel departed Juneau October 24^th bound for Icy Straits and the fishing grounds.  There were 25 crewmen aboard.  The following are excerpts from the wreck report:

“1 ½ miles NW by W ½ W of Spasskaia Island, Alaska”  “Striking unknown rock while fishing”  “Strong breeze, cloudy, sea smooth”  “Jettisoned coal and bait”  “…chartered str. Cornelia Cook and secured divers and borrowed from U S revenue cutter Rush one 6” Manilla hawser, 125 fathoms, and one jack screw and provisions”  “Oct. 26, 1903, chartered str. Cornelia Cook and proceeded with divers and scows to wreck, but owing to short tides and strong gale from NE vessel broke up to such extent and was impossible to remove vessel from rock”

The Rainier was valued at $7,000 and was a total loss.  There was no insurance on the vessel.  The crewmen all survived the disaster.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 06 15 N 135 17 20 W   Chart 17316

Comment: Modern name Spasski Island. WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 179 Gross 109 Net, Length 81.4, Breadth 20.9, Depth 9.7, Built 1887 at Seattle WA, Registered Fairhaven WA, ON 110748, Master Herbert Churchill of Seattle, Owner Chlopek Fish Co of Seattle

Sources: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report November 4, 1903 by Herbert Churchill, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1902) Pg 293

RAINIER (1964)     The 15 ton 35 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Rainier 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 15 Gross 10 Net, Length 35.8, Breadth 11.6, Depth 4.2, Built 1908 at Dockton WA, Horsepower 100, SL WB6813, Owner Roy E Johnson, Registered Juneau, ON 205638

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) Pg 549, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) “Vessels Subject to Removal” Pg 761

 

RAINIER II (1954)     The 8 ton 28 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Rainier II foundered September 16, 1954 at Point Stenord in Clarence Strait.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Unknown

Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 6 Net, Length 28.4, Breadth 9.4, Depth 3.8, Built 1934 at Ketchikan, Horsepower 16, Owner Wallace Berger, Registered Ketchikan, ON 233083

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1957) Pg 438, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1958) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 779

 

RAINY DAWN (1989)     The 32 foot longline fishing vessel Rainy Dawn sank September 8, 1989 off of Afognak Island, 22 miles northeast of Kodiak Island.  The vessel’s scuppers filled with fish causing the deck to flood.  All four crewmembers were rescued.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   58 04 N 151 58 W   Chart 16580

Additional Information: ON 654731

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

 

RAKETEER (1987)     The vessel Raketeer ran aground on a reef and was abandoned July 22, 1987 in Alitak Bay on the south end of Kodiak Island.  All four persons on board were rescued by a U S Coast Guard Helicopter.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   56 50 N 154 10 W   Chart 16580

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

RAM (1925)     The 14 ton 42 foot wooden gas screw freight vessel Ram stranded and was lost near East Cape, Siberia on Friday July 23, 1923.  The vessel had departed Nome July 20^th bound for Mechigma Bay, Siberia with four crewmen.  There was no cargo on board at the time of the tragedy.  The following are excerpts from the casualty report:

“About twenty miles south west from East Cape, Siberia”  “Stranded”  “Engine refused to work and vessel was blown on shore”  “S E Wind very strong, cloudy, daytime”  “Engine refused to work and nothing could be done”  “Weather was so severe that when we secured vessel to fastenings on beach by attaching to the mast of vessel, the mast was pulled out, vessel keeled over into sea, filled with water and would soon break up”

The Ram, valued at $1,600, was a total loss.  The crew managed to find safety.  There was no insurance.

Mapping and Location: Siberia

Additional Information: Tonnage 14 Gross 11 Net, Length 41.8, Breadth 14.7, Depth 3.3, Horsepower 20, Built 1912 at Unalakleet, Master Victor Jacobsen of Nome, Owner Leo Seidenverg of Nome, Registered Nome, ON 210579

Sources: 1. U S C G Report of Casualty August 21, 1925 at Nome, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1925) Pgs 470-1

RAMONA (1911)     The 1,061 ton 195 foot wooden passenger steamer Ramona stranded and was lost in Christian Sound at 8:37 p.m. Sunday September 10, 1911.  The vessel was travelling from Hunter Bay to Seattle with 23 passengers and 52 crewmen on board.  She was carrying 405 tons of salmon and general  cargo, valued at $165,000.  The conditions at the time of the wreck were “light wind, swell, foggy, at night”.  The cause is listed as “misplaced position in fog”.  The Ramona stranded “on an unknown reef off Middle Spanish Island, Christian Sound, Alaska.”

The passengers and crew reached safety, assisted by the steamers Grand, Northwestern and Delhi.  75% of the cargo was salvaged, but the Ramona was a total loss. Ten days after the Ramona sank, divers were able to locate and recover a strongbox containing $150,000 in gold bullion.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 57 N 134 07 W   Chart 17400

Additional Information: Tonnage 1,061, Length 195, Breadth 32, Depth 15.7, IHP 90, SL KRWP, Built 1902 at Alameda CA, Master M J Taaffe of Seattle, Owner P C Co of New York, Vessel Insurance $95,000, Cargo Insurance unknown

Sources: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report September 28, 1911 by H M Noble, Supt. P C SS, 2. Riverside Daily Press (September 22, 1911) “Bullion Recovered From Alaska Wreck” Pg 1

 

RANDE A (1963)     The ex sub chaser Rande A drug anchor, stranded and was lost on Chirikof Island in 1963.  Soon after a barge hung up on the wreck of the Rande A and was also lost.  Both vessels had been in the business of transporting cattle for ranching concerns on Chirikof Island.  Wreckage of both vessels was still visible in 1967.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   55 50 N 133 41 10 W   Chart 16580

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

RANGER (1987)     The 55 foot longline fishing vessel Ranger capsized and sank April 28, 1987 approximately 30 miles northwest of Sitka.  All three crewmembers were picked up from their life raft by the U S Coast Guard.

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

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

RAPHAEL (1895)     The 1,542 ton 220 foot wooden ship Raphael stranded and was lost at Karluk at 3:00 a.m. Sunday July 7, 1895.  The vessel was out of San Francisco and had loaded 7,117 cases of salmon worth $28,000.  There were 20 crewmen aboard.  The Raphael was caught at anchor, by a heavy storm and rough seas.  She washed up on Tanglefoot Bay in front of Karluk and became a total wreck along with her cargo.  Crewmembers escaped by sliding along a 300 foot line tied to the ship and held on shore by workers from the cannery. Many were more dead than alive by the time they made it to the beach from the pounding by the raging surf. Captain Whitney was last to make the beach and the ship immediately began breaking up as he was drug ashore. There was no loss of life. Net fishing for salmon had to be stopped for some time because of all of the wreckage from the Raphael. The steam tender Annie May, owned by Alaska Packers Association was also driven ashore and lost near Cape Karluk in the same storm.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 34 30 N 154 29 30 W   Chart 16599

Additional Information: Tonnage 1,542 Gross 1,465.47 Net, Length 220, Breadth 40, Depth 24.3, Built 1873 at Camden ME, SL JRLB, Registered San Francisco, ON 110265, Master C Albert Whitney of San Francisco, Owner J Schoenfeld M O of San Francisco, Vessel Insurance $12,000, Cargo Insurance $28,000

Sources: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report September 16, 1895 at San Francisco by C Albert Whitney, 2. Salmon from Kodiak (1986) Pgs 203&207, 3. San Francisco Chronicle (August 29, 1895) “Along the Waterfront” Col 6 Pg 7, 4. Morning Oregonian (July 27, 1895) “Ship Raphael Lost” Pg 5 Col 1

RARE EARTH (1984)     The pleasure vessel Rare Earth struck an iceberg and sank January 1, 1984 in Columbia Bay.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 56 30 N 147 05 30W   Chart 16700

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

RASCAL (2009)     The 36 foot wooden fishing vessel Rascal stranded and was lost October 11, 2009 on Saint Lazaria Island west of Sitka. The vessel had been at anchor and the master asleep when the grounding took place. The skipper, who was the only person aboard, abandoned ship as the vessel sank. He was in the water for an hour and a half before being rescued by a U S Coast Guard Helicopter and transported to Sitka.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 13 Gross 11 Net, Length 36.2, Breadth 12.0, Depth 3.7, Built 1949 Bellingham WA, ON 257776, Call Sign WC3621, Former Name Hazel

Sources: 1. U S C G News Release (October 12, 2009) “Coast Guard, state agencies respond to sunken Rascal in Southeast Alaska”, 2. USCG District 17 Enforcement Report (October 11, 2009), 3. USCG MISLE Case # 477913, 4. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1979) Pg 620

 

RATTLER (1922)     The 17 ton 45 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Rattler burned at the cannery dock in Cordova November 7, 1922.  There was no one aboard at the time of the disaster.  The blaze was “caused by lighting a match in hold which caused explosion.”  The Rattler was valued at $2,500 and had no insurance.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 17 Gross 12 Net, Length 45, Breadth 11.7, Depth 4.6, Built 1899 at Alameda CA, IHP 60, Registered Cordova, ON 209230, Owner The Blum O’Neil Company

Sources: 1. U S C G Report of Casualty March 30, 1923 by H I O’Neil, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1922) Pg 313

RAVALLI (1918)     The 1,305 ton 186 foot wooden single screw steamer Ravalli caught fire and was lost in Lowe Inlet June 14, 1918.  Spontaneous combustion of coal in the storage bins caused the blaze.  The vessel sailed from Seattle bound for Quadra and other southeast Alaska ports.  She had 50 passengers and 30 crewmen on board and was carrying 832 tons of cargo with a small quantity on deck.  The steamer Venture and three launches came to the assistance of the Ravalli and all passengers and crew made it to safety.  The three launches towed the Ravalli part of the way across the inlet and pumped water into the burning vessel.  She sank in 10 fathoms of water.  The Ravalli was valued at $150,000 and was a total loss as was almost all of her cargo. The casualty report stated the machinery from the vessel may be salvaged but in a damaged condition.  The Ravalli was insured for $126,000.

