South Central Alaska Shipwrecks ( J )

J H (1956)     The 19 ton 41 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel J H foundered March 20, 1956 off of Kodiak.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 47 15 N 152 24 W   Chart 16580

Additional Information: Tonnage 19 Gross 13 Net, Length 41.3, Breadth 12.8, Depth 5.3, Built 1947 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 165, SL WB5433, Owner C H Holifer, Registered Seattle, ON 253537

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1957) Pg 247, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1958) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 778

 

J J (1926)     The 15 ton gas screw JJ was broken up and abandoned as unfit after the engine and fittings were salvaged on August 16, 1926 at Kodiak by owner and master J A Johnson.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 47 15 N 152 24 W   Chart 16594

Additional Information: Tonnage 15 Gross 10 Net, Age 4 years, Registered Seward, ON 222365

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed by Johnson August 16, 1926

J T ROBINSON (1921)     The 18 ton wooden gas screw J T Robinson foundered and was lost along with five crewmen at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday October 5, 1921 on the Ahrnklin River Bar.  The salmon vessel was departing the Ahrnklin River bound for Yakutat and had no cargo aboard.  Weather was reported as bad with a southerly heavy wind and sea.  Lost were Bernard Knudsen, Andy Bergford, Ed Batton, John Terwick and Albert Iverson.  The J T Robinson was valued at $6,000 and had no insurance.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 25 45 N 139 32 20 W   Chart 16760

Additional Information: Tonnage 18 Gross 12 Net, Built 1908, Registered Seattle, ON 209749, Master B A Williams of Seattle, Owners Libby, McNeill & Libby

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed by B Svensson, General Superintendent for Libby, McNeill & Libby on October 29, 1921 in Seattle

JABEZ HOWES (1911)     The 219 foot three masted wooden sloop and cannery tender Jabez Howes drug anchor in a heavy storm at 4 a.m. Friday April 7, 1911 in Anchorage Bay near Chignik Alaska.  The vessel departed Astoria March 14, 1911 with a Chinese Cannery crew of 87 men aboard and a ship’s crew of 37 bound for Chignik Bay.  She was carrying supplies and machinery for a cannery and fishing supplies valued at $90,000 as cargo.  All those aboard were safely removed during the heavy storm that stranded the Jabez Howes, but the vessel later slipped into deep water and became a total loss.  Some cargo was salvaged.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   56 19 N 158 23 W   Chart 16566

Additional Information: Tonnage 1648 Gross 1521 Net, Built 1877 Newburyport Mass, Length 218.8, Breadth 40.1, Depth 26, Registered Astoria Oregon, ON 75966, Master Oscar Johnson of San Francisco, Owner Columbia River Packers Association of Astoria, Vessel Value $15,000, Vessel Insurance none, Cargo Insurance $90,000

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report filed by George H George, VP Columbia River Packers Association on July 15, 1911 at Astoria

JACKIE JAY (1989)     The 44 foot steel longline halibut fishing vessel Jackie Jay capsized and sank September 8, 1989 in Ursus Cove in the Barren Islands.  All four crewmembers escaped to a life raft where they drifted for four days until rescued.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 32 N 153 40 W   Chart 16640

Comment: I have charted this wreck northwest of Saint Augustine Island as it is the only Ursus Cove I am aware of.  The Barren Island reference may be where the crew drifted four days later.  WG

Additional Information: ON 931364

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

JADE ALASKA (2007)     The 122 foot steel cod fish tender Jade Alaska flooded her engine room and sank February 20, 2007 at the south end of the Shelikof Strait near Kodiak Island.  The vessel began taking on water over the port rail, began flooding the port void and rolled over on her port side. Dewatering pumps were ineffective. A May-Day was broadcast on Channel 16 and another call was sent out to the F/V Chisik Island.  The crew abandoned ship to a liferaft and the Jade Alaska sank within 15 minutes. The EPIRB stored aboard the liferaft was energized and a second EPIRB aboard the vessel self deployed. All three crewmembers were rescued from the life raft by a U S Coast Guard Helicopter.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 17 15 N 154 47 W   Chart 16580

