B B 6 (1968) The gas screw B B 6 burned August 3, 1968 at the Alitak Cannery at Alitak.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 56 56 40 N 154 10 W Chart 16580
Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
B B P 14 (1961) The 8 ton 30 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel B B P 14 was consumed by fire October 16, 1961 at Dillingham.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 59 02 30 N 158 27 30 W Chart 16006
Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 7 Net, Length 30.2, Breadth 10, Depth 3.5, Built 1952 at Seattle WA, SL WL7335, Owner New England Fish Company, Registered Juneau, ON 263122
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1962) Pg 36, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1963) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 929
B C CLIPPER (1969) The Canadian halibut fishing vessel B C Clipper exploded and burned August 1, 1969 off of Twoheaded Island near Kodiak. A liquid gas line from the galley freezer broke and caused the initial explosion when the gas was ignited by the galley stove. Winston Tucker of Vancouver BC, his son Clarence Tucker and Charles Stanley of New Westminster BC were lost. Five others survived on an overturned life raft until rescued by the fishing vessel Peggy Jo.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 56 54 N 153 35 W Chart 16580
Sources: 1. Seattle Daily Times (August 12, 1969) “3 B C Men Lost When Boat Sinks” Pg 41, 2. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
B D CO NO 2 (1940) The 54 ton 60 foot wooden scow B D Co No 2 foundered 70 miles SSW of Cape Etolin October 12, 1940. There was no one aboard the vessel at the time of the casualty.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 58 37 N 158 15 W Chart 16006
Comment: Probably SSW of Etolin Point. WG
Additional Information: Tonnage 54 Gross and Net, Length 59.9, Breadth 20, Depth 5.1, Built 1938 at Seattle WA, Owner Heinie Berger, Registered Cordova, ON 173932
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1941) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 511, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1939) Pg 331
B D CO NO 7 (1947) The 67 ton 60 foot wooden scow B D Co No 7 stranded and was lost in the fall of 1947 on the shore at Cape Suckling.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 59 59 30 N 145 53 W Chart 16016
Additional Information: Tonnage 67 Gross and Net, Length 60, Breadth 24, Depth 5.3, Built 1945 at Seattle WA, Owner Heinie Berger, Registered Juneau, ON 176293
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1952) Pg 49, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1955) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 937
B F NO 9 (1948) The 46 ton 60 foot wooden scow B F No 9 stranded and was lost September 21, 1948 between Crooked and Near Island adjacent to Kodiak.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 57 46 30 N 152 23 30 W Chart 16595
Additional Information: Tonnage 46 Gross and Net, Length 60.4, Breadth 18, Depth 5, Built 1929 at Port Blakely WA, Whiz Fish Products Company, Registered Juneau, ON 170374
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1949) Pg 55, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1950) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 925
B J (1982) The fishing vessel B J capsized in heavy weather May 21, 1982 near Hinchinbrook Island 25 miles southwest of Cordova. The only person aboard was rescued.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 60 23 N 146 28 W Chart 16700
Comment: The Camelot and Nasty Habit were also lost in the same area during the same storm. WG
Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
B M CO NO 2 (1937) The 321 ton wood barge B.M. Co. No. 2 was lost with almost all of her 20 tons of cargo on June 1, 1937 when she broke loose and stranded on Hinchinbrook Island, 30 miles east of Cape Hinchinbrook, in a heavy gale. She was being towed from Anacortes, Washington to Alitak, on the south end of Kodiak Island, with a load of fishing gear, lumber and oils valued at $6,500. Captain Parker of the Shively Tug Boat Company of Seattle was at the helm of the Georgia which was towing the B. M. Co. No. 2 when her tow line broke in a 75 mile an hour gale. The barge, valued at $10,000, was a total loss but some of the cargo was salvaged.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 60 14 N 146 39 W
Additional Information: Vessel Insurance $5,000, Cargo Insurance 5,668, ON 227414, Owner Suryans Inc. Anacortes, Washington.
Sources: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report, 2. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 458.