Mapping and Location: British Columbia

Comment: Wreck put in Merchant Vessel Losses of 1918 and USCG Report of Casualty at Lowe Inlet, Greenville Channel, Alaska.  Should be Lowe Inlet, Grenville Channel, British Columbia.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 908 Gross 777 Net, Length 186.2, Breadth 38.1, Depth 14.8, Built 1905 Fairhaven CA, Registered New York, ON 202681, SL KVDM, Master Robert D McGill, Owner Pacific Steamship Company of New York, Cargo Insurance unknown

Sources: 1. U S C G Report of Casualty July 12, 1918 by S H Haines, General Manager of Pacific Steamship Company, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1916) Pg 161, 3. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1919) Pg 450

RAVEN (1940)     The 12 ton 39 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Raven was consumed by fire July 14, 1940 on the cannery dock at Hoonah.  The one person aboard made it to safety.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 06 30 N 135 26 30 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 12 Gross 8 Net, Length 39.6, Breadth 11.3, Depth 3.8, Built 1922 at Hoonah, Horsepower 25 (Brake), Owner Mark Williams, Home Port Juneau, ON 222557

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1941) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 511, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1939) Pg 256

 

RAVEN (1994)     The 98 foot steel tug Raven sank in 65 fathoms of water November 23, 1994. The vessel had recently been salvaged after sinking in Dutch Harbor in April 31, 1994 while towing a Sealand Ship. The 165 foot fishing vessel Pacific Knight was towing the Raven to Seattle for repairs when she began taking on water. Unable to control the flooding, the crew of the Pacific Knight cut the tow line and the Raven sank.

Mapping and Location: Unknown Alaska

Additional Information: Tonnage 142 Gross 96 Net, Length 98.3, Breadth 32, Depth 10.5, Built 1973 Houma LA, ON 546376, Call Sign WYZ9136, Former Name Phyllis A Guidry

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1979) Pg 1170, 2. USCG MISLE Case # 937406

 

RAVEN (2000)     The 37 foot fiberglass trawler Raven capsized and sank while being towed March 23, 2000 in Sitka Sound, 12 miles from Sitka.  The vessel had been holed by a stabilizer while hauling gear.  The U S Coast Guard had dropped dewatering pumps to the vessel and the fishing vessel Seattle was enlisted to tow the vessel in to Sitka.  The Raven capsized and sank on the trip in and the only person on board was rescued.

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

Additional Information: ON AK4297E

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

 

RAY (1924)     The 142 ton scow Ray stranded and was lost at Marmot Island September 5, 1924.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   58 13 N 151 50 W   Chart 16580

Additional Information: Tonnage 142 Gross and Net, Built 1917 at Anacortes WA, Registered Seattle, ON 166634

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1924) Pg 400, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1925) Pg 839

RAYLAND (1959)     The 34 ton steel oil screw Rayland burned October 28, 1959 at Valdez Arm.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 53 N 146 54 W   Chart 16700

Additional Information: Tonnage 34, Built 1945, ON 279670

Comment: The Official Number is from about 1959.  WG

Source: Merchant Vessels of the U S (1960) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 825

 

RAYMOND A (1982)     The 76 foot wooden crab fishing vessel Raymond A was consumed by fire January 29, 1982 north of Umnak Island in the Bering Sea.  All six crewmembers were rescued by the fishing vessel Ocean Cape.

Mapping and Location: Southwest Alaska   53 15 N 168 20 W   Chart 16011

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

REA (1965)     The 9 ton 31 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Rea was lost after a collision with an unknown object May 2, 1965 in Sukoi Bay, north of Cape Douglas in Cook Inlet.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   58 52 N 153 16 W   Chart 16640

Additional Information: Tonnage 9 Gross 9 Net, Length 31.5, Breadth 11.1, Depth 3.7, Built 1955 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 140, SL WF9878, Owner Charles S Wells, Registered Juneau, ON 269031

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 574, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1174

 

REAPER (2002)     The 32 foot gillnetter Reaper struck an unknown object and sank July 26, 2002 in the Gulf of Alaska 90 miles southeast of Cordova.  The vessel was travelling from Kodiak to Ketchikan.  Both persons on board and a dog were rescued from their life raft by U S Coast Guard Helicopter.  A fully functional 406 EPIRB and proper lifesaving gear greatly facilitated the rescue.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 33 N 145 45 W   Chart 16013

Additional Information: ON 695976

Source: U S C G News Release (July 26, 2002) “Coast Guard rescues father, son and dog from raft in Gulf of Alaska”

 

REBECCA B (1996)     The 77 foot longline halibut fishing vessel Rebecca B grounded on a shoal 50 feet from the beach and became a total loss October 24, 1996 at Cape Sasmik in the south shore of Tanaga Island.  The crew had been fishing for 20 to 48 hours strait and was headed to a safe anchorage to escape oncoming weather. The skipper fell asleep at the helm and the Rebecca B ran up on the rocks at full speed. All seven crewmembers were rescued by a U S Navy salvage tug and taken to Adak.

Mapping and Location: Southwest Alaska   51 36 30 N 177 55 W   Chart 16012

Additional Information: Tonnage 146 Gross 117 Net, Length 76.6, ON 677263

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

 

REBEL (1973)     The fishing vessel Rebel foundered and was lost November 6, 1973 in Frederick Sound off of the northeast coast of Kupreanof Island abeam of Big Creek and Cape Fanshaw.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 11 N 133 33 W   Chart 17360

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

RED ROSE (1970)     The gas screw Red Rose foundered and was lost July 31, 1970 in Castle Bay near Chignik.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   56 16 N 158 09 W   Chart 16011

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

RED WINE (1946)     The 20 ton 44 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Red Wing stranded and was lost August 7, 1946 at Bent Point, Deer Island.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   54 53 30 N 162 25 W   Chart 16549

Comment: Most likely Bent Cape, Deer Island.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 20 Gross 19 Net, Length 44.6, Breadth 12.6, Depth 5.2, Built 1911 at Hoquiam WA, Horsepower 35, Owner Henry Larsen, Registered Juneau, ON 209167

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1946) Pg 407, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1947) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 824

 

REDFIELD (1911)     (See) F S REDFIELD (1911)

REDOUBT (1957)     The 13 ton 39 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Redoubt burned August 11, 1957 at Chatham.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 30 50 N 134 55 30 W   Chart 17320

Additional Information: Tonnage 13 Gross 10 Net, Length 39.8, Breadth 11.8, Depth 3.7, Built 1920 at Juneau, Horsepower 110, SL WD7605, Owner Jimmie Johnson, Registered Juneau, ON 220233

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1958) Pg 454, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1959) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 802

 

REDOUBT (1998)     The 153 foot freight hauling vessel Redoubt was beached in heavy weather March 12, 1998 approximately 18 nautical miles northeast of Cape Douglas. Wind and wave action caused the Redoubt to become a constructive total loss.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   58 51 N 153 15 W   Chart 16013

Additional Information: Length 153.4, Breadth 39, Depth 9, Built 1979, ON 611976, Call Sign WAQ2148

Sources: 1. USCG MISLE Case # 812108, 2. USCG Marine Information Exchange

 

REDWING (1954)     The 6 ton 39 foot wooden gas screw Redwing was consumed by fire March 18, 1954 at Juneau.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 18 15 N 134 24 30 W   Chart 17360

Additional Information: Tonnage 6 Gross and Net, Length 39.8, Breadth 8.2, Depth 1.7, Built 1949 at Juneau, Service passenger, Horsepower 130, Owner Royal O’Reilly, Registered Juneau, ON 257170

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1952) Pg 468, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1955) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 740

 

REFORM (1956)     The 9 ton 34 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Reform foundered June 30, 1956 between Beacon Point and Twelve Mile Point in Frederick Sound.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 56 15 N 132 59 30 W   Chart 17360

Additional Information: Tonnage 9 Gross 6 Net, Length 34, Breadth 10.8, Depth 3.9, Built 1917 at Scow Bay, Horsepower 140, Owner William Dugaqua, Registered Wrangell, ON 225897

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1956) Pg 435, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1957) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 758

 

REFRIGERATOR 10 (1966)     The 239 foot Soviet refrigerator ship referred to as Refrigerator 10 went down December 31, 1966 approximately 35 miles north of Unimak Pass in the Bering Sea.  Five crewmembers were lost and as many as 95 were rescued by Russian vessels operating in a fleet fishing in the area.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   54 45 N 165 W   Chart 16011

Sources: 1. Times-Picayune (New Orleans LA January 1, 1967) “Soviet vessel sinks; 50 lost in Bering Sea” Pg 1, 2. Dallas Morning News (January 2, 1967) “Five Still Missing After Ship Sinks” Pg 2A

 

REGINA (1962)     The 7 ton 29 foot wooden gas screw Regina was destroyed by fire in 1962 at Chignik.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   56 18 N 158 24 W   Chart 16011

Additional Information: Tonnage 7 Gross 6 Net, Length 30.9, Breadth 10.3, Depth 3, Built 1947 at Portlock AK, Service passenger, Horsepower 110, SL WD3009, Owner Walter Stepanoff, Registered Juneau, ON 259150

 

REGIS (1955)     The 29 ton 52 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Regis stranded and was lost October 21, 1955 on Sullivan Island.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 53 N 135 19 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 29 Gross 24 Net, Length 52.7, Breadth 14.2, Depth 5.7, Built 1917 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 100, SL WA9982, Owner Coastal Glacier Sea Foods, Registered Juneau, ON 214977

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1959) Pg 466, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1960) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 825

 

REINA (1965)     The 94 ton 74 foot oil screw Reina foundered at Segum (probably Seguam) Island November 13, 1965.  The vessel was last heard from in trouble in 100 mile an hour winds.  Lost with the Reina were skipper Vic Hansen (41), John Allen (42), John McReynolds (21) and Jim Adams (24).  The Reina had recently been brought north from Guayaquil, Ecuador.

Mapping and Location: Southwest Alaska   52 19 N 172 30 W   Chart 16011

Comment: One news report has this wreck at Island of Four Mountains.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 94 Gross, Built 1947, ON 252851

Sources:  1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1174, 2. Seattle Times (November 20, 1965) “Crab Boat Search Suspended” Pg 8, 3. Seattle Times (January 6, 1966) “Captain Victor Hansen and John W Allen” Pg 37

 

REINDEER (1871)     The 332.33 ton wooden ship Reindeer was abandoned in the ice near Point Belcher and Wainwright Inlet on September 14, 1871.  The vessel had an estimated value of $40,000.  Her home port was New Bedford, Massachusetts.

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

Additional Information: ON 21315, SL HQDR

Sources: 1. Alaska File of the Revenue Cutter Service 1867-1914, 2. Harper’s Weekly (December 2, 1871) “Destruction of the Arctic Whaling Fleet of 1871”

REINDEER (1894)     The 357 ton 120 foot wooden bark Reindeer was forced ashore by ice and lost at Return Reef, Midway Island at 2:00 p.m. Saturday August 4, 1894.  The vessel departed San Francisco March 20, 1894 bound for whaling in the Arctic with 38 crewmen aboard.  There was no cargo except for “about 40 tons of coal and casks, etc.”  The crewmen attempted to hold the Reindeer by throwing out an anchor but the strong breeze and ice forced her ashore.  There was no loss of life, but the Reindeer, valued at $24,000 was a total loss.  There was $15,000 in insurance on the vessel.

