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 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
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 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)
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
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)
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)
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)
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
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
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”
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 (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
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
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)
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 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)
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
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 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
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)
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
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
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)
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)
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)
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
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
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 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)
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
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 28th 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
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)
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
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
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
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 (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 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