B T CO NO 4 (1944) The 59 ton 75 foot wooden gas screw B T Co No 4 foundered in the Gulf of Alaska July 18, 1944.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska Unknown
Additional Information: Tonnage 59 Gross 56 Net, Length 75, Breadth 28.2, Depth 3.5, Built 1943 at Blaine WA, Service freight, Horsepower 175, Owner B R E Company, Registered Wrangell, ON 243944
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1946) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 804, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1945) Pg 116
B & W NO 1 (1956) The 188 ton 100 foot steel oil screw B & W No 1 stranded and was lost September 29, 1956 approximately southeast of Mekoryuk on Nunivak Island in the Bering Sea.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 60 23 20 N 166 11 W Chart 16006
Additional Information: Tonnage 188 Gross 167 Net, Length 100.4, Breadth 32, Depth 5.1, Built 1944 at Buffalo NY, Former Name LCT-6-1450 (U S N), Service freight, Horsepower 675, SL WB5015, Owner Yukon Navigation Company, Registered Juneau, ON 255263
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1957) Pg 46, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1958) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 777
BAB (1972) The 103 foot steel barge Bab stranded and was lost January 13, 1972 at Cook Inlet.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 59 05 N 152 30 W Chart 16013
Additional Information: Tonnage 36 Gross and Net, Length 103.7, Breadth 29.1, Depth 7.6, Built 1943 at Fort Wayne IN, Former Name BC-6397 (U S A), ON 270199
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1979) Pg 1687, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 912
BABS (1968) The oil screw Babs foundered and was lost September 16, 1968 in Cook Inlet near Anchorage.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 61 13 05 N 149 53 30 W Chart 16660
Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
BADGER (1958) The 19 ton 39 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Badger was destroyed by a tidal wave July 9, 1958 in Lituya Bay. An earthquake caused land and glaciers to shift and generated the largest tidal wave ever recorded. Damage reached as high as 1,720 feet in parts of Lituya Bay. Large waves between 30 and 200 feet were observed by the two vessels in the bay whose crews survived the disaster to tell of it. A third vessel was lost with two crewmen.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 58 36 45 N 137 39 30 W Chart 16016
Additional Information: Tonnage 19 Gross 13 Net, Length 39.4, Breadth 12.2, Depth 4.8, Built 1931 at Anacortes WA, Horsepower 141, Owner William S Swanson, Registered Seattle, ON 230928
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1958) Pg 48, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1959) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 800
BALCLUTHA (1904) According to a wreck report filed May, 25, 1904, the 1554 ton American ship Balclutha struck a reef in the Geese Island Strait at 12:00 p.m. on May 16, 1904 and became a total wreck. She had departed San Francisco the 27th of April with 80 fishermen, 20 crewmen and a cargo of cannery supplies, sheep and cattle bound for the fishing port of Karluk, Alaska. The report, signed by her master, B Bremar of San Francisco, mentions the cause of the casualty as “unfamiliar waters, struck reef…foggy and misty, dark….heavy sea running.” “When vessel struck bracing all yards aback to back her off, but in vain.” The vessel was abandoned with no loss to crew or passengers.
Further research reveals that the wreck was acquired by Alaska Packers Association who successfully floated and towed her to Lazy Bay. The Balclutha was then patched and returned to San Francisco where $30,249 was spent in repairing the damage to her hull. She was renamed Star of Alaska and returned to duty in the north.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska Salvaged
Comment: Evidence of this wreck may still be on site and of interest. WG
Additional Information: Age 18 years, Registered Port Gamble Washington, Owners Pope and Talbot of San Francisco, Signal letters KQTL, Length 256.3, Breadth 38.5, Depth 17.5, Built 1886 Glasgow Scotland.
Sources: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report of May 25, 1904, 2. Salmon From Kodiak (1986) Pg 210, 3. Safeguard the Gateways of Alaska (1918) (Map), 4. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 423.
BALD EAGLE (1992) The 37 foot vessel Bald Eagle parted a mooring line during a storm and was lost on the rocks at Mill Bay Beach on September 28, 1992.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 57 49 30 N 152 20 30 W Chart 16594
Source: Unofficial Shipwreck List (Kodiak)
BALTO (1957) The 14 ton 37 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Balto foundered March 6, 1957 in Valdez Arm.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 60 53 N 146 54 W Chart 16700
Additional Information: Tonnage 14 Gross 9 Net, Length 36.9, Breadth 11.2, Depth 5.6, Built 1926 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 70, Owner John S Totemoff, Registered Juneau, ON 225404
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1959) Pg 49, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1960) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 823
BANSHEE (1977) The 11 ton 29 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Banshee stranded and was lost during 1977 on Kodiak Island.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 57 47 20 N 152 24 10 W Chart 16580
Additional Information: Tonnage 11 Gross 10 Net, Length 28.9, Breadth 11.4, Depth 4.5,Built 1951 at Seattle WA, ON 261645
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 62, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1979) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 2241
BARBARA (1965) The 12 ton 29 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Barbara burned August 15, 1965 at Naknek.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 58 43 40 N 157 00 45 W Chart 16006
Additional Information: Tonnage 12 Gross 10 Net, Length 29.7, Breadth 11, Depth 4.9, Built 1960 at Bainbridge Island WA, Horsepower 160, SL WM8669, Owner Arctic Maid Fisheries, Registered Seattle, ON 281730