Mapping and Location: Northern Alaska   70 27 N 148 47 W   Chart 16004

Comment: The Wreck Report states “long. 146 degrees”.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 357.49 Gross 339.68 Net, Length 119.7, Breadth 28.5, Depth 17.5, Built 1877 at New Bedford MA, Registered San Francisco, ON 110312, SL JSGF, Master B Cogan of Oakland CA, Owner Jas. McKenna of Alameda CA

Source: U S Customs Report of Casualty March 14, 1895 by McKenna at San Francisco

RELIANCE (1926)     The 11 ton 39 foot wooden gas screw Reliance sank in Taku Inlet at 12:15 p.m. Wednesday December 15, 1926.  There were two crewmen on board.  The vessel departed Juneau that day bound for Petersburg.  The following are excerpts from the casualty report:

“Taku Inlet, opp. Pt. Bishop”  “Strong wind, rough sea”  “Overheated engine ignited gas fumes in cabin”  “Wrecked (Explosion and sank)”  “Launched skiff and drifted to Green Cove, Admiralty Island, Alaska from which place they were brought to Juneau on board Coast Guard Cutter Unalga”

The Reliance had a value of $3,000 and was a total loss.  There was no cargo on board and no insurance.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 12 10 N 134 08 45 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 11 Gross 7 Net, Length 38.7, Breadth 10, Depth 4, Built 1908 at Port Madison WA, Horsepower 18, Registered Juneau, ON 205215, Master E Stage of Juneau, Owner H Vance of Juneau

Sources: 1. U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty December 16, 1926 by D H Vance at Juneau, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1926) Pgs 479-80

RELIANCE (1933)     The 18 ton 40 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Reliance foundered off Tree Point March 15, 1933.  The four crewmen aboard were lost with the Reliance.

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

Comment: The 34 foot fishing vessel Castor burned at the same location two weeks later.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 18 Gross 14 Net, Length 40, Breadth 12.2, Depth 5.5, Built 1918 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 30, Registered Ketchikan, ON 215943

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1933) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 990, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1932) Pgs 496-7

 

RELIANCE (1941)     The 9 ton 31 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Reliance was consumed by fire at Ketchikan February 3, 1931.  There was no one aboard at the time of the disaster.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 9 Gross 6 Net, Length 31.3, Breadth 11.3, Depth 3.4, Built 1910 at Howkan, Horsepower 20, Owner Oscar Brevik, Registered Ketchikan, ON 207538

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1942) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 512, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1941) Pg 255

 

RELIANCE NO 3 (1953)     The 10 ton 32 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Reliance No 3 was consumed by fire October 14, 1953 off of Naked Island near Funter Bay in Lynn Canal.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 15 20 N 134 56 30 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 10 Gross 6 Net, Length 31.9, Breadth 8.5, Depth 4.9, Built 1914 at Samish WA, Horsepower 122, Owner W J Smith, Registered Wrangell, ON 211929

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1952) Pg 470, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1955) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 740

 

RENEE (1964)     The 7 ton 26 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Renee was destroyed by a tidal wave March 27, 1964 at Shearwater Bay on Kodiak Island.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 7 Gross 6 Net, Length 26.8, Breadth 9.4, Depth 3.4, Built 1955 at LaConner WA, Horsepower 110, SL WG4082, Owner Kadiak Fisheries Company, Registered Juneau, ON 269415

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) Pg 558, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1005

 

RENMORE (1967)     The diesel screw Renmore burned at Seldovia May 24, 1967.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 26 15 N 151 42 30 W   Chart 16013

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

RENOWN (1979)     The 86 foot oil screw crab fishing vessel Renown caught fire and sank February 19, 1979 approximately 15 miles SSE of Sitkinak Island.  There was no loss of life.

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

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

 

RESCUER (1942)     The 175 foot 738 ton rescue salvage vessel Rescuer (ARS-18) stranded and was lost December 31, 1942 at Scotch Cap.  The Rescuer was endeavoring to salvage the Soviet freighter Turksib when the salvage vessel was driven aground in an 80 mile an hour gale.  Klas Smit, the third engineer of the Rescuer fell overboard and drowned.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   54 24 15 N 164 47 30 W   Chart 16011

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

RESEARCH (1900)     The 26.5 ton British iron stern wheel steamer Research was destroyed in a gale in August of 1900 in the St Michael Harbor.  The vessel was stored on blocks in the Government Barracks since she was seized by U S Customs September 25, 1899.  The following are excerpts from the wreck report filed by Thomas A Whisdler, master:

“In St Michael harbor under Govt. barracks, Alaska”  “Heavy gale in August 1900…force 10”  “…ship locked up in charge of U S Customs”  “Thrown from blocks against the bank”  “The ship was in good running condition when seized by the U S Customs o the 25^th Sept. 1899, and is now practically a dismantled wreck, nothing was done to protect the engines which are now a mass of iron rust.  The vessel’s bottom is bulged in on several places and is leaking in two compartments, so much so that the boiler has been forced out of place upwards about six inches, everything portable has been taken and she is a mass of iron rust fore and aft”

The Research had a value of $10,000 and the 3 ton cargo of mining machinery and supplies on board were worth $700.  Damage to the vessel was listed at $9,500 and her cargo at $600.  There was no insurance.

Mapping and Location: West central Alaska   63 29 N 162 02 W   Chart 16006

Additional Information: Tonnage 26.5, Age 3 years, Home Port Liverpool England, ON 109401, Master L A Whisdler of Nome, Owner P Bayne of Nome

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report July 22, 1901 at St Michael by Thomas A Whisdler

RESOLUTE (1935)     The 82 ton 104 foot wooden gas screw Resolute was lost in Stephen’s Passage at 8:40 a.m. January 21, 1935.  The vessel was travelling from Juneau to Stephen’s Passage with four crewmen aboard.  The following are statements taken from the casualty report filed by Arthur J LaGasa, master and owner of the Resolute:

“Heavy gale, heavy seas”  “1/2 mile from entrance to Oliver’s Inlet Stephen’s Passage SE Alaska”  “Stranded”  “Let vessel go on beach on purpose”  “Sprung bad leak and had to be beached”  “Equipment only will be saved.  Vessel is high and dry on beach and not a menace to navigation”  “U S Coast Guard Tallapoosa picked up crew next morning”  “Total Loss”

The Resolute was valued at $1,500 at the time of the disaster.  There was no cargo on board and no insurance.  No lives were lost.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 08 30 N 134 19 45 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 82 Gross 56 Net, Length 104, Breadth 23.5, Depth 10.8, Built 1887 at Mill No 4 OR, Horsepower 85, Registered Juneau, ON 110747, Master and Owner Arthur J LaGasa of Juneau

Sources: 1. U S C G Report of Casualty Jan 28, 1935 at Juneau, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1934) Pgs 526-7

RESPONSE (1993)     The 130 foot steel longline cod fishing vessel Response was consumed by fire and sank May 13, 1993 off of Cape Chiniak near Kodiak.  All 14 crewmembers were rescued by a U S Coast Guard helicopter. Approximately 20,000 gallons of fuel was removed before the vessel sank.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 442 Gross 346 Net, Length 125.9, Breadth 30.1, Depth 12.5, Built 1945 Evansville IN, ON 561289, Former Name YF 864 USN

Sources: 1. U S C G Shipwreck List (1989-2004), 2. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013), 3. USCG MISLE Case # 57327, 4. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1979) Pgs 1250 & 1972

 

RESTLESS (1910)     The 9 ton 31 foot wooden yawl Restless stranded and was lost near Prince of Wales Island at 11:00 p.m. Thursday February 10, 1910.  The vessel departed Wrangel December 25, 1909 bound for Baranof Island “trapping”, with master and owner S E Mattison, and James Hansen, a seaman, aboard.  S E Mattison was lost in the disaster.  The following are excerpts from the wreck report filed by Hansen:

“Strong breeze from the SW, snowing and dark”  “7 mile point between Shipley Bay and Shakan, Alaska (North end Prince of Wales Island”  “Stranding”  “Breaking of anchor chains”  “Came to anchor in bight under 7 mi. Point, chain broke, and we were on the rocks before another anchor could be brought into service.. About six hours before loss of vessel Mattison was evacuating over the port side of vessel, which was running free before a strong breeze.  I succeeded after several minutes effort in bringing vessel about, and making two tacks ran across locality where Mattison went over.  I saw nothing of his body, and proceeded toward seven mile point, where the vessel went on the beach as above stated”

The Restless, valued at $500, was a total loss. There was no cargo on board.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 06 N 133 38 W   Chart 17400

Additional Information: Tonnage 9 Tons Net and Gross, Length 31, Breadth 11.2, Depth 3.7, Built 1904 at Aberdeen WA, Registered Port Townsend WA, ON 200672

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report February 25, 1910 at Wrangel by James Hansen

RESTLESS C (1979)     The 52 foot fishing vessel Restless C capsized and sank June 12, 1979 in Hallo Bay.  Two of the four crewmen were rescued by the vessel Awtam.  Lost were Ron Cochrane and H Q Hall.  The Restless C was thought to have been struck by another vessel.

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

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

 

REUBEN L RICHARDSON (1900)     The 97 ton 85 foot wooden schooner Reuben L Richardson stranded and was lost west of Nome at 4 a.m. Thursday November 1, 1900.  The vessel departed Seattle May 5, 1900 bound for Cape Nome with 12 passengers and 8 crewmen on board.  She was carrying a cargo of 20 tons of miner’s supplies worth $500.  The following are excerpts from the wreck report:

“Hard gale, dark night”  “Storm, snow and gale”  “Stranding…16 miles West Cape Nome”  “Was ashore before knew exact position”  “Walked overland to Cape Nome and made detailed report to Lieut. Jarvis, representing Customs House”

The Reuben L Richardson, valued at $10,000, was a complete loss along with her cargo.  The vessel had insurance for $5,000 and the cargo none.  No lives were lost.

Mapping and Location: West central Alaska   64 26 N 165 W   Chart 16006

Additional Information: Tonnage 97 Gross 92 Net, Length 84.8, Breadth 23.6, Depth 8.8, Built 1888 Bath ME, Registered Seattle, ON 110771, Master O F Christianson of Seattle, Owner North Star Cod Fishing Co. of Seattle

Sources: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report February 6, 1901 at Seattle by Christianson, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1899) Pg 159

REUBEN L RICHARDSON (1917)   The 92 net ton schooner Reuben L Richardson was wrecked in Clarence Strait in 1917.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   54 45 N 131 42 W   Chart 16016

Sources: 1. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 294, 2. Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992)

 

REVENGE II (2001)     The 86 foot fish tender Revenge II flooded, capsized and sank August 24, 2001 approximately 70 miles south of Sitka, two and a half miles west of Cape Ommaney.  The Revenge II was hauling fish processing supplies to Cape Armstrong when her lazarette flooded while rounding Cape Ommaney. No bilge alarms sounded. Attempts were made to dewater the vessel but waves breaking over the deck hindered that effort and the vessel soon began to capsize. Both crewmen aboard were able to abandon ship in survival suits.  They were rescued by the fishing vessel Monarch.  The vessel was reported to have taken a large wave over the stern which may have broken a seam.