Additional Information: Tonnage 170 Gross 115 Net, Length 114.6, Breadth 21, Depth 8.4, Built 1952 Tacoma WA, ON 260202, Call Sign WYV5370, Former Names Charles H Gilbert, FWS 1003 (Fish & Wildlife Service)

Sources: 1. Unofficial Shipwreck List (Kodiak), 2. Kodiak Daily Mirror (February 20, 2007) “Boat Sinking in Shelikof, crew rescued”, 3. USCG MISLE Case # 338457, 4. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1979) Pgs 688 & 1917

JAGUAR (1964)     The 98 ton 64 foot steel oil screw Jaguar was reported lost in the Good Friday earthquake of March 27, 1964.  The Jaguar operated out of the Port Bailey Cannery of Kadiak Fisheries Company in Dry Spruce Bay on the north end of Kodiak Island in Kupreanof Strait.

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

Comment: This vessel was salvaged years later and renamed the Walter N.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 98 Gross 66 Net, Length 64.5, Breadth 20.1, Depth 8, Built 1949 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 325, Service freight, SL WC2467, Owner Kadiak Fisheries Company, Registered Ketchikan, ON 257365

Sources: 1.Unofficial Wreck List, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 320, 3. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1168

 

JAMES A BORLAND (1896)     The 145 foot 670 ton wooden bark James A Borland stranded at Tugidak Island and was lost at 4 p.m. Thursday September 10, 1896.  The crew of 13 and 4 passengers all survived.  The cargo of 27,333 cases of canned salmon worth $105,000 was lost along with the vessel valued at $9,000.  Conditions at the time of the tragedy were “thick fog, strong current…Light wind, no sea.”

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   56 30 N 154 40 W   Chart 16580

Additional Information: Tonnage 670 Gross 636.69 Net, Length 145, Breadth 33, Depth 19, Built 1869 NY NY, Registered San Francisco, ON 75131, Owner Alaska Packers Association, Master F P Anderson of San Francisco, Last Port Karluk Alaska September 7, 1896, Destination San Francisco, Vessel Insurance none, Cargo Insurance $102,498

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report filed October 8, 1896 at San Francisco by vessel’s master

JAMES SENNETT (1901)     The 195 foot 693 ton wooden four masted schooner James Sennett stranded in Unimak Pass and was lost at 10 p.m. Wednesday August 7, 1901 midway between Scotch Cap and Cape Sarichef.

“The schooner was on a return trip from Nome, Alaska, in ballast.  After passing through Unimak Pass in a light fog, while attempting to about ship, the vessel struck, two miles above Scotch Cap.  Captain Colstrup manned a boat and sailed to Dutch Harbor, then to Seattle for assistance.  Went back to attempt salvage of vessel, but found her all broken up.”

According to the Wreck Report filed by Captain John F Colstrup October 15, 1901, the crew of 12 all survived the disaster.  The James Sennett was valued at $56,000 of which almost all was lost, no insurance.  They had departed Saint Michaels July 27, 1901 bound for Port Townsend, Washington.  The vessel was in ballast with no cargo.  The conditions at the time were said to be thick weather, dark, tide rips and scuttle breeze.  Charts are now marked Sennett Point just north of the wreck site.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   54 29 N 164 54 30 W   Chart 16520

Additional Information: Tonnage 693, Length 194.5, Breadth 40, Depth 15.2, Built 1901 Marshfield Oregon, Registered San Francisco, ON 77453, Master J F Colstrup of San Francisco, Owner W G Tibbetts of Pacific Shipping of San Francisco

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report filed October 15, 1901 by Colstrup

 

JANICE M (1990)     The 47 foot fiberglass longline fishing vessel Janice M caught fire from a leaky gas can placed near the cook stove and was abandoned September 23, 1990 off of Cape Hinchinbrook.  All three crewmembers escaped the burning vessel.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 14 N 146 39 W   Chart 16013

Additional Information: ON 632332, Built 1981

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

JANIE (1965)     The 12 ton 29 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Janie was consumed by fire August 15, 1965 at Naknek.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 12 Gross 10 Net, Length 29.7, Breadth 11, Depth 4.9, Built 1958 at Eagledale WA, Horsepower 95, SL WP2005, Owner Arctic Maid Fisheries, Registered Seattle, ON 277132

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 324, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1168

JARL (1973)     The oil screw Jarl foundered and was lost September 16, 1973 in Bristol Bay.