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 63, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1164
BARBARA (1994) The 31 foot halibut longliner Barbara flooded her engine room from a broken fish bin and sank June 8, 1994 in the Shelikof Strait approximately 10 miles south of Karluk. All three crewmembers were rescued by the fishing vessel Victoria Ann.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 57 34 10 N 154 27 30 W Chart 16580
Additional Information: ON 263385
Sources: 1. Unofficial Shipwreck List (Alaska), 2. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
BARBIE ISLAND (1982) The 42 foot gillnet fishing vessel Barbie Island broke apart in the surf and sank September 16, 1982 near Sudden Stream 25 miles from Yakutat. The vessel was attempting to depart the steam mouth with a load of late salmon when it encountered large seas that first broke out the wheelhouse windows and soon washed the house completely off, sinking the vessel. Only two of her four crewmembers survived the disaster. Lost were skipper Paul Pavelick and crewman Tony Yanochex. Survivors Bob Young and Al Puttrese were able to last two days clinging to a hatch cover. They made landfall near Point Manby where they were rescued and taken to Yakutat and then Seattle for treatment.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 59 47 N 139 58 30 W Chart 16761
Comment: Sudden Stream is eight miles southwest of Blizhni Point in Yakutat Bay. WG
Sources: 1. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 2. Daily Sitka Sentinel (September 21, 1982) “Men in Water 50 Hours” Pg 3
BARCONI (1993) The 44 foot salmon seiner Barconi burned to the waterline and sank August 7, 1993 at Flat Island near Seldovia. All three crewmembers made it to safety.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 59 19 45 N 151 59 45 W Chart 16640
Additional Information: ON 633889
Sources: 1. U S C G Shipwreck List (1989-2004), 2. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013)
BARGE 221 (1974) The 1,255 ton Barge 221 foundered in the Gulf of Alaska October 13, 1974.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska Unknown
Additional Information: Tonnage 1,255 Gross and Net, Built 1970, ON 524580
Source: Merchant Vessels of the U S (1976) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1637
BARRACUDA (1963) The 10 ton 36 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Barracuda stranded and was lost February 7, 1963 at Split Rock near Ouzinkie. Two persons on board; Agnes Stump and Mike Brehken washed overboard and were lost. Skipper Lucky Eckenburg was the only survivor. He walked the 10 miles of rugged beach back to Kodiak surviving his third shipwreck.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 57 55 30 N 152 29 50 W Chart 16580
Additional Information: Tonnage 10 Gross 7 Net, Length 36, Breadth 10.9, Depth 3.9, Built 1942 at Brownsville TX, Former Name No.4695 (U S N), Horsepower 115, Owner George Eckenberg, Registered Juneau, ON 255728
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1963) Pg 61, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 963, 3. Seattle Times (February 11, 1963) “2 Lost When Boat Goes On Alaska Rocks” Pg 32
BDL (1920) The gas screw BDL is reported to have been lost sometime in 1920 at Strawberry Bay near Katalla.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 60 10 N 144 23 W
Comment: There is a Strawberry Harbor or Cove five miles southeast of Katalla
Source: The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 313
BEACHBOY (1978) The 58 foot vessel Beachboy foundered December 12, 1978 in 20 fathoms of water near Two Headed Island. Two survivors were found two days later.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 56 54 N 153 35 W Chart 16580
Source: Unofficial Wreck List (Kodiak)
BEAR (2011) The 52 foot Homer based fiberglass halibut fishing vessel Bear grounded and was lost near Aniakchak Bay August 30, 2011. Skipper and owner Patrick McBride (31), Kirk Vandoren (48) and Garrett Doktor (22) abandoned ship in survival suits to a liferaft and were rescued by a U S Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk and flown to Kodiak.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 56 42 N 157 22 W Chart 16013
Additional Information: Built 1977 Hoquiam WA, ON 582104, Call Sign WYC3453, Former name Grafin
Sources: 1. ADN Alaska News (August 30, 2011) “Coast Guard rescues three after fishing vessel grounds”, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1979) Pg 589
BEAR BAIT (1965) The 10 ton 33 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Bear Bait was destroyed by a storm December 1, 1965 at Uyak.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 57 38 20 N 154 00 W Chart 16580
Additional Information: Tonnage 10 Gross 7 Net, Length 33, Breadth 11.3, Depth 3.5, Built 1946 at Seldovia, Horsepower 140, Owner Joe B Maxwell, Registered Juneau, ON 274660
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 69, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1164
BEAVER (1990) The 65 foot wooden fish tender Beaver grounded and was abandoned May 1, 1990 near Kodiak. There was no loss of life.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 57 47 20 N 152 24 10 W Chart 16580
Additional Information: ON 252305
Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
BECCA DAWN (1999) The 52 foot steel longline halibut fishing vessel Becca Dawn rolled and sank in rough weather November 9, 1999 near Port Chatham. Three of the four crewmembers were rescued by a U S Coast Guard Helicopter and taken to Yakutat. Lost was Olen Nash (21) from Haines.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 59 12 30 N 151 47 W Chart 16640
Additional Information: ON 561933
Sources: 1. U S C G Shipwreck List (1989-2004), 2. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013)
BECKY (1973) The oil screw Becky foundered and was lost June 27, 1973 in Bristol Bay.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 57 N 162 W Chart 16006
Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
BELUGA (1997) The 17 foot pleasure craft Beluga lost power, stranded on boulder sized rocks and was abandoned May 9, 1997 on Cheval Island, Resurrection Bay. All four persons on board were rescued by U S Coast Guard Helicopter.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 59 46 N 149 31 W Chart 16680