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

Additional Information: ON 928449, Built 1988

Sources: 1. ADEC Incident Report (August 24 & 27, 2001) “F/V Revenge II”, 2. USCG MISLE Case # 858133

 

REVIEW (1968)     The gas screw Review was destroyed by a storm at Ketchikan November 28, 1968.

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

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

REWARD (1999)     The 38 foot fiberglass salmon fishing vessel Reward capsized and was lost June 16, 1999 in Sumner Strait.  Inadequate stability was listed as the cause.  The only person on board was rescued in his survival suit by the fishing vessel Tammy Sue.  The U S Coast Guard cutter Anacapa also responded.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 53 N 133 59 W   Chart 16016

Additional Information: ON 564260

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

 

REX (1937)     The 37 net ton wooden vessel Rex was lost southwest of Ocean Cape at 4 a.m. October 12, 1937.  The vessel departed the Aquay River bound for Yakutat with two aboard.  Her cargo was about 12 tons of salt salmon valued at $1,500.  The Rex was having machine trouble and leaking in heavy weather when she was stranded six miles S W of Ocean Cape.  There was a strong SE and SW gale at the time of the casualty.  George Nelson and Bill Geddes assisted the crew of the Rex and took them in a small gas boat to Yakutat for help.  The Rex, valued at $5,000, was a total loss along with her cargo.  There was no insurance.

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

Comment: Aquay River now called Akwe River.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 37 Net, Age 6 months, Registered Juneau, ON 236525, Master and Owner Ed Herman of Yakutat

Source: U S C G Report of Casualty April 15, 1938 by Ed Herman at Juneau

REX (1942)     The 8 ton 29 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Rex foundered June 29, 1942 at Kruzof Island in Sitka Sound.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 10 N 135 40 W   Chart 17320

Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 6 Net, Length 29.7, Breadth 9.6, Depth 3.7, Built 1920 at Tacoma WA, Horsepower 9, Owner Christ Wogen, Registered Sitka, ON 232089

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

 

REX (1987)     The 40 foot troller Rex sank November 1, 1987 southwest of Sitka.  The U S Coast Guard found debris and a life raft, but no sign of skipper John Fowler.

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

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

REY MAR HOUSTON (1975)     The 157 ton oil screw Rey Mar Houston foundered March 14, 1975 off of Popof Island.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   55 19 N 160 24 W   Chart 16011

Additional Information: Tonnage 157 Gross, Built 1969, ON 522164

Source: Merchant Vessels of the U S (1976) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1871

 

RHEA C (1986)     The 42 foot purse seiner Rhea C struck a rock and sank September 10, 1986 approximately 35 miles southeast of Homer.  All five crewmembers abandoned ship in a life raft and spent five days on the beach before rescued by a U S Coast Guard Helicopter. The survivors included owner Theodore Johnson of Soldotna, Ben Lukes (50) of Anchorage, Carl Rassmusen (45) of Anchorage, Ed Evers of Anchorage and Jeff Goodwin (19).

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 38 40 N 151 33 W   Chart 16013

Sources: 1. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 2. Daily Sitka Sentinel (September 16, 1986) “Boaters Rescued” Pg 3

 

RHONDA RENEE (2001)     The 34 foot bow picking fishing vessel Rhonda Renee struck a rock and was lost August 6, 2001.  The vessel struck at Knowles Head in Prince William Sound and began taking on water.  The fishing vessel Aphrodite responded to assist.  The Rhonda Renee was patched and taken in tow.  The patch failed and the vessel sank on the way to Homer.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 41 N 146 37 30 W   Chart 16700

Additional Information: ON 968769

Source: U S C G District 17 Enforcement Report (August 6, 2001)

 

RIBICH (1964) See A RIBICH (1964)

 

RICHARD D (1970)     The 66 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Richard D foundered August 11, 1970 near Kodiak.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 65 Gross 22 Net, Length 65.2, Breadth 18.5, Depth 7.2, Built 1945 Ilwaco WA, Former Name John T, 330 HP, SL WA6536, ON 248672

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1974) Pg 1259, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 581

 

RICHARD III (1907)     The 985 ton wooden barge Richard III was abandoned by the steamer Alaskan in Clarence Strait January 25, 1907.  The Alaskan was forced to cast off from the barge because of a gale and low fuel.  The Alaskan proceeded to Niblack for fuel and on her return was unable to locate the Richard III.  The barge eventually stranded and was lost in Virago Sound on Graham Island in British Columbia.  There was no loss of life.

Mapping and Location: British Columbia

Additional Information:  Tonnage 985 Gross 918 Net, Built 1859 at Portsmouth NH, Registered San Francisco, ON 21900

Sources: 1. Marine Disasters of the Alaska Route (1916) Pg 27, 2. Alaska File of the Revenue Cutter Service 1867-1914

RICHARD K (1961)     The 10 ton 34 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Richard K burned October 2, 1961 at Cold Bay.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   55 12 N 162 42 W   Chart 16011

Additional Information: Tonnage 10 Gross 7 Net, Length 34, Breadth 12, Depth 4.1, Built 1955 at King Cove, Horsepower 115, SL WJ3298, Owner Andrew Koso, Registered Juneau, ON 270731

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1960) Pg 481, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1962) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 905

 

RICHMOND (1914)     The 12 ton 34 foot wooden gas screw Richmond sank in Clarence Strait at 11 p.m. Tuesday December 1, 1914.  The vessel departed Ketchikan November 29^th bound for Wrangell with two crewmen aboard.  The following are excerpts from the wreck report:

“Light breeze, fair weather, smooth sea, moonlight”  “5 miles SE Lincoln Rock, Alaska”  “Striking a sunken log, and foundering”  “Men on watch, but owing to log being submerged did not observe it”

The Richmond had a value of $1,800 and became a total loss.  There was no cargo on board and the crew made it to safety.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 03 25 N 132 41 50 W   Chart 17382

Additional Information: Tonnage 12 Gross 8 Net, Length 34.4, Breadth 10.3, Depth 4.4, Service Towing, Horsepower 20, Built 1911 at Seattle WA, Registered Seattle, ON 208859, Master R D Merwin of Ketchikan, Owner P C Peterson of Seattle, Insurance unknown

Sources: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report December 3, 1914 by Merwin at Ketchikan, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1913) Pg 280

RIFTA (1989)     The fishing vessel Rifta capsized and was lost July 9, 1989 in Bristol Bay.

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

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

RIPTIDE (1998)     The 50 foot long line cod fishing vessel Riptide caught fire from a hydraulic leak, burned and sank May 7, 1998 in Amee Bay near Old Harbor.  All three crewmen abandoned ship and were picked up by the fishing vessel Sarah M.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 12 30 N 153 11 30 W   Chart 16592

Additional Information: ON 661070

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

 

RIPTIDE (2002)     The 30 foot gillnet fishing vessel Riptide collided with the 51 foot fish tender Ola Jean and sank at 2:30 a.m. July 24, 2002 in Lynn Canal 20 miles north of Juneau.  The crewmembers of the Riptide were taken aboard the Ola Jean and transported to Haines.

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

Additional Information: ON 553935

Source: U S C G News Release (July 24, 2002) “Coast Guard investigating vessel collision, sinking”

 

RISKY BUSINESS (2007)     The 53 foot longline halibut fishing vessel Risky Business heeled over to port, flooded and sank March 13, 2007 approximately 75 miles east northeast of Cape Chiniak near Kodiak.  The crew of five abandoned ship in survival suits in 20 foot seas and 50 knot winds where they were all rescued by a U S Coast Guard Helicopter HH-6605.

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

Additional Information: Length 49.7, Built 1974, ON 558522, Call Sign WBT6539

Sources: 1. Unofficial Wreck List (Kodiak), 2. USCG News Release (March 13, 2007) “Five Fishermen Rescued Near Kodiak”, 3. USCG MISLE Case # 341084

 

RITA NEWMAN (1907)     The 182 ton 94 foot wooden gas screw Rita Newman stranded and was lost in the Shumagin Islands May 25, 1907.  The vessel ran up on the rocks off Simeonof Island in a dense fog.  The Rita Newman’s chronometer was found to be off by 7 minutes.  The vessel and her cargo were valued at $27,000 and became a total loss.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   54 54 N 159 16 W   Charts 16011, 16540

Additional Information: Tonnage 182 Gross 120 Net, Length 94, Breadth 29, Depth 8, Built 1903 at Oakland CA, IHP 160, Crew 11, SL KSJP, Registered San Francisco, ON 111458, Service freight

Sources: 1. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 137, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1906) Pg 293, 3. Alaska File of the Revenue Cutter Service 1867-1914

RO-32 (1942)     The 700 ton 243 foot Japanese I-Class submarine RO-32 was sunk by a combined attack of Canadian and U S aircraft and U S C G Patrol vessels July 9, 1942 approximately 21 ½ miles southwest of Cape Addington.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 26 15 N 133 24 15 W   Chart 17400

Comment: This casualty may not have been confirmed.  WG

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

RO-61 (1942)     The 250 foot Japanese submarine RO-61 was sunk by the Navy destroyer Reid September 1, 1942 five miles north of Cape Shaw on Atka Island.  60 crewmen were lost with the RO-61 and five survived.

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

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

ROADRUNNER (1976)     The 41 foot halibut fishing vessel Roadrunner swamped, stranded and was lost October 27, 1976 on Kayak Island.  Matt Dusenbury (28) was the only one aboard and escaped to a skiff which also overturned and was lost. Dusenbury made it to the beach and survived five days until it was realized he was missing and a rescue initiated.

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

Sources: 1. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 2. Seattle Times (October 29, 1976) “Fisherman survives bears, icy cold” Pg A18

 

ROALD (1946)     The 8 ton 29 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Roald  foundered January 18, 1946 in the vicinity of Horn Cliff at Lat. 56 ½ N Long. 133 W.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 47 40 N 132 40 W   Chart 17360

Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 5 Net, Length 29.7, Breadth 11.5, Depth 4.3, Built 1913 at Tacoma WA, Horsepower 16, Owner John Hammer, Registered Wrangell, ON 233791

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1946) Pg 415, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1947) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 824

 

ROALD AMUNDSON (1929)     The 30 ton 50 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Roald Amundson caught fire and was lost in Principe Canal at 9:30 p.m. Sunday May 5, 1929.  The vessel departed Ketchikan May 3^rd for sea fisheries with three crewmen.  There were 1,000 pounds of fresh halibut on board worth $550.  The following are excerpts from the casualty report:

“Principe Canal, B.C.”  “Fire started in engine room”  “West wind 15 mile an hour, smooth, moonlight”  “Fire extinguisher used by all men on board”  “Fire broke out in the engine room and spread rapidly, we were forced to the lifeboat and poled 40 mile by hand, and then picked up by the Canadian lighthouse tender Newington and brought to Prince Rupert, B. C. May 7, 1929”

The Roald Amundson, valued at $12,000, and her cargo were total losses.  The vessel was insured for $7,000.  The cargo of fresh halibut had no insurance.