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

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

JAVA (2004)     The 39 foot fishing vessel Java capsized and sank in deep water August 8, 2004 in the Shelikof Strait near Uyak Bay.  The crew was hauling a load of salmon aboard when the disaster occurred.  All crewmembers were rescued from a skiff hours later by the fishing vessel Lady Aleutian.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 48 N 154 04 W   Chart 16580

Sources: 1. Unofficial Shipwreck List (Kodiak), 2. Kodiak Daily Mirror (August 18, 2004) “Fishing boat update: Java case is closed, Provision to scuttle”

 

JEAN O (1955)     The 13 ton 39 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Jean O burned September 26, 1955 at Controller Bay.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 05 N 144 15 W   Chart 16013

Additional Information: Tonnage 13 Gross 9 Net, Length 39.6, Breadth 10.9, Depth 4.2, Built 1942 at Ipswich WA, Former Name C-27 (U S A), Horsepower 160, Owner Charles Durant, Registered Juneau, ON 249746

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1959) Pg 267, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1960) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 824

 

JEANE (1943)     The 36 ton 58 foot wooden gas screw Jeane was consumed by fire at Cordova June 24, 1943.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 36 Gross 30 Net, Length 58.8, Breadth 14.1, Depth 5.3, Built 1919 at Seattle, Service freight, Crew 4, Horsepower 50 (Brake), Owner Pioneer Canneries, Registered Cordova, ON 217779

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1944) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 754, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1943) Pg 181

JEANNETTE F (1966)     The 67 foot wooden diesel powered fishing vessel Jeannette F was lost after a collision with the vessel Rosemary September 13, 1966 at 57 27 N 152 15 W.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 27 N 152 15 W   Chart 16580

Comment: The coordinates given in the wreck citation put the collision near Narrow Cape south of Kodiak. WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 74 Gross 50 Net, Length 67.7, Breadth 18.6, Depth 9, Built 1934 Tacoma WA, 135 HP, SL WA6301, ON 233039

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1974) Pg 1256, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 327

 

JEANNE MARIE (2000)     The 30 foot fiberglass gillnet salmon fishing vessel Jeanne Marie flooded from the stern and was lost June 29, 2000 in Nushagak Bay 10 to 15 miles south of Ekuk.  Both crewmembers were rescued from the water by the fishing vessel Norquest and taken to Dillingham by the fishing vessel Snookie.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   58 49 N 158 33 30 W   Charts 16006, 16322

Additional Information: ON 593722

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

 

JEFFERY ALLEN (1978)     The 75 foot vessel Jeffery Allen foundered August 24, 1978 southwest of Puale Bay on the Alaska Peninsula.  Three of the four crewmen, Rusty Slayton, Jeff Slayton and Mike Carroll were rescued by the vessel Cape Fairwell.  The fourth crewman, Don Corzine (28) from Brookings, Oregon was lost with the Jeffery Allen.  The vessel was salvaged in October of 1979.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 41 N 155 29 W   Chart 16013

Additional Information: ON 506380, Former Name Leroey II

Source: 1. Unofficial Wreck List, 2. Communication to alaskashipwreck.com from crewmember of sister ship (January 15, 2016).

 

JENNIE D (1997)     The 35 foot herring fishing vessel Jennie D grounded and sank after experiencing engine failure February 28, 1997 one mile south of Cape Paramanof, Afognak Island.  Both persons aboard abandoned the vessel to a skiff and were later rescued by the U S Coast Guard Cutter Roanoke.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   58 18 20 N 153 03 30 W   Chart 16580

Additional Information: ON 636407

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

 

JENNY (1989)     The 52 foot converted landing craft fishing vessel Jenny experienced a mechanical failure that caused the vessel to sink September 17, 1989 near Seal Rock southwest of Seward.  Both crewmembers made it to safety.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 31 25 N 149 37 32 W   Chart 16640