Source: Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013)
BEN JON (1971) The 25 ton oil screw Ben Jon foundered October 15, 1971 in Kamishak Bay.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 59 15 N 153 50 W Chart 16640
Additional Information: Tonnage 25 Gross, Built 1936, ON 503378
Source: Merchant Vessels of the U S (1974) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1635
BERG NO. 1 (1925) The barge Berg No. 1 was wrecked at Cape Saint Elias in 1925 and became a total loss.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 59 54 N 144 36 W Chart 16016
Comment: This is probably the 1935 wreck of the same name same place. WG
Source: The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 368
BERG NO. 1 (1935) The 42 ton 50 foot wooden scow Berg No 1 foundered off Cape Saint Elias May 2, 1935. No one was aboard the scow and no lives were lost.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 59 54 N 144 36 W Chart 16016
Comment: Probably same as 1925 wreck at the same location with the same name. WG
Additional Information: Tonnage 42 Gross and Net, Length 50, Breadth 24.1, Depth 4.1, Built 1932 at Seattle WA, Owner Berg Shipbuilding Company, Registered Seattle, ON 171521
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1935) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1030, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1934) Pgs 678-9
BERING (1966) The gas screw Bering foundered October 1, 1966 in Nelson Lagoon off of Deer Island.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 55 55 N 160 50 W Chart 16363
Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
BERLIN (1922) The wood bark Berlin of 1,416 net tons stranded at Egegik Flats southwest of Naknek at 3:00 p.m. on April 17, 1922 and became a total loss. The 225 persons aboard were all removed to safety. There were about 1,400 tons of general cannery supplies aboard valued at $111,000, 75% of which were also lost. The vessel being “out of position” is listed as the cause. The steamers Nushagak and San Juan assisted in removing all those aboard. The steamer Akutan put a tow line on the Berlin but was unable to move the vessel.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 58 13 N 157 31 W
Additional Information: Tonnage 1,634 Gross 1,416 Net, Age 40 years, Registered Portland Oregon, ON 3223, Master E. Wendt of Portland, Owner F M Warren President of Portland Oregon, Destination Naknek, Vessel Value $25,000, Vessel Insurance $25,000, Cargo Insurance $111,000, Weather light wind
Sources: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report filed by agent P A Daly Supt., June 17, 1922 at Collection District No 29, Port of Portland, Oregon, 2. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 330
BERNICE (1934) The 15 ton 44 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Bernice was destroyed by fire July 15, 1934 at the Koggiung Cannery Dock on the Kvichak River in Bristol Bay. The three crewmen aboard made it to safety.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 58 52 N 157 00 15 W Chart 16323
Additional Information: Tonnage 15 Gross 10 Net, Length 44.3, Breadth 13.2, Depth 3.6, Built 1911 at Astoria OR, Horsepower 70, Owner Libby McNeil & Libby, Registered Seattle, ON 208484
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1935) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1028, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1934) Pgs 236-7
BERTA J (1991) The 38 foot long line fishing vessel Berta J sank April 28, 1991 south of Yakutat. Very little evidence of the disaster was ever found. Two crewmen were lost; John Spears and Mike L’Ami.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 59 33 N 139 44 W Chart 16016
Additional Information: ON 611957
Sources: 1. Unofficial Shipwreck List (Alaska), 2. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
BERTHA (1915) The American steam ship Bertha stranded on a spit at the southern point of Harvester Island at 10 p.m. on July 18, 1915. On July 30th, still ashore, the vessel caught fire and was completely destroyed. The crew of 23, captained by Charles Glasscock of Tacoma, Washington, escaped. The 926 ton Bertha, valued at $40,000, and her 1031.4 ton cargo of lumber and building materials for a Bristol Bay cannery, valued at $11,500 were totally lost. The cause of the fire was believed to be the ignition of lime in the cargo hold. Cannery tugs from Uyak Cannery rendered what assistance they could.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 57 39 N 154 W Chart 16580
Additional Information: Construction wood, Age 16 years, Registered at Tacoma Washington, ON 3786, Owner Alaska Coast Company of Tacoma, Vessel Insurance $32,493.50, Cargo Insurance none
Sources: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report filed by company secretary E B Rogers of Pacific Wasla Navigation Co. at Tacoma Washington, Collection District No 30, Port of Seattle on September 8, 1915, 2. Safeguard the Gateways of Alaska (1918) map, 3. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 258
BERTHA (1985) The fishing vessel Bertha capsized without warning and sank April 29, 1985 off of Gore Point. All four crewmembers were rescued by the fishing vessel Wilson.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 59 12 N 150 57 30 W Charts 16013, 16680
Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
BETTS (1964) The 12 ton 31 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Betts was reported lost in the Good Friday earthquake of March 27, 1964 at Kodiak.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 57 47 20 N 152 24 10 W Chart 16580
Additional Information: Tonnage 12 Gross 10 Net, Length 30.9, Breadth 11, Depth 4.4, Built 1946 at Seattle WA, Former Name G P C 18, Horsepower 107, Owner G S Gugel, Registered Juneau, ON 249645
Sources: 1. Unofficial Wreck List, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) Pg 72
BETTY J (1956) The 45 ton 57 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Betty J foundered August 26, 1956 about 6.3 miles southwest of Yakutat.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 59 33 N 139 44 W Chart 16016