Mapping and Location: British Columbia

Comment: The Merchant Vessel Losses of 1929 puts this wreck at Principe Canal, Alaska.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 30 Gross 23 Net, Length 49.5, Breadth 14, Depth 6.8, Built 1912 Poulsbo WA, HP 40, Registered Ketchikan, ON 210102, Master and Owner C O Angell of Gig Harbor WA

Sources: 1. U S C G Report of Casualty May 9, 1929 at Ketchikan by Carl O Angell, 2. Merchant Vessel of the U S (1928) Pgs 480-1

ROAMER (1951)     The 57 ton 60 foot wooden oil screw Roamer stranded and was lost September 4, 1951 at Scraggy Point in Salisbury Sound.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 20 20 N 135 43 40 W   Chart 17320

Additional Information: Tonnage 57 Gross 38 Net, Length 60.8, Breadth 20, Depth 7.7, Built 1914 at North Bend OR, Service freight, Horsepower 330, SL WA2363, Owner Richard Mutrux, Registered Seattle WA, ON 212233

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1955) Pg 439, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1956) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 745

 

ROBERT E LEE (1990)     The 24 foot fishing vessel Robert E Lee swamped, grounded and was lost September 3, 1990 on Perry Island.  The only person on board spent the night on the beach and was rescued later by the fishing vessel Northern Light.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 43 N 147 55 W   Chart 16700

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

ROBERT G SEYMOUR (1975)     The oil screw Robert G Seymour burned January 6, 1975 at Angoon.

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

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

ROCINANTE (1995)     The 31 foot wooden longline fishing vessel Rocinante broached, capsized and sank April 21, 1995 in the northwest Gulf of Alaska.  The only person onboard escaped to a life raft.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   Unknown

Additional Information: ON 644579

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

 

ROCK ISLAND (1906)     The 533 ton 134 foot wooden stern wheel steamer Rock Island was crushed by ice and sank at the wharf at Chena on the Tanana River May 6, 1906.  The vessel had 30 persons onboard and no cargo.  There was no loss of life, but the Rock Island, valued at $5,000 was a total loss.  Repeated attempts by the owners to raise the vessel failed.

Mapping and Location: Central Alaska

Additional Information: Tonnage 533 Gross 267 Net, Length 134, Breadth 32.2, Depth 5.9, Built 1898 at Seattle WA, IHP 300, Service Passenger, Registered St Michael, ON 111177

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1907) Pg 380, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1905) Pg 298, 3. Alaska File of the Revenue Cutter Service 1867-1914

ROCKET (1978)     The troller Rocket sank in heavy seas May 29, 1978 off of Cape Lynch on Prince of Wales Island.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 47 N 133 42 W   Chart 17400

Comment: Probably Cape Lynch on Heceta Island near Prince of Wales Island.  WG

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

ROCKET (1981)     The 34 foot vessel Rocket capsized August 21, 1981 in Strawberry Pass near Montague Island.  The two persons aboard were lost.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 24 N 146 03 W   Chart 16700

Source: Unofficial Shipwreck List (Kodiak)

 

ROCKETT II (2002)     The 44 foot halibut longline fishing vessel Rockett II lost power, drifted onto the rocks and broke up October 21, 2002 near Cape Cheerful approximately 10  nautical miles northwest of Dutch Harbor.  All three crewmembers were rescued from the water by the 151 foot crab fishing vessel Stormy Sea and taken to Dutch Harbor.

Mapping and Location: Southwest Alaska   54 00 50 N 166 40 20 W   Chart 16011

Additional Information: ON 592148

Source: U S C G News Release (October 21, 2002) “Three safe after vessel loses power, breaks up on rocks”

 

ROCKY PASS (2005)     The 19 foot troller Rocky Pass disappeared March 15, 2005 on a trip from Kelp Bay to Angoon.  The bodies of her two crewmen were found near Point Wilson on Admiralty Island.  The two men had been commercial fishing for halibut near Kelp Bay when they were reported late for their return to Angoon. When found, one of the men was in an immersion suit but had been unable to zip it up because of corrosion on the zipper. The other crewmember had neither an immersion suit nor PFD. Lost were LeRoy H. Martin (47) and his son Frederick G. Martin (20), both from Angoon.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 08 05 N 134 38 W   Chart 17320

Additional Information: ID# AK78891, Call Sign WAO4781J

Sources: 1. Unofficial Shipwreck List (Alaska), 2. USCG Press Release (March 16, 2005) “Coast Guard, others searching for missing fishing vessel”, 3. USCG MISLE Case # 223125

 

RODGERS (1881)     The U S Survey Steamer Rodgers was burned in Saint Lawrence Bay, Siberia in 1881.  The crew was rescued by the whaler North Star and transferred to the Revenue Cutter Corwin and taken to Sitka.

Mapping and Location: Siberia

Source: Lewis and Dryden’s Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1895) Pg 290

ROLFE (1924)     The 14 ton 45 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Rolfe stranded and was lost in Sumner Strait at 9 p.m. Friday January 11, 1924.  The vessel and her crew of five departed Ketchikan that day for deep sea fisheries.  The following are excerpts from the casualty report:

“No wind, fair weather, dark and no sea”  “Night and very dark and strong tide carried vessel off course”  “Rock off Point Colpoys, Sumner Strait, Southeastern Alaska”  “Stranding”  “After stranding, an anchor was run out but vessel filled rapidly and crew were compelled to leave vessel.  A small gas boat took crew to Petersburg, Alaska”  “On January 13, 1924, Coast Guard cutter Smith came to the wreck but was unable to do anything.  Crew was brought to Ketchikan, Alaska, on Smith”  “total loss”

The Rolfe, valued at $3,000 was a total loss.  She was carrying no cargo.  There was no loss of life.  The Rolfe was insured for $2,623.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 20 N 133 12 W   Chart 17360

Comment: Merchant Vessels (1924) puts this loss in Clarence Strait.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 14 Gross 10 Net, Length 45.4, Breadth 12.9, Depth 4.3, Built 1906 at Ballard WA, Registered Ketchikan, ON 203010, Master and Owner Andrew Nelson of Prince Rupert, BC

Sources: 1. U S C G Report of Casualty March 19, 1924 by Andrew Nelson at Ketchikan, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1924) Pg 438

ROLFE (1937)     The 38 ton 56 foot wooden gas screw Rolfe stranded and was lost at the entrance to the Ahrnklin River at 3:30 p.m. July 24, 1937.  The vessel was leaving the Ahrnklin Inlet on her way to the Aquay Inlet with two persons aboard when the casualty occurred.  The following are statements from the casualty report:

“15 mile southeast, rough sea, daylight”  “Engine running slow ahead prior to stopping”  “Black Sand Island, Entrance to Ahrnklin, Alaska”  “Flooded engine room stopping engine”  “The Rolfe was going from Ahrnklin Inlet to Aquay Inlet, Alaska and passing over the outside bar struck very heavy breakers which broke out the pilot house windows and flooded the engine room.  This stopped the engine and we put out the anchors.  We got the engine going again and got up one anchor when the engine started again.  The heavy surf and SE wind continued to drag the anchors until the Rolfe struck the beach.  Heavy weather for four days afterward made it impossible to salvage her.”  “Total loss”

The Rolfe, valued at $6,000, was a total loss.  There was no cargo on board.  There were no casualties.  The vessel was insured for $3,500.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 25 15 N 139 29 30 W   Chart 16760

Comment: Destination probably Akwe River Inlet.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 38 Gross 26 Net, Length 55.9, Breadth 14.8, Depth 6.2, Built 1917 at Seattle WA, Service Freight, Horsepower 40, Registered Sitka, ON 215032, Master C R Perry of Anacortes WA, Owner J Frank Wright of Anacortes WA

Sources: 1. U S C G Report of Casualty August 17, 1937 by C R Perry at Ketchikan, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1937) Pg 272

ROLLING WAVE (1953)     The 13 ton 36 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Rolling Wave was consumed by fire April 2, 1953 at the Thomas Basin Float near Ketchikan.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 20 20 N 131 38 30 W   Chart 17430

Additional Information: Tonnage 13 Gross 9 Net, Length 36.2, Breadth 10.8, Depth 4.6, Built 1930 at Gig Harbor WA, Horsepower 110, Owner William Tatsuda, Registered Ketchikan, ON 230818

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1952) Pg 481, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1953-1954) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 750

 

ROMAN (1871)     The 358 ton wooden whaling ship Roman was crushed by the ice and lost off of the Seahorse Islands near Point Belcher September 7, 1871.  The officers and crew escaped over the ice with little but their lives.

Mapping and Location: Northern Alaska   70 53 N 158 42 W   Chart 16005

Sources: 1. The Northern Mariner (April 2006) “Shipping Losses of the Nineteenth Century” Pg 62, 2. Alaska File of the Revenue Cutter Service 1867-1914 (1966) Microcopy 641, 3. Harper’s Weekly (December 2, 1871) “Destruction of the Arctic Whaling Fleet”

ROMAN (1916)     The 230 ton British fishing schooner Roman stranded on Key Reef  rock at high tide November 18, 1916 and was lost. The vessel struck the reef a few miles south of the south end of Zarembo Island in Clarence Strait near Wrangell and soon after sank in 20 fathoms of water nearby. The vessel was owned by a subsidiary of the British Columbia Packing Company of Vancouver and was on her way to the fishing banks at Snow Pass. She had five passengers on board and carried a crew of 30. She was on her way from Vancouver to sea fisheries and was carrying 25 tons of bait, 700 barrels of oil, 20 tons of coal, 100 skates of fishing tackle, 40 tons of ice and subsistence supplies for 36 people for a month. The value of the Roman was said to be $75,000 to $90,000. The schooner San Juan rescued the passengers and fishermen from the Roman and transferred them to the steam ship Admiral Evans. The blinker on Key Reef rock was said to be out of order which may have contributed to the loss.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 09 N 132 49 W   Chart 17360

Additional Information: Built at Hull England, Last Port Vancouver November 14, Cargo Value $10,000

Sources: 1. Vancouver Daily World (November 20, 1916) “Local Fishing Vessel Is Lost” Pg 2, 2. Daily Alaska Dispatch (November 19, 1916) “British Boat Is Wrecked” Pg 1

 

ROMANCE (1990)     The 36 foot troller Romance rolled and sank February 27, 1990 in Wrangell Harbor.  All four persons aboard, including two children, were rescued by another fishing vessel.  None of those on board the Romance had survival suits or floatation devices.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 28 N 132 23 W   Chart 17360

Additional Information: ON 218020

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

ROMANOFF (1965)     The 114 ton 84 foot steel barge Romanoff was destroyed by a storm in November of 1965 near Saint Michael.