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

JEREMIAH (1980)     The 42 foot fishing vessel Jeremiah caught fire and sank May 1, 1980 two miles north of Tonki Cape.  The two crewmen aboard were rescued by the Alaska Marine Highway ferry Tustamena.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   58 21 N 151 59 W   Chart 16580

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

 

JERRY (1953)     The 16 ton 52 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Jerry was consumed by fire May 20, 1953 in the harbor at Cordova.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 16 Gross 11 Net, Length 52, Breadth 11.2, Depth 3.4, Built 1901 at Ballard WA, Former Names Emma and Zarembo, Horsepower 76, SL WA6342, Owner John Rozanski, Registered Juneau, ON 136919

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1952) Pg 269, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1953-1954) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 749

 

JESSIE MINOR (1911)     The 129 foot 261 ton wooden schooner Jessie Minor was blown ashore in a gale in Nelson Lagoon at noon Thursday August 3, 1911.  The crew of 11, with owner W S E Jorgensen of San Francisco as master, all survived the tragedy.  The Jessie Minor, valued at $10,000 became a total loss.  The $20,000 worth of salt and empty barrels weighing 200 tons was salvaged.  Conditions at the time were reported as a 40 mile wind and rough seas.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   56 N 161 W   Chart 16011

Additional Information: Tonnage 261 Gross 219 Net, Length 129, Breadth 32.5, Depth 9.2, Built 1883 at Fairhaven California, Registered San Francisco, ON 76473, Last Port San Francisco April 13, 1911, Destination Nelson Lagoon

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report filed September 18, 1911 by Jorgensen in San Francisco

JIM (1994)     The tug Jim was scuttled in deep water March 4, 1994 just south of Fourth of July Creek near Seward.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 05 45 N 149 22 W   Chart 16682

Source: Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013)

 

JIM ALICE (1964)     The fishing vessel Jim Alice 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

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

JO (1958)     The 11 ton 31 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Jo was consumed by fire July 24, 1958 at Canoe Pass in Prince William Sound.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 32 N 146 08 W   Chart 16700

Additional Information: Tonnage 11 Gross 7 Net, Length 31.3, Breadth 10.5, Depth 5.3, Built unknown, Horsepower 93, Owner Wesley H Coonen, Registered Juneau, ON 245702

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1959) Pg 272, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1960) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 824

 

JO (1964)     The 12 ton 33 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Jo 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 12 Gross 8 Net, Length 33.7, Breadth 10.2, Depth 5.7, Built 1950 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 115, SL WD3179, Owner Slim Blood, Registered Seattle, ON 259745

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) Pg 320, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1004

 

JOANNE (1964)     The 12 ton 39 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Joanne was reported lost at Kodiak in the Good Friday earthquake of March 27, 1964.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 12 Gross 8 Net, Length 39.6, Breadth 10.9, Depth 4.2, Built 1942 at San Pedro CA, Former Name C-9432 (U S N), Horsepower 43, SL WH6713, Owner Archie Hubley, Registered Juneau, ON 256875

Sources: 1. Unofficial Wreck List, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) Pg 322

 

JODOHA (1964)     The 9 ton 35 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Jodoha 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 9 Gross 6 Net, Length 35.6, Breadth 10.5, Depth 3.8, Built 1944 at New Orleans LA, Former Name C-51408 (U S N), Horsepower 180, Owner George E Seagrave, Registered Juneau, ON 275865

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 335, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1169

 

JOHN AND OLAF (1974)     The 161 ton 80 foot steel oil screw fishing vessel John and Olaf iced up in a severe storm in Portage Bay January 16, 1974 and washed up on the rocks in Jute Bay.  All four crewmen were lost.  Aboard were John Blaalid, Arthur H Gilbert, David A Gilbert and Ivar Gjerde; all Kodiak residents.  The icy winds at the time were reported at over 100 miles an hour and seas at 40 feet. The empty life raft from the John and Olaf was found days later about 50 miles south of Jute Bay near Tugidak Island.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 32 30 N 155 51 W   Chart 16013

Additional Information: Tonnage 161 Gross 116 Net, Length 79.9, Breadth 24.1, Depth 11.5, Built 1968 at Mobile AL, Former Name Ruth McKenzie, Horsepower 510, SL WY4989, ON 516760