Additional Information: Tonnage 45 Gross 31 Net, Length 57.7, Breadth 14.9, Depth 7.3, Built 1927 at Seattle WA, Former Name Thomas J, Horsepower 90, SL WB5628, Owner Pacific American Fisheries Inc., Registered Juneau, ON 226369
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1956) Pg 59, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1957) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 755
BEV ANN (1979) The oil screw Bev Ann foundered July 24, 1979 in Prince William Sound.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 60 45 N 147 W Chart 16700
Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
BIDARKAS (60) (1799) One of the worst disasters in Alaskan waters occurred in 1799 when sixty bidarkas were caught in a sudden storm off of Cape Hinchinbrook and 200 men were lost.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 60 20 N 146 50 W
Source: Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992)
BIG DIPPER (1960) The 13 ton wooden oil screw Big Dipper foundered June 29, 1960 in Valdez Arm.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 60 53 N 146 54 W Chart 16700
Additional Information: Tonnage 13 Gross, Built 1944, ON 279969
Source: Merchant Vessels of the U S (1962) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 902
BIG SEA (1981) The fishing vessel Big Sea sank while tied to the buoy in Port Etches on January 1, 1981.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 60 20 N 146 37 W Chart 16700
Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
BILL (1964) The 12 ton 37 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Bill 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 12 Gross 8 Net, Length 37.5, Breadth 10.2, Depth 5.1, Built 1918 a Seattle WA, Horsepower 97, Owner Pete DeVon, Registered Juneau, ON 216624
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 63, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1164
BLACK AND BLUE (1994) The 26 foot longline fishing vessel Black and Blue grounded and was lost June 11, 1994 at Trinity Point northeast of Whittier. All three crewmembers made it to safety.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 60 48 25 N 148 33 20 W Chart 16700
Additional Information: ON AK2309M
Sources: 1. U S C G Shipwreck List (1989-2004), 2. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013)
BLACK CAPE (1964) The 10 ton 29 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Black Cape was destroyed by a tidal wave March 27, 1964 on Kodiak Island.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 57 47 20 N 152 24 10 W Chart 16580
Additional Information: Tonnage 10 Gross 7 Net, Length 29.6, Breadth 11.1, Depth 4.3, Built 1945 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 110, SL WM5637, Owner Kadiak Fisheries Company, Registered Ketchikan, ON 247636
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) Pg 79, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1002
BLAZER (1923) The American gas screw Blazer drifted onto the beach and broke up at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 10, 1923 four miles southwest of Kanatak near Portage Bay on the Alaska Peninsula. The Blazer and a crew of three left Kodiak on March 6th bound for Kanatak and encountered bad weather near their destination. A heavy southwest gale sporting winds reported at eighty to ninety miles an hour managed to wash a coil of tow line off of the deck which found its way to the propeller. The crew attempted to clear the line from the prop but were unable and the “vessel drifted in on beach and broke up.” The crew survived the wreck.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 57 34 05 N 156 02 15 W
Additional Information: Tonnage 48 Gross 39 Net, Built 1920, Age 2 years 8 months, Registered Seattle, ON 320452, Master T S Haynes of Aberdeen Washington, Owner C O Swanson of Aberdeen Washington, Vessel Value $11,500, Vessel Insurance $8,500, Cargo none
Source: U S Customs Wreck Report filed at Seward March 28, 1923 by T S Haynes
BLIGH REEF (2002) The 52 foot seiner Bligh Reef lost her steering and was abandoned in rough seas September 13, 2002 approximately 31 nautical miles southeast of Cordova near the Copper River Delta. The crew of the fishing vessel Snug Harbor attempted to tow the Bligh Reef but parted the tow line several times in the 15 to 20 foot seas. Both crewmen of the Bligh Reef abandoned ship to a life raft and were picked up by a U S Coast Guard Helicopter and transported to Cordova.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 60 25 N 145 W Chart 16013
Additional Information: ON 961140
Source: U S C G News Release (September 14, 2002) “Two fishermen rescued from life raft in Gulf of Alaska”
BLIND FAITH (1978) The bowpicker Blind Faith was consumed by fire and abandoned May 22, 1978 near Pete Dahl Slough on the Copper River Flats.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 60 23 N 145 27 W Chart 16013
Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
BLUE FIORD (1997) The 38 foot salmon seiner Blue Fiord flooded and sank when a circulation pump failed August 13, 1997 off of Evans Island in Prince William Sound. All four crewmembers made it to safety.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 60 03 N 148 04 W Chart 16700
Additional Information: ON 559955
Sources: 1. U S C G Shipwreck List (1989-2004), 2. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013)
BLUE FOX (1937) The 56 ton 60 foot oil screw Blue Fox stranded on the beach at the southeast point of Beaver Bay during a thick snowstorm on Monday, December 13, 1937 at 5:00 in the morning. She had left Pauloff Harbor on Sanak Island the day before bound for Sand Point with a crew of four, captained by owner Ralph Grosvold of Sand Point. The following is an accounting by Grosvold from the wreck report he filed February 12, 1938:
“Strong N.W. wind, Snow thick, Heavy S.W swell, Dark. Flood Tide.” “After striking the ship filled within a few minutes with seas breaking over her. Had great difficulty in launching dory and leaving vessel, saving nothing of any personal belongings until two days later. On the evening of the 17th with a gale of SE the vessel was mashed to bits. I was relieved at the wheel by the engineer an hour before the striking, who did not steer course set by me causing wreck.”