Mapping and Location: West central Alaska   63 29 N 162 02 W   Chart 16006

Additional Information: Tonnage 114 Gross and Net, Length 83.9,Breadth 30, Depth 5.2, Built 1962 at Seattle WA, Owner Northern Commercial Company, Registered Juneau, ON 288401

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 589, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1174

 

RONALD (1940)     The 10 ton wooden gas screw Ronald was consumed by fire December 27, 1940 one quarter mile off Point Highfield.  The two persons aboard made it to safety.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 29 15 N 132 23 15 W   Chart 17360

Additional Information: Tonnage 10 Gross, Built 1940

Source:  Merchant Vessels of the U S (1941) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 511

RONNIE D (1970)     The 37 foot steel gasoline powered fishing vessel Ronnie D foundered six miles outside of McArthur Pass.

Mapping and Location: Unknown

Comment: Multiple McArthur Passes. WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 14 Gross 10 Net, Length 37, Breadth 12.5, Depth 4.5, Built Cleveland OH, 143 HP, ON 249329

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1974) Pg 1259, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 589

 

RONNIE M (1965)     The 196 ton 89 foot wooden oil screw crab fishing vessel Ronnie M disappeared after leaving Juneau bound for Kodiak.  The last the vessel was heard from was December 18, 1965 off of Cape Saint Elias.  Five men were feared lost with the vessel.  Included in the lost were Rudy Tomasic of Kodiak, Ed Randle of Fairbanks and a Japanese man named Chick.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 54 N 144 36 W   Chart 16016

Additional Information: Tonnage 196 Gross 102 Net, Length 89.6, Breadth 25.8, Depth 11.9, Built 1944 at Tacoma WA, Horsepower 400, SL WB2169, Owner Ivan Misetich, Registered Los Angeles CA, ON 246372

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 589, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1174, 3. Seattle Times (March 2, 1966) “Maritime News around the World” Pg 18, 4. Seattle Times (December 27, 1965) “Crab Fishing Vessel Sought Off Alaska” Pg 26

 

RONNY (1997)     The 46 foot salmon seiner Ronny grounded and sank September 10, 1997 in Stepovak Bay.  There was no one on board at the time of the disaster.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   55 40 N 159 50 W   Chart 16011

Additional Information: ON 257528

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

 

ROOSEVELT (1964)     The 20 ton 42 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Roosevelt was destroyed by a tidal wave at Kodiak on March 27, 1964.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 20 Gross 13 Net, Length 42.6, Breadth 13.4, Depth 5.8, Built 1915 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 65, SL WC2515, Owner Everett C Levan, Registered Seattle, ON 213009

Sources: 1. Unofficial Wreck List, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) Pg 568

 

ROSA (1985)     The fishing vessel Rosa was surrounded by ice and sank February 5, 1985 in Marguerite Bay near Ketchikan.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 43 N 131 38 W   Chart 17422

Comment: Marguerite Bay opens from the southern shore of Traitors Cove.  WG

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

ROSALEE (1932)     The 11 ton 33 foot gas screw fishing vessel Rosalee stranded and burned near Point Hilda at 6:00 a.m. Sunday December 4, 1932.  The vessel departed Juneau November 29^th bound for Tenakee with two persons aboard.  The following are excerpts from the casualty report:

“Near Point Hilda, Alaska”  “Strong Southwest wind”  “Engine stopped and wind blew vessel on beach.  Fire in stove ignited gasoline and vessel burned up ½ hour after beaching”  “Anchor was thrown out but parted”  “Stranded and burned”

The Rosalee was valued at $800 and became a total loss, no cargo.  The crew escaped to safety.  The Rosalee had no insurance.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 13 N 134 30 10 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 11 Gross 7 Net, Length 32.8, Breadth 10.4, Depth 5, Built 1931 at Wrangell, Registered Juneau, ON 230847, Master Jos. M Adamson of Juneau, Owners Adamson & Cruden of Juneau

Sources: 1. U S C G Report of Casualty by W J Cruden at Juneau, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1932) Pgs 502-3

ROSARIO (1898)     The 148 ton 99 foot wooden whaling schooner Rosario was crushed by ice and lost ¾ of a mile south of Point Barrow at 6:15 p.m. Saturday July 2, 1898.  The crew barely had time to escape as the southwest gale forced the ice into the vessel.  There were 26 officers and crewmen aboard and 80 tons of outfits and stores.  The vessel and her cargo were total losses.  The Rosario was valued at $3,000 and her cargo at $4,740.  Vessel insurance was $850 and cargo insurance $1,750.  There was no loss of life.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 148 Gross 141 Net, Length 99, Breadth 26.9, Depth 9.5, Built 1878 at San Francisco CA, Registered San Francisco, ON 110347, SL JSWH, Master E Coffin of Edgartown WA, Owner F A Sheldon of San Francisco, Last Port San Francisco March 23, 1897, Destination Whaling Voyage

Sources: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report December 2, 1898 at San Francisco by E Coffin, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1898) Pg 168

ROSARIO (1922)     The 24 ton 40 foot wooden fishing vessel Rosario drug anchor in a severe storm in Katlian Bay, stranded and was lost at 4:00 a.m. March 12, 1922.  The vessel departed Ketchikan February 27, 1922 on a halibut fishing trip with five crewmen aboard.  The following are excerpts from the casualty report:

“Entrance Katlian Bay, Kruzof Isld., near Sitka”  “Strong Northwest wind, seas rough, snowing”  “Anchored, severe storm came up parting chains; vessel blown ashore before could get under way”  “Stranding”  “Soon as anchor chains parted started engine, but rudder hit rocks, broke off, vessel went ashore”  “Lost rudder, propeller, shaft log, keel, and considerable planking”  “Indications total loss”

The Rosario was carrying 2,000 pounds of fresh halibut at the time of the disaster.  The vessel and her cargo were total losses.  The crew made it to safety.  The Rosario was valued at $3,500 and her cargo at $160.  The vessel was insured for $3,000 but had no cargo insurance.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 09 N 135 23 W   Chart 17324

Comment: Katlian Bay is opposite Kruzof Island near Sitka.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 24 Gross 16 Net, Length 40.6, Breadth 12.9, Depth 7.6, Built 1914 at Seattle WA, IHP 25, Registered Seattle, ON 212158, Master and part owner John Sater of Seattle, 2^nd Owner Pacific Fishing & Trading Company of Seattle

Sources: 1. U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty March 23, 1922 at Sitka by John Sater, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1922) Pg 318

ROSCOE (1872)     The 313 ton whaling bark Roscoe was stove in by ice and abandoned off Point Barrow while at anchor August 19, 1872.  The vessel departed New Bedford November 1, 1870 bound for whaling in the Arctic.  The Roscoe was valued at $37,000 with her cargo of whale bone and 800 barrels of sperm oil.  The cargo was valued at $18,000.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 313.37, ON 21317, SL HQDT, Master Edward Darwen Lewis

Sources: 1. The Northern Mariner (April 2006) “Shipping Losses of the Nineteenth Century” Pg 62, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1868) Pg 207

ROSCOE II (1967)     The 13 ton 31 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Roscoe II was lost after a collision with an unknown obstruction June 26, 1967 two miles off of Unga Rock.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   55 11 N 160 30 10 W   Chart 16553

Comment: Unga Rock probably the rock just outside Delarof Harbor at Unga.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 13 Gross 10 Net, Length 30.9, Breadth 11.6, Depth 4.3, Built 1949 at Seattle, Horsepower 87, SL WC7535, Registered Wrangell, ON 257848

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 590, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1174

 

ROSE (1882)     The 46 ton 65 foot wooden gas screw steamer Rose ran onto a rock near Sitka at 2:00 Tuesday September 26, 1882.  The vessel had departed Sitka September 24^th on a prospecting cruise.  There was a charter party of two passengers and five crewmen aboard.  The following are excerpts from the wreck report filed by A T Whitford, master of the Rose:

“Moderate gale, heavy swell”  “Between Error Island and Bridarlin Island, 4 ½ miles So. of Sitka”  “Running on a rock and bilging”  “Rock not laid down on chart”  “Commander Pearson, U S S Wachusett, getting vessel off Rock and brought her into harbor.”

The Rose was valued at $5,000 and damage to her was $5,000.  There was no cargo and no insurance.  No lives were lost.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 00 35 N 135 19 10 W   Chart 17326

Comment: This vessel may have been salvaged as it is show in service in 1885.  Evidence of the wreck may still be on site and of interest.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 45.85 Gross 23.29 Net, Length 65, Breadth 14.7, Depth 6.9, IHP 40, Built 1867 at Sitka, Registered Sitka, ON 110234, Master and part owner A T Whitford, Owners A T Whitford, John Parker and T C Doran all of Sitka

Sources: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report October 4, 1882 at Sitka by A T Whitford, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1885) Pg 367

ROSE (1977)     The tug Rose sank while moored at the Petersburg Boat Harbor June 1, 1977.  The vessel ended up on Kupreanof Beach where she was abandoned.

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

Comment: Wreck likely across Wrangell Narrows from Petersburg.  WG

Source : BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

ROSE ANN HESS (1991)     The 50 foot longline fishing vessel Rose Ann Hess grounded and was lost in heavy weather October 31, 1991 in Port Bailey.  The crew of six abandoned the vessel and made it to safety.

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

Comment: Port Bailey is a local name for Dry Spruce Bay after a cannery in the bay.  WG

Additional Information: ON 243808

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

 

ROSE MARIE (1929)     The 22 ton 42 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Rose Marie caught fire and was lost near the Porcupine Islands at 4:30 a.m. Saturday July 13, 1929.  The crew of two departed Ketchikan June 18, 1929 for the fishing grounds.  There were 600 pounds of salmon aboard worth $100 at the time of the disaster.  The following are excerpts from the casualty report filed by Otto Olsen, master of the Rose Marie:

“Outside Porcupine Islands, S E Alaska”  “Fire”  “Cause of fire unknown”  “Martin Tenneson one of the crew was asleep in pilot house at the time of the fire, escaped uninjured”  “Troller T860 and Virginia III (assisted) crew picked up and taken to …po(?)”  “Total loss…burned up, sank”

The Rose Marie, valued at $8,100, and her cargo of salmon were total losses.  The vessel was fully insured but the cargo was not covered.  No lives were lost.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 48 N 136 23 W   Chart 17321

Additional Information: Tonnage 22 Gross 15 Net, Length 41.7, Breadth 12.1, Depth 6.1, Built 1928 at Poulsbo WA, Horsepower 30, Registered Ketchikan, ON 227471, Master Otto Olsen of Ketchikan, Owner Nordby Supply Co of Alaska

Sources: 1. U S C G Report of Casualty July 19, 1929 at Ketchikan, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1929) Pgs 492-3

ROSEMARY (1984)     The 88 foot fishing vessel Rosemary burned and sank August 3, 1984 in Bristol Bay.