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1974) Pg 531, 2. Unofficial Wreck List, 3. Oregonian (January 22, 1974) “Hunt For Crew Goes On” Pg 7

 

JOHN CURRIER (1907)     The 236 foot 1945 ton wooden ship John Currier stranded on a sand bar near Cape Rozhnof near Nelson Lagoon at 1:30 a.m. Friday August 9, 1907.  She had departed Nushagak August 4, 1904 with a crew of 105 and 140 other employees, bound for Astoria, Oregon.  She also had a cargo of about 2,200 tons of canned salmon worth $125,000.  At the time of the tragedy there was a strong inshore current, fresh westerly wind, thick fog and rough sea.  The ship was full of water two hours after striking.  All hands were landed in ship’s boats August 9th.  The Revenue cutter McCullough took them from Nelson’s Lagoon September 11, 1907 to Unalaska.  The John Currier broke up in a SW gale September 10, 1907.  The vessel was worth $20,000 and had no insurance.  The cargo was insured for about $125,000.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   55 58 N 160 57 W   Chart 16006

Additional Information: Tonnage 1945 Gross 1812 Net, Length 235.8, Breadth 42.8, Depth 26.8, Built 1882 Newburyport MA, Registered San Francisco, ON 76358, Master P S Murchison of San Francisco, Owner California Shipping Co of San Francisco

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report filed October 17, 1907 by C Ryder, President of California Shipping

JOHN D (1968)     The gas screw John D was consumed by fire June 29, 1968 near the small boat harbor at Homer.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   59 37 N 151 27 W   Chart 16640

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

JOHN F MILLER (1908)     The 107 foot 170 ton wooden schooner John F Miller parted her anchor chains in a severe gale and stranded at East Anchor Cove on Unimak Island January 8, 1908.  There were 7 crew and 30 fishermen aboard bound for Bear Harbor.  The crew of the John F Miller was attempting to salvage the 127 ton cod schooner Glen, which had wrecked in East Anchor Cove under similar conditions several months before.  Both vessels were owned by Pacific States Trading Company.  Survivors were picked up by boats from the fishing station after daylight.  10 perished in the disaster.  Lost were Harry Hanson (48) of Sweden, Pete Johnson (24) of Norway, Samuel Smith (42) of the U.S., Charles Stoppy (23 ) of Finland, C Flink (38) of Finland, K Lund (27) of Norway, A Christensen (26) of Norway, Gust. Holmlom (48) of Finland, F Wideken (32) of Germany and C. Nelson (28) of Denmark.  The John F Miller was valued at $6,000 and was carrying a 220 ton cargo of salt and provisions valued at $4,000.  All was lost.  The insurance on the vessel was $1,500 and there was none on the cargo.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 170, Length 107, Breadth 30.6, Depth 9, Built 1882 San Francisco, Registered San Francisco, ON 76311, Master M G Kelton of Oakland, Owner Pacific State Trading of San Francisco, Last Port San Francisco November 23, 1907

Sources: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report filed by Kelton at San Francisco March 24, 1908, 2. Pacific Cod Fisheries DOC Document # 830 (1916) Pg 107

 

JOHN HANCOCK (1893)     The 144 foot 168 ton wood cod fishing schooner John Hancock broke loose from her moorings at the Sand Point Wharf and stranded during a hurricane at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday March 7, 1893.  The eight crewmen escaped to safety, but the vessel, valued at $6,000 and her 80 ton cargo of salt and provisions, valued at $2,000 were totally lost.  There was no insurance on the John Hancock and only $1,000 worth on her cargo.  The John Hancock had been constructed at the Boston Navy Yard as a government tug in 1850 and then became a practice ship at Annapolis MD at the Naval Academy a year later.  She was later armed with brass six pound cannon and sent to the Gulf of Mexico as a man-of-war.  She returned to New York and then on to Boston where she was refitted and became Commodore Perry’s Flagship.  Later the John Hancock was in service with the state department and finally acted as a powder magazine in Mission Bay on the west coast.  Her colorful career was ended as a cod schooner at Sand Point, Alaska March 7, 1893.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 167.62, Length 143.7, Breadth 23.5, Depth 8.5, Built 1850 Charleston, Mass., Master F M Gaffney of San Francisco, Owners Lynde and Hough, Last Port San Francisco February 8, 1893, Destination Sand Point