Grosvold estimated the value of the Blue Fox at $12,000 and had no insurance.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 55 28 N 160 50 W Chart 16011
Additional Information: Tonnage 56.47 Gross 38 Net, Length 60.4, Breadth 16.6, Depth 17.7, Built 1930 at Seattle WA, Formerly the oil screw Ruth K, Service freight, Registration Seward, ON 229852
Sources: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report filed at Sand Point February 12, 1938, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1939) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 511, 3. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1937) Pg 1
BLUE OCEAN (1964) The 68 foot Canadian halibut fishing vessel Blue Ocean out of Prince Rupert was lost April 8, 1964 during a blinding snowstorm and 80 mile an hour winds in Unimak Pass. The eight man crew abandoned the vessel on the beach during the storm.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 54 20 N 164 50 W Chart 16011
Source: Fairbanks Daily News-Miner (April 8, 1964) Pg 3
BLUE OX (1997) The 32 foot longline fishing vessel Blue Ox foundered August 14, 1997 approximately 60 nautical miles southwest of Homer. All three crewmembers made it to safety.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 59 38 40 N 151 33 W Chart 16640
Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
BLUE PACIFIC (1964) The 16 ton 37 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Blue Pacific 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 16 Gross 11 Net, Length 37.5, Breadth 10.9, Depth 5.3, Built 1948 at Anacortes WA, Horsepower 165, SL WE3065, Owner James A Campbell Jr., Registered Juneau, ON 256490
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 85, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1164
BLUE PACIFIC (1979) The 98 foot newly constructed crab fishing vessel Blue Pacific ran aground and was destroyed by wave action August 5, 1979 in Izhut Bay. There was no loss of life.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 58 11 N 152 15 W Chart 16580
Sources: 1. Unofficial Wreck List (Kodiak), 2. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
BLUE SEA (1928) The 38 ton 56 foot gas screw fishing vessel Blue Sea stranded and was lost at Karluk July 1, 1928. The three persons aboard made it to safety.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 57 34 10 N 154 27 30 W Chart 16580
Additional Information: Tonnage 38Gross 30 Net, Length 55.8, Breadth 14.2, Depth 6, Built 1917 at Shaw Island WA, Horsepower 45, Registered Seattle, ON 215357, Owner Crosby Fisheries
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1930) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 917, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1928) Pgs 256-7
BLUEBELL (1965) The 14 ton 35 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Bluebell foundered June 17, 1965 at Whale Pass.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 57 56 N 152 50 W Chart 16594
Additional Information: Tonnage 14 Gross 11 Net, Length 35.4, Breadth 10.9, Depth 4.5, Built unknown, Former Names Bluebell (U S L H S) and Institute II (U S Dept. of Interior), Horsepower 110, SL WC6550, Owner Edward Oliver, Registered Ketchikan, ON 255248
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 87, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1979) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 2141
BLUEBIRD II (1986) The cabin cruiser Blue Bird II sank May 16, 1986 near Harbor Island 32 miles southwest of Seward. Clinton B. Thorp (14) and Felton Trevino (15), two runaway teenage boys from Anchorage were lost with the Bluebird II which they had stolen.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 59 40 N 149 39 W Chart 16680
Sources: 1. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 2. Daily Sitka Sentinel (May 21, 1986) “Runaways Blamed for Stolen Boat” Pg 9
BOBOLINK (1948) The 16 ton 37 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Bobolink was consumed by fire at Naknek May 31, 1948.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 58 43 40 N 157 00 45 W Chart 16006
Additional Information: Tonnage 16 Gross 13 Net, Length 37.5, Breadth 12.2, Depth 4.7, Built 1946 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 175, Owner Alaska Packers Association, Registered Juneau, ON 249643
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1949) Pg 62, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1950) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 925
BOGDAN (1951) The 15 ton 39 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Bogdan was lost January 20, 1951 when she blew away from her anchorage and drifted toward Mountain Cape on Nagai Island.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 55 05 N 160 W Chart 16011
Additional Information: Tonnage 15 Gross 12 Net, Length 39, Breadth 12.5, Depth 3.7, Built 1909 at Seattle WA, Crew 7, Horsepower 70, Owner Andrew I Foster, Registered Ketchikan, ON 206948
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1951) Pg 64, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1952) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 955
BOHEMIA NO 1 (1905) The lighter Bohemia No. 1 was lost at Naknek in 1905. The value with cargo at the time was reported at $10,500.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 58 43 40 N 157 00 45 W