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

Source: Unofficial Shipwreck List (Kodiak)

 

ROSIE (1930)     The 9 ton 33 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Rosie went adrift and was lost in Prince William Sound at 10 a.m. November 18, 1930.  Owner Charles Anderson was the only one aboard when the disaster occurred.  The following are excerpts from the casualty report he filed at Cordova:

“Heavy gale”  “Went adrift in storm and heavy seas while beached for repairs at Goose Island, in Prince William Sound, broke up and sank on Goose Island during storm”  “Total loss”

The Rosie had a value of $2,000 at the time of the casualty.  There was no insurance on the vessel.  There was no loss of life.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 43 N 146 43 W   Chart 16700

Additional Information: Tonnage 9 Gross 6 Net, Length 33.4, Breadth 10.5, Depth 3.9, Built 1918 at Bay Center WA, Horsepower 18, Registered Petersburg, ON 216634, Master and owner Charles Anderson of Cordova

Sources: 1. U S C G Report of Casualty April 17, 1931, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1929) Pgs 492-3

ROSIE G (1997)     The 80 foot steel crab fishing vessel Rosie G took on water from the stern and sank January 30, 1997 approximately 17 miles northwest of Cape Cheerful on Unalaska Island.  The vessel was on her way to the St. Paul Island area crab fishing grounds with 75 crab pots on board. Her stability letter only allowed 65 crab pots in non-icing conditions and 55 crab pots when the temperature was below 40 degrees. Winds at the time of the disaster were northwesterly with seas eight to ten feet. The temperature was 40 degrees. The Rosie G developed a 45 degree starboard aft list and began taking on more water than her pumps could keep up with forcing her crew to abandon ship. The six crewmembers donned survival suits, made it to a life raft and were picked up by the fishing vessel Handler. The Rosie G sank by the stern in 4,734 feet of water. The Coast Guard determined that overloading may have contributed to the casualty.

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

Additional Information: ON 517812, Call Sign WY5488, Built 1968 Seattle WA

Sources: 1. Unofficial Shipwreck List (Kodiak), 2. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 3. USCG MISLE Case # 959176

 

ROSYLAND (1922)     The 42 ton 54 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Rosyland drug anchor and stranded on Kodiak Island at 6:00 a.m. May 25, 1922.  The vessel departed Kodiak May 24, 1922 bound for Three Saints Bay with 7 passengers and 4 crewmen aboard.  The Rosyland was carrying approximately two tons of merchandise and lumber as cargo.  The following are excerpts from the casualty report:

“Strong NE Gale, heavy breakers”  “In first bight E of entrance to Kalsin Bay approx. 5 mi. W of C Chiniak”  “Vessel stranded on lea shore”  “Anchors dragging”  “Crew and passengers taken to Kodiak May 28^th by Erskin”

The Rosyland was worth $10,000 at the time of the disaster, and her cargo $500.  The vessel was a total loss but some of the cargo was salvaged.  Insurance on the vessel was $7,000 with no coverage for cargo.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 40 N 152 21 W   Chart 16580

Comment: The stretch of beach where the Rosyland stranded is now called Rosyland Beach by locals.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 42 Gross 29 Net, Length 54.4, Breadth15.6, Depth 7.4, Built 1920 at Dockton WA, IHP 50, Registered Seattle, ON 220126, Master Fred McNeill of Kodiak, Owner John Mavich of San Pedro CA

Sources: 1. U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed at Seattle, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1922) Pg 318

ROUGH DRAFT (1979)     The fishing vessel Rough Draft wrecked December 19, 1979 in the vicinity of Inian Island near Elfin Cove.  Both crewmembers were lost with the vessel.  Lost were David Michael Kennedy and a second crewmember named Kennedy.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 15 N 136 19 W   Chart 1717300

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

ROUGHNECK (1994)     The 46 foot crab fishing vessel Roughneck flooded and sank September 18, 1994 south of the Trinity Islands.  Both crewmembers were rescued from a life raft by a U S Coast Guard Helicopter.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   56 33 N 154 20 W   Chart 16580

Additional Information: ON 584554

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

 

ROUGHNECK (1986)     The tug Roughneck rolled over and sank in Sergius Narrows April 10, 1986. Clyde Watson (55) of LaPine OR and Fred Davis (32) of Sitka were lost. The Roughneck was towing the barge Annahootz when the two jackknifed in the strong current forcing the Roughneck on to her side and sinking her. Captain Larry Holmes of Seattle, mate Bob Travinski of Vancouver and deckhand Brian Chinnel of Sitka were able to escape the sinking tug. The same tug and barge had been involved in another incident two days prior in Wrangell Narrows spilling a small amount of fuel. The Annahootz was carrying 460,000 gallons of diesel, gasoline and aviation fuel.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 24 20 N 135 38 W   Chart 17320

Sources: 1. Sitka Daily Sentinel (April 8, 1986) “Barge Leaks Fuel Near Petersburg” Pg 8, 2. Sitka Daily Sentinel (April 11, 1986) “Two Missing After Tug Sinks” Pg 1

 

ROXANNA DAWN (1957)       The 24 ton 40 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Roxanna Dawn burned February 3, 1957 at Back Bay on Afognak Island.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   58 04 40 N 152 45 50 W   Chart 16594

Additional Information: Tonnage 24 Gross 16 Net, Length 40.7, Breadth 12.2, Depth 7.6, Built 1947 at Tacoma WA, Horsepower 80, SL WB4939, Owner Patrick Mullen, Registered Juneau, ON 254027

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1957) Pg 456, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1958) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 779

 

ROXANNE (1995)     The 35 foot fiberglass fishing vessel Roxanne caught fire and sank while under tow November 1, 1995 in the Bering Sea near Saint Paul Island.

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

Additional Information: 597762

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

 

ROYAL (1943)     The 7 ton 30 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Royal was consumed by fire in Fish Bay on November 7, 1943.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 23 N 135 37 W   Chart 17320

Additional Information: Tonnage 7 Gross 5 Net, Length 30.8, Breadth 9.4, Depth 3.5, Built 1929 at Tacoma WA, Horsepower 90, Owner Robert Shonwald, Registered Sitka, ON 232060

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1946) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 806, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1945) Pg 31

 

ROYAL BARON (1995)     The 90 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Royal Baron stranded on a rock October 19, 1995 approximately three miles off of Spruce Island near Sunny Cove.  She was carrying approximately 100,000 pounds of fresh fish. The vessel was towed off of the rock by the fishing vessel Mar Pacifico and temporarily beached.   A portable pump kept the Royal Baron afloat and the crew attempted to reach Kodiak with the Mar Pacifico standing by. As the vessel approached Spruce Cape, a plank gave way and the Royal Baron sank a half mile east of Buoy #5. All three crewmembers were rescued by the Mar Pacifico.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 54 10 N 152 25 35 W   Chart 16594

Additional Information: Tonnage 183 Gross, 124 Net, Length 89.9, Breadth 24.6, Depth 11.5, Built 1944 at Stockton CA, Formerly Baron and Margaret Foss, ON 260803, Call Sign WD2261

Sources: 1. Unofficial Shipwreck List (Alaska), 2. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 3. Daily Sitka Sentinel (October 23, 1995) “Trawler Sinks; Crew Rescued” Pg 3, 4. USCG MISLE Case # 74351

 

ROYAL CHARLIE (1865)     The well know Victoria trading vessel Royal Charlie was seized by the Kake Indians about 200 miles north of the Stikine River in September of 1865.  On board were Captain Thomas Goin, crewmen James Habut and John Cashman, trader Thomas Crowley and two Stikine Indian boys.  All aboard were attacked and killed by the Kake Indians except the two Stikine Indian boys.  Some records indicate the Saginaw Bay Indians near Kake were the culprits.  The following is an excerpt from the 1883 Coast Pilot referencing Halleck Bay in Saginaw Bay:

“This harbor was selected by Major General Halleck as the site of a military post, but subsequently abandoned for Kootsnahoo.  (Commander R W) Meade anchored here February 14, 1869 and destroyed five of the six houses that constituted the settlement as a punishment for murders committed by these Indians”

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 55 N 134 13 W   Chart 17320

Comment: I have charted this wreck in Halleck Bay for lack of a better place.  WG

Sources: 1. Lewis and Dryden’s Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1895) Pg 144, 2. Pacific Coast Pilot Alaska Part 1 (1883) Pg 124 (footnote)

ROYAL FISHER (1972)     The crab fishing vessel Royal Fisher was struck by a runaway barge and sunk March 1, 1972 at Dutch Harbor.

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

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

RUBY (1917)     The 12 ton 35 foot gas screw fishing vessel Ruby foundered November 1, 1917 at Wrangell.  There was no one aboard at the time of the loss.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 12 Gross 8 Net, Length 35, Breadth 12.8, Depth 4.3, IHP 12, Built 1915 at Juneau, Registered Juneau, ON 213562

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1918) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 441, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1916) Pg 300

RUBY (1954)     The 14 ton 48 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Ruby burned July 3, 1954 offshore in Tongass Narrows near Ketchikan.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 14 Gross 9 Net, Length 47.9, Breadth 11.9, Depth 4.3, Built 1907 at Ballard WA, Horsepower 165, Owner Fred Wallace, Registered Ketchikan, ON 204117

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1955) Pg 447, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1956) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 745

 

RUBY (1996)     The 34 foot fishing vessel Ruby was consumed by fire and lost May 25, 1996 in Tongass Narrows.  There was no loss of life.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 22 N 131 43 W   Chart 17420

Additional Information: ON AK4045E

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

 

RUBY A COUSINS (1900)     The 193 ton 112 foot wooden schooner Ruby A Cousins stranded and was lost in Prince William Sound at 8:30 p.m. Sunday October 16, 1900.  The vessel departed Seattle September 22, 1900 bound for Valdez.  There were 8 crewmen aboard and 275 tons of groceries, food, hay, coal and lumber.  The following are excerpts from the wreck report:

“Sunken reef about 40 feet from west shore, Stanton Narrows, Prince William Sound, Alaska”  “Blown on reef”  “Strong north wind about 20 miles, dark”  “Port anchor down, and line run to shore and fastened to tree, which carried away.  Struck reef before she could get under sail”  “Heavy ebb tide running at time of disaster.  Survey held by U S Com. Smith at Valdez.  Wreck sold by Captain for $90 to Dr Pierce of Valdez, Alaska.”