Sources: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report filed by Gaffney May 1, 1893 at San Francisco, 2. Lewis and Dryden’s Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1961) Pg 412

JOHN HENRY (2010)     The 34 foot gillnetter John Henry flooded and sank in central Cook Inlet July 15, 2010. Good Samaritan fishing vessel Shadow Line and the U S Coast Guard responded to the John Henry’s distress and Coast Guard helicopter R6013 hoisted the two crewmembers aboard as the vessel sank.

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

Additional Information: ON 614816, Built 1979

Sources: 1. 17th Coast Guard District Enforcement Report (Oct-Nov 2010), 2. USCG Marine Information Exchange (2018)

 

JOHN JASON (1983)     The crab fishing vessel John Jason flooded and sank February 5, 1983 in Knight Island Passage, Prince William Sound.

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

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

JOHN P GAINES (1943)     The 7,176 ton 422 foot steam powered Liberty Ship John P Gaines broke in two and foundered November 24, 1943 at 55 15 N 155 W.  Ten lives were lost in the disaster.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   55 15 N 155 W   Chart 16013

Comment: These coordinates are SW of Chirikof Island, south of Kodiak Island.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 7,176 Gross 4,380 Net, Length 422.8, Breadth 57, Depth 34.8, Built 1943 at Portland OR, Service freight, Crew 44, Horsepower 2,500, Owner U S War Shipping Administration, SL KXQZ, Registered Portland OR, ON 243864

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1945) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 776, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1944) Pg 46

JOHN STRAUB (1944)     The 7,176 ton 422 foot steam powered Liberty Ship John Straub exploded, broke in two and sank April 19, 1944 approximately 20 miles southeast of Sanak Island.  55 perished in the disaster and 15 survived.  The John Straub was a U S Army transport ship carrying a highly flammable fuel cargo from Port Townsend to Dutch Harbor.  The ship may have hit a Japanese mine or been sunk by Japanese submarine I-180. Some of the crewmembers who perished were Navy Gunners Mate 3rd Class Frank Thomas of Rock Springs, WY, Seaman 1st Class Arnold Arthur Hansen of Spokane, Seaman 1st Class Lon Eudell Condit of Chickasha, OK, Seaman 1st Class Lewis Vernon Esper of Carleton, MI, Seaman 1st Class Richard Paul Hawes of Roseville, MI, Seaman 1st Class William Charles Hayes of Willobee, OH, Seaman 1st Class Anton Elroy Henry Isakson of Merrill, WI, Seaman 1st Class Joseph Edward Jenkins Jr of Bloomfield, N.J., Seaman 1st Class Edgar Napier of Roark, KY, Seaman 1st Class Robert Lamar Burke of Bingham Canyon, UT, Seaman 1st Class Jesse Cornelius Fishinghawk of Westville, OK, Seaman 1st Class Melvin George Prather of Lafayette, IN, Seaman 1st Class John Mayer of Chicago, IL, Seaman 1st Class Gerald Leon Kline of Long Beach, CA, Chief Engineer Alex Holmquist of Seattle, 1st Engineer Harold W Peter of Seattle, 2nd Engineer John S. Rauen of Seattle, Seaman Archibald Clark of Seattle and Purser James Boyd of Seattle.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   54 23 N 162 35 W   Chart 16011

Additional Information: Tonnage 7,176 Gross 4,380 Net, Length 422.8, Breadth 57, Depth 34.8, Built 1943 at Portland OR, Service freight, Crew 44, Horsepower 2,500, SL KVCR, Owner U S War Shipping Administration, Registered Portland OR, ON 244753

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1945) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 776, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1944) Pg 45, 3. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 4. The Seattle Times (April 27, 1944) “Missing Navy Gunners Named” Pg 16, 5.The Seattle Times (June 4, 1944) “Memorial Services for Five Straub Men” Pg 21