Source: Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992)
BOL (1930) The wooden gas screw Bol ran up on Strawberry Bar at dusk on September 8, 1930 and became a total loss. Ole Peterson, master of the vessel, and his one crewman made it to shore in a skiff. A strong breeze and heavy ground swell thwarted their effort to get the Bol off of the sand bar. They were on a trip from Cordova to the Bering River when the casualty took place. Estimated value of the vessel was $6,500 with no cargo on board. Peterson reported that he misjudged the channel crossing the bar.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 60 24 N 146 03 W
Additional Information: Tonnage 25 Gross 17 Net, Age 16 years, Registered Seattle and Seward, ON 212204, Owner Shepard Point Packing of Seattle, Last Port Cordova September 8, 1930
Source: U S Customs Wreck Report
BONANZA (1960) The 38 ton 52 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Bonanza stranded and was lost September 29, 1960. She struck a reef and sank at Nagai Rock near Chirikof Island.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 55 49 30 N 155 46 W Chart 16580
Additional Information: Tonnage 38 Gross 26 Net, Length 52.4, Breadth 14.9, Depth 7.8, Built 1924 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 75, SL WC2471, Owner Kaaro Dahlberg, Registered Seattle, ON 223625
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1960) Pg 73, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1961) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 860
BONITA (1937) It was early in the morning on Sunday August 8, 1937 when an explosion rocked the gas powered fishing vessel Bonita while she was being unloaded at the dock at Chignik. The following is from the wreck report filed by her captain F R Deveau:
“On the morning of August 8, 1937, at Chignik, Alaska, while unloading fish for the Alaska Packers Association Company, an explosion took place in the engine room, causing fire of such proportions that we were unable to bring it under control, which caused the vessel to sink about three miles off shore in Chignik Bay about 8:00 A.M. the same day.”
Cannery personel helped tow the vessel away from the dock and furnished medical aid to one of the Bonita’s crew that was injured. The Bonita was valued at $5,000 at the time of the accident.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 56 18 N 158 24 W
Additional Information: Tonnage 27 Gross 19 Net, Built 1906, Construction wood, Registered Seward, ON 203405, F R Deveau Sr of Seattle, Crew of 5, Insurance none
Source: U S Customs Wreck Report filed at Seward October 8, 1937
BONNIE GALE (1998) The 33 foot salmon gillnet fishing vessel Bonnie Gale flooded and sank in heavy weather May 18, 1998 at the mouth of the Copper River. The only person on board made it to safety in the 60 knot winds.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 60 25 N 145 W Chart 16013
Comment: The 30 foot salmon seiner Christopher A was also lost nearby in the same storm. WG
Additional Information: ON AK8965F
Sources: 1. U S C G Shipwreck List (1989-2004), 2. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013)
BOTTOM LINE (1984) The 98 foot trawler Bottom Line sank November 13, 1984 approximately 50 miles south of Cape Chiniak toward the south end of Kodiak Island. Her five crewmembers went into the water in survival suits and were rescued by three Polish fishing vessels.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 57 37 N 152 10 W Chart 16580
Sources: 1. Unofficial Wreck List (Kodiak), 2. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 3. Oregonian (November 14, 1984) “Fishermen rescue five” Pg B3
BOUSSOLE (yawl) (1786) The French explorer LaPerouse led a scientific expedition of the two frigates, Boussole and Astrolabe, and lost a small yawl at the mouth of Lituya Bay July 11, 1786. The vessels had departed Brest, France August 1, 1785 on a scientific circumnavigation of the globe. 11 men perished in the accident.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 58 36 45 N 137 39 30 W
Source: Shipwrecks and Disasters at Sea (1856)
BRANDY (1991) The 34 foot fishing vessel Brandy was consumed by fire and sank August 10, 1991 at Anchor Point.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 59 46 45 N 151 49 50 W Chart 16640
Additional Information: ON 627150
Sources: 1. U S C G Shipwreck List (1989-2004), 2. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013)
BRANT (1961) The 44 foot diesel fishing vessel Brant was lost with all hands November 1, 1961 off of the north coast of Kodiak Island. The vessel was traveling from Larsen Bay to Port Bailey when she disappeared. Three crewmembers lost with the Brant were skipper Henry Brusco of Rainier OR, Jack Hauten of Rainier OR and Tom Curren of Kodiak.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 57 32 20 N 153 58 45 W Charts 16580, 16598
Sources: 1. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013), 2. Seattle Times (May 26, 1965) “Award Of $93,500 Made In Death at Sea”, 3. Sunday Oregonian (November 13, 1961) “Missing Boat Hunt Pushed” Pg 39
BRISTOL (1977) The fishing vessel Bristol swamped and sank July 25, 1977 on Long Sands Bar in Nushagak Bay.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 58 44 N 158 32 W Chart 16322