The Ruby A Cousins had a value of $8,000 and was a total loss.  There were no human casualties.  Her cargo was valued at $7,500 of which $7,000 was lost.  The vessel was insured for $5,000 and her cargo for $6,000.  The Ruby A Cousins was subsequently salvaged and renamed the Harold Blekum. She is lost again in March of 1917 on Kodiak Island.  The Ruby A Cousins stranding is included in this compilation as evidence of the wreck may still be on site and of interest.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   61 03 15 N 146 40 30 W   Chart 16700

Comment: Stanton Narrows is now called Valdez Narrows.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 192 Gross 185 Net, Length 112.5, Breadth 30.5, Depth 8.9, Built 1882 at Eureka CA, Registered San Francisco, ON 110554, SL JWNC, Master J D McDonald of Ballard, Owner S L Dowell of Seattle

Sources: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report November 16, 1900 by S L Dowell at Seattle, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1900) Pg 165, 3. H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 62

RUBY S (1961)     The 8 ton 31 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Ruby S foundered October 27, 1961 near Duke Island.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 5 Net, Length 31.8, Breadth 9.2, Depth 4.7, Built 1919 at Portland OR, Horsepower 103, Owner Frank Marx, Registered Ketchikan, ON 240539

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1962) Pg 535, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1963) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 932

 

RUDAKOF (1962)     The 171 ton 82 foot wooden oil screw Rudakof was destroyed by a storm September 4, 1962 at the mouth of the Kaliakh River.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 05 40 N 142 48 30 W   Chart 16016

Additional Information: Tonnage 171 Gross 139 Net, Length 82.2, Breadth 26.6, Depth 8.7, Built 1943 at Seattle WA, Former Name 3SP-1910 (U S A), Horsepower 230, SL WB2250, Owner Pacific American Fisheries, Registered Ballard WA, ON 251428

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1962) Pg 535, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1963) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 932

 

RUDOLPH N (1936)     Fire destroyed the 29 ton 52 foot wooden gas screw Rudolph N at 10:00 p.m. Sunday June 14, 1936.  The vessel was docked at the Nakeen Cannery when the blaze began.  The following are excerpts from the casualty report filed by Charles Grundstrum, master of the Rudolph N:

“Nakeen Cannery”  “Tied up at dock”  “Calm daylight”  “Backfiring of Delco Light Engine”  “Used 6 fire extinguishers 2 ½ Gal., and 2 fire extinguishers 1 qt.”  “Towed away from dock by G/B Fanny and D/V Nakeen.”

The Rudolph N had a value of $7,000 and was a total loss.  She had ship stores on board valued and $120 which were also lost.  The vessel was fully insured but not the ship stores.  She had a crew of four at the time of the blaze who all escaped unharmed.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   58 46 10 N 157 02 15 W   Chart 16323

Comment: The Nakeen Cannery was 1 ½ miles north of Telephone Point on the west bank of the Kvichak River.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 29 Gross 19 Net, Length 51.9, Breadth 15.2, Depth 5.8, Built 1912 at Oakland CA, IHP 100, Registered Ketchikan, ON 209625, Master Charles Gundstrum of Seattle, Owner Nakat Packing Corporation

Sources: 1. U S C G Report of Casualty July 23, 1936 at Ketchikan by Gundstrum, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1936) Pgs 546-7

 

RUSTLER (1939)     The 11 ton 38 foot gas screw fishing vessel Rustler swamped and was lost in Sumner Strait at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday August 29, 1939.  The vessel was out of Wrangell, fishing with four crewmen on board.  There were 30,000 pounds of fresh fish as cargo when the disaster occurred.  The following are excerpts from the casualty report filed by Charlie George, Master of the Rustler:

“Calm, calm sea”  “3/4 of a mile South of Port Protection Point Sumner Strait, SE Alaska”  “Swamped”  “Stern filled with water between hold and after timbers”  “Kept pumps going, but water was not in hold; hence unable to pump it out”  “Rowed in skiff over to Point Baker where crew was brought in by ARB 8”

The Rustler had a value of $2,500 and her cargo of fish, $350.  Both were complete losses.  There was no loss of life.  The Rustler was insured for $1,000 with no coverage for her cargo.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 19 20 N 133 36 35 W   Chart 17378

Additional Information: Tonnage 11 Gross 7 Net, Length 38.6, Breadth 10.6, Depth 3.8, Horsepower 12, Built 1905 at Wrangell, Registered Wrangell, ON 229525, Master Charlie George of Wrangell, Owner Wrangell Packing Company

Sources: 1. U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty August 30, 1939 at Wrangell, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1939) Pg 264

RUSTLER (1970)     The 24 ton 43 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Rustler stranded and was lost December 25, 1970 at Kodiak.  The vessel lost rudder control, grounded on the rocks and broke up in the surf.  All 10 persons on board were rescued by the U S Coast Guard.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 24 Gross 16 Net, Length 43.2, Breadth 13.1, Depth 5.8, Built 1936 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 165, ON 235750

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1960) Pg 441, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1962) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 595, 3. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

RUTH (1945)     The 6 ton 29 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Ruth stranded and was lost in Wrangell Narrows August 13, 1945.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 6 Gross 5 Net, Length 29.2, Breadth 8.8, Depth 3.5, Built 1920 at Wrangell, Horsepower 14, Owner Marvin Gadd, Registered Wrangell, ON 233065

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1946) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 806, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1945) Pg 303

 

RUTH (1951)     The 13 ton 32 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Ruth was lost September 13, 1951 after a collision with the gas screw Salome between Hoggatt and Red Bluff Bay.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 50 30 N 134 42 W   Chart 17320

Comment: A vessel called the Salome is reported sinking across Chatham Strait at Tyee the same day, which is probably as a result of this wreck.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 13 Gross 12 Net, Length 32.1, Breadth 10.3, Depth 5.3, Built 1938 at Everett WA, Horsepower 70, Owner E M McGerry, Registered Seattle, ON 237535

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1951) Pg 483, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1952) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 958

 

RUTH (1955)     The 30 foot Hydaburg troller Ruth exploded and burned September 9, 1955 near San Juan Bautista Island between Craig and Hydaburg.  Only Paul Deeds of the vessels five crewmembers was rescued.  Three others were killed in the explosion including Duke Helmer (63), Al Lehman and Raymond Haldane (39).  Owner Chester Bull (59) went missing and was presumed lost when he attempted to swim to shore.  The explosion was caused by a dislodged gas line to the vessel’s engine leaking near the galley stove.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 26 N 133 16 W   Chart 17400

Sources: 1. Ketchikan Chronicle (September 8, 1955) “Troller Ruth of Hydaburg burns, One Still Alive”, 2. Ketchikan Chronicle (September 10, 1955) “Bodies still aboard burned boat”, 3. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

RUTH (1959)     The 32 foot fishing vessel Ruth burned March 21, 1959 off of Blank Island in Nichols Passage.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 16 20 N 131 38 30 W   Chart 17420

Source: Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013)

 

RUTH A (1978)     The gas screw Ruth A foundered November 8, 1978 in Alaska Native Brotherhood Harbor at Sitka.

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

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

RUTH ANN (1959)     The 135 ton 107 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Ruth Ann foundered October 22, 1959 at Wornoski (Woronkofski) Island.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 135 Gross 86 Net, Length 107.3, Breadth 18, Depth 9.3, Built Leesburg NJ, Former Name SC-702 (U S N), Horsepower 550, SL WB8462, Owner William C Schlothan, Registered Ketchikan, ON 256466

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1959) Pg 482, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1960) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 826

 

RUTH L (1961)     The 55 ton 60 foot wooden oil screw Ruth L foundered November 21, 1961 near Cape Douglas.  Lost with the Ruth L were captain Bob Hansen, David Pontz and Dick Friemuth.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   58 51 N 153 15 W   Chart 16013

Comments:  The vessel Silver Star, which worked for Wakefield Cannery in Seldovia along with the Ruth L, was lost in the same area the month before.  The wreckage of the Silver Star was found by the Ruth L.  There are two dangerous submerged pinnacles just north of Sukoi Bay (where the Silver Star was found) toward Shaw Island that were not marked on charts in use at the time of the two wrecks.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 55 Gross 37 Net, Length 60.4, Breadth 18.2, Depth 7.5, Built 1917 at Sausalito CA, Former Name Alasco, Horsepower 135, Owner Edwin T Grabowski, Registered Seattle, ON 215746

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1962) Pg 537, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1963) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 932

 

RUTH MAE (1970)     The gas screw Ruth Mae was consumed by fire July 15, 1970 at the Port Protection fuel dock.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 19 20 N 133 36 35 W   Chart 17360

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

RUTH MAY (1929)     The 19 ton 41 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Ruth May struck a submerged object and sank near Ryus Bay at 7:30 p.m. Monday October 14, 1929.  The vessel departed Ketchikan that day bound for Ryus Bay with only master and part owner, Mike Mathison, aboard.  The following are excerpts from the casualty report filed by Mathison:

“Light SE wind and sea, dark and rainy”  “About 2 mi. N Ryus Bay”  “Collided with some object, filled and sank”  “Evidently some floating or submerged object punched hole in hull”  “Shifted everything possible from port to starboard to get hole above water line without avail”

The Ruth May had a value of $7,000 and was a total loss.  There was no cargo on board. No lives were lost.  The vessel had insurance for $6,700.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   54 58 N 131 25 W   Chart 17434

Additional Information: Tonnage 19 Gross 13 Net, Length 41, Breadth 11.3, Depth 5.8, Built 1927 at Port Blakely WA, IHP 20, Registered Seattle, ON 226680, Master and part owner Mike Mathison of Port Blakely WA, Owners Mike Mathison and William Schell of Seattle

Sources: 1. U S C G Report of Casualty October 28, 1929 at Ketchikan, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1929) Pgs496

RYOTO MARU NO 2 (1979)     The Japanese factory trawler Ryoto Maru No 2 ran up on the rocks in a severe storm and was lost November 8, 1979 in Village Cove near Tolstoi Point on Saint Paul Island.  The vessel was later demolished by a U S Naval Explosive Ordinance Detachment and the U S Coast Guard using explosive ordinance and thermal grenades.  Cleanup costs were estimated at $1.4 million.  There was no loss of life.

Mapping and Location: Southwest Alaska   57 07 40 N 170 16 40 W   Chart 16382

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)