JOHN-WAYNE (1964)     The 16 ton 34 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel John-Wayne was consumed by fire January 25, 1964 at Alitak.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   56 56 40 N 154 10 W   Chart 16580

Additional Information: Tonnage 16 Gross 14 Net, Length 34.4, Breadth 12, Depth 4.5, Built 1946 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 100, SL WA6541, Owner Pacific American Fisheries Inc., Registered Bellingham WA, ON 250496

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) Pg 326, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1004

 

JOSEPH PULITZER (1920)     The 73 ton 75 foot two masted gas screw power schooner Joseph Pulitzer foundered at Aniakchak Bay December 18, 1920 while on a mail run from Seward westward.  The 8 persons aboard made it to safety.  The vessel was originally built for N Y Times publisher Joseph Pulitzer as a gaff rigged schooner but later became a pilot boat in New York and later the Columbia Bar.  Power was added in 1920 and the vessel was put to service as a mail carrier between Seward and the Aleutians.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   56 42 N 157 22 W   Chart 16568

Comment: This vessel was eventually taken to and stripped in Chignik.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 73 Gross 63 Net, Length 75, Breadth 22, Depth 7.4, Service freight, Crew 7, Built 1894 at Essex MA, Registered Portland OR, ON 77123

Sources: 1. Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992), 2. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 313, 3. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1925) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 837, 4. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1922) Pg 263, 5. Seattle Sunday Times (June 26, 1921) “To Dismantle Vessel” Pg 23

JOSEPH RUSS (1912)     The 124 foot 247 ton wooden schooner Joseph Russ stranded on the NE coast of Chirikof Island and was lost at 12:30 a.m. April 21, 1912.  35 of the 36 crew made it to safety, but John Jorgenson perished in the disaster.  The Joseph Russ had departed Seattle April 7, 1912 bound for Lost Harbor and cod fishing in the Bering Sea.  She was carrying a cargo of 300 tons of salt, dories and fishing gear valued at $5,000.  The following are excerpts from the Wreck Report filed by W T Robinson, President of Robinson Fisheries, and owner of the Joseph Russ:

“NE coast of Cherikof Island, Alaska.”  “Stranded”  “30 miles (wind), dark thick night, currents; tides and possible deviation in compass (causes)”  “Was in breakers and everything done to save her.”  “2 dories with 6 men rowed to Chignik Bay for assistance, and were successful in having the Str. Dora rescue the men and take them to Seattle by Str. Bertha.”

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 247 Gross 235 Net, Length 124, Breadth 30, Depth 9.6, Built 1881 Eureka CA, Registered Seattle, ON 76283, Master C Foss of Seattle, Vessel Value $8,500, Vessel Insurance $7,500, Cargo Insurance $3,500

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report filed June 8, 1912 at Puget Sound Collection District

JOY SEAS (1990)     The 32 foot fishing vessel Joy Seas grounded and was lost October 19, 1990 in Bass Harbor, Prince William Sound.  All five crewmembers were rescued by a U S Coast Guard Helicopter.

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

Additional Information: ON AK06618B

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

JOYCELYN (2001)     The 50 foot salmon seiner Joycelyn capsized September 1, 2001 near Warren Island 75 miles northwest of Ketchikan.  An empty fish hold with a seine and seine skiff on the deck may have led to the instability of the vessel.  All four crewmen were rescued by the U S Coast Guard Cutter Anacapa.  Three of the crewmen were only wearing floatation devices and suffered from hypothermia.  The fourth had on a survival suit and did not require medical treatment.  Salvage of the Joycelyn was under consideration.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   55 53 N 133 53 W   Chart 17400

Additional Information: ON 234751

Source: U S C G News Release (September 1, 2001) “Coast Guard rescues four fishermen after vessel capsizes”

 

JUBILEE (1961)     The 30 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Jubilee foundered in Prince William Sound in 1961.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 45 N 147 00 W   Chart 16013

Additional Information: Tonnage 7 Gross 6 Net, Length 30, Breadth 9.5, Depth 3.2, Built 1951 at Seattle WA, 141 HP, ON 261372

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1974) Pg 1256, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 345

 

JUDY (1964)     The 12 ton 30 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Judy 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 9 Net, Length 30.7, Breadth 11.5, Depth 3.5, Built 1955 at Seward, Horsepower 60, SL WJ2814, Owner Ben B Suddath, Registered Juneau, ON 270528

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) Pg 332, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1004

 

JUDY K (1970)     The gas screw Judy K was consumed by fire August 19, 1970 at Old Harbor.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 12 15 N 153 18 W   Chart 16580

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

JUDY M (1994)     The 33 foot fishing vessel Judy M was consumed by fire August 2, 1994 near Ouzinkie.  The two persons aboard were rescued.