Source : BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
BRISTOL STORM (1996) The 117 foot crab fishing vessel Bristol Storm flooded and sank November 4, 1996 in 38 fathoms of water northwest of Port Moller. Winds were blowing at 35 knots and seas were to 17 feet with weather deteriorating. Water began filling the vessel’s pump room and could not be controlled. The Bristol Storm sank bow first. The flooding was thought to have been caused by a possible crack in a weld joint. All 6 crewmembers were rescued by the fishing vessel New Venture and taken to Dutch Harbor.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 56 50 N 162 34 W Chart 16006
Additional Information: ON 270392
Sources: 1. Unofficial Shipwreck List (Kodiak), 2. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 3. USCG MISLE Case # 935132
BRITTANY KAYE (2003) The 29 foot herring gillnetter Brittany Kaye struck a rock and sank April 29, 2003 in Kulukak Bay, 60 miles southeast of Togiak. Both crewmembers made it to safety. At last report this vessel was sitting on the mud at low tide but was not refloatable.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 58 49 N 159 44 W Chart 16006
Additional Information: ON 613865
Source: U S C G Enforcement Report (April 29, 2003)
BROWN BEAR (1979) The 86 foot fishing tender Brown Bear caught fire and sank July 4, 1979
three miles south of Glacier Island in Prince William Sound. The 5 persons on board were picked up by the Glacier Queen and Lulubell. The survivors had only 4 life jackets and had been huddled around the 5th person until rescued from the icy waters.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 60 53 N 147 11 W Chart 16700
Sources: 1. Unofficial Wreck List (Kodiak), 2. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
BROWNIE (1968) The gas screw Brownie was consumed by fire August 16, 1968 in Tonki Bay.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 58 20 N 152 04 W Chart 16580
Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
BRUNVOLL (1928) The 56 foot wooden diesel screw halibut schooner Brunvoll disappeared with seven crewmembers on board somewhere southwest of Middleton Island. She was last seen November 15, 1928. The gas schooner Imperial went missing with 6 crewmembers on board during the same severe storm. Lost with the Brunvoll were skipper and owner Charles Bloomquist of Ketchikan, Jens Peterson, Pete Lindal, Louis Johnson, Magnus Larsen, Fred Lundquist and Elnar Rolfson.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 59 26 N 146 20 W Chart 16013
Additional Information: Tonnage 42 Gross 28 Net, Length 56.2, Breadth 15.1, Depth 7.2, Built 1926 at Tacoma WA, HP 75, ON 226008, Registered Ketchikan, Owner C Blomquist
Sources: 1. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 2. Bellingham Herald (November 26, 1928) “Fears Increasing” Pg 8
BUFFALO (1918) It was a very foggy thick dark night May 4, 1918 when George Hogg of Seward, owner operator of the gas powered sloop Buffalo, struck a reef just north of Cape Resurrection and stranded. Hogg was the only one aboard the vessel having left LaTouch earlier that day laden with about $400 worth of salt fish and barrels. He managed to float the Buffalo off of the reef and beach her in shallow water. The vessel, valued at $2,500 to $3,000 became a total loss because of heavy swells, but the engine was saved. Hogg filed a wreck report at Seward June 28, 1918.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 59 52 N 149 17 W Chart 16682
Additional Information: Tonnage 14 Gross 12 Net, Construction wood, Age 7 years 9 months, Registered at Juneau, ON 207949, Last Port LaTouch May 4, Destination Seward
Source: U S Customs Wreck Report
BULLDOZER (1964) The 13 ton 33 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Bulldozer 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 13 Gross 9 Net, Length 33.2, Breadth 12, Depth 4.2, Built 1946 at Dayville (Fort Liscum), Horsepower 110, SL WT6171, Owner Andrew S Day Jr., Registered Juneau, ON 254273
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) Pg 94, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1002
BUZZARD (1990) The 25 foot fishing vessel Buzzard sank April 29, 1990 off of Naked Island. All three crewmembers were rescued by the fishing vessel Breaker.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 60 40 N 147 25 W Chart 16700
Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
BYDARKY (1916) The coal barge Bydarky was blown ashore in a storm while anchored at Bluff Point Coal Mine in Cook Inlet at 2:00 p.m. on September 4, 1916. The barge, valued at $2,500 and her 90 ton partial load of coal valued at $750 were lost when both anchors drug free and the Bydarky stranded a mile in from her anchorage. Built as a gas boat in 1910, the vessel was converted to a coal barge in 1914 with her engine taken out and house torn down. The wreck report was filed by her owner I A Herbert of Seldovia.
Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska 59 40 N 151 41 W Chart 16645
Additional Information: Tonnage 53 Gross 36 Net, Built 1910, Registered at Juneau, ON 207690, Master George Rose, Towed by SS Tyonic
Source: U S Customs Wreck Report
Thanks for this site…there is alot of work to be done
I am looking forward to it.