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

Additional Information: ON 263670

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

 

JULIA FOARD (1888)     The 137 foot 446 ton wooden bark Julia Foard stranded in the Karluk River and was lost at 4 p.m. Thursday April 27, 1888.  She had departed Astoria, Oregon April 12, 1888 with a crew of 12, 25 Chinese cannery workers and 450 tons of general merchandise for the salmon cannery.  There were 17 aboard when the tragedy occurred, but all escaped to safety.  The Julia Foard, worth $12,000 and her cargo, worth $30,000 were reported as total losses.  The crews were taken to San Francisco by the Francis Alice.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   57 34 10 N 154 27 30 W   Chart 16598

Comment: The 234 foot bark Servia wrecks at this same site in 1907.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 445.97, Length 136.7, Breadth 29.4, Depth 17.2, Built 1864 LaRoque France, Master C A Treanor of San Francisco, Owner A P Lorentsen MO of Alameda, Vessel Insurance $8,000, Cargo Insurance $25,000

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report filed at San Francisco by C A Lions, Master on June 7, 1888

JUNE (1946)     The 20 ton 43 foot wooden gas screw June foundered in Yakutat Bay October 1, 1946.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 20 Gross 17 Net, Length 43.2, Breadth 12.2, Depth 5.3, Built 1920 at Seattle WA, Service freight, Crew 6, Horsepower 20, Owner Libby McNeill & Libby, Registered Seattle, ON 220030

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1947) Pg 262, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1948) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 861

JUNIOR (1955)     The 60 ton 65 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Junior burned October 30, 1955 at Deep Bay near Cordova.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   60 35 30 N 145 46 30 W   Chart 16700

Additional Information: Tonnage 60 Gross 49 Net, Length 65.8, Breadth15.3, Depth 7.5, Built 1911 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 150, SL WA6673, Owner Nelson Crab & Oyster Company, Registered Aberdeen WA, ON 208492

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1956) Pg 271, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1957) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 756

 

JUNO (1961)     The 30 ton 47 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Juno foundered September 21, 1961 at Jap (Japanese) Bay on Kodiak Island.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   56 56 N 153 41 W   Chart 16580

Additional Information: Tonnage 30 Gross 20 Net, Length 47.7, Breadth14.2, Depth 6.2, Built 1915 at Tacoma WA, Horsepower 141, SL WC7890, Owner Lloyd Cannon, Registered Juneau, SL 213113

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1959) Pg 286, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1962) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 903

 

JUPITER (1981)     The 82 foot steel fishing vessel Jupiter ran aground and was lost in February of 1981 on Sozavarika Island. The vessel was returning to King Cove with a load of Tanner crab when she ran on to a rocky beach at high tide. A navigational error by an inexperienced crewman was thought to be a contributing factor. The Jupiter and her load of crab were total losses, but the skipper and four crewmen were rescued.

Mapping and Location: South Central Alaska   54 51 20 N 162 31 35 W   Chart 16520

Additional Information: Tonnage 180 Gross 151 Net, Length 82.2, Breadth 24, Depth 11.3, 675 HP, Built 1974 at Mobile AL, SL WYT9799, ON 559053

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1979) Pg 735, 2. Communications with crewmembers (2016) WG

 

2 Replies to “South Central Alaska Shipwrecks ( J )”

  1. i have found part of what i think is the jabez howes. it is a small chunk of the mast, and i dont know where to go from here.

    1. I would let Dave McMahon, who is the current State Archaeologist know about your discovery. His is retiring at the end of the month, so time is of the essence. I have heard he is very helpful in these matters, and I don’t know who his replacement will be. I will send you an email with his email and phone number.

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