E J N (1934) The wooden gas screw E J N parted her mooring cable, drifted ashore and was lost between 9:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. October 4th and 5th, 1934. The following are excerpts from the casualty report filed by Thea Wilson November 14, 1934 at Juneau:
“Vessel moored at fox ranch.” “North side Katzehin Bar, Lynn Canal.” “Strong SE wind, dark.” “Anchored with one inch steel cable.” “Between 9:00 p.m and 2:00 a.m. on the night stated she broke her cable due to the crystallization. We could not get out to her with a skiff, as the sea was very rough before she had time to pound to pieces on the rocks.”
The E J N was valued at $2,000 and had no insurance.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 59 12 N 135 17 W Chart 17317
Additional Information: Tonnage 24 Gross 16 Net, Built 1915, Registered Juneau, ON 213540, Master H G Dickerson of Haines, Owner Thea H Wilson of Haines
Source: Report of Casualty filed by Wilson at Juneau
E NIELSON (1935) The 18 ton gas screw fishing vessel E Nielson broke her anchor line at 4:30 a.m. Tuesday October 22, 1935 near Cora Point on Coronation Island and stranded. The crew of two escaped but the E Nielson, valued at $3,500 and her 1,100 lb cargo of fresh salmon worth $200 were lost. There was no insurance. The 50 mph NE wind and dark night contributed to the loss. Owner and master John Kayser said in the Report of Casualty that he filed November 13, 1935 that he had “No time to take measures.” The oil screw Venus assisted in the rescue of the two aboard.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 54 50 N 134 06 55 W Chart 17400
Additional Information: Tonnage 18 Gross 15 Net, Age 18 years, Registered Ketchikan, ON 214682, Last Port Wrangell October 18, Destination Coronation Island
Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed at Ketchikan November 13, 1935
EAGLE (1965) The 10 ton wooden gas screw fishing vessel Eagle exploded, burned and sank July 31, 1965 at Sitka.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 57 03 N 135 20 W Chart 17320
Additional Information: Tonnage 10 Gross 7 Net, Length 32.3, Breadth 9.8, Depth 5.2, Built 1915 at Astoria OR, Horsepower 75, Owner John Osbakken, Registered Sitka, ON 232081
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 198, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1166
EAGLE (1977) The fishing vessel Eagle sank October 26, 1977 in Icy Strait near Dundas Bay. Only one of the two persons on board survived. Nancy Zaid survived floating in a survival suit for eight to ten hours and after making shore walked more than 60 miles before being rescued by a U S Coast Guard Helicopter. Lost was Rick Nelson of Petersburg.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 58 19 N 136 14 W Chart 17300
Sources: 1. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 2. The Plain Dealer (November 7, 1977) “Woman survives sinking off Alaska” Pg 6 A
EAGLE MARCH (1949) The 13 ton 32 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Eagle March was lost near Kake in September of 1949.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 56 58 30 N 133 56 30 W Chart 17360
Additional Information: Tonnage 13 Gross 11 Net, Length 32, Breadth 12.1, Depth 3.2, Built 1918 at Hoonah, Horsepower 16, Owner Johnnie Jackson, Registered Juneau, ON 216073
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1950) Pg 146, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1951) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 937
EARL M (1966) The 10 ton wooden gas screw Earl M foundered September 12, 1966 at Swanson Harbor.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 58 11 30 N 135 05 W Chart 17300
Additional Information: Tonnage 10 Gross, Built 1918, ON 217010
Source: Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1166
ECHO (1970) The oil screw Echo burned September 1, 1970 at Ketchikan.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 20 30 N 131 38 45 W Chart 17420
Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
EDCO (1973) The oil screw Edco stranded and was lost September 4, 1973 in Auke Bay, Juneau.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 58 11 N 134 34 W Chart 17300
Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
EDISON (1916) A strong gale building strength just west of Sitka caused the wreck of the 26 ton gasoline powered halibut schooner Edison at Cape Decision January 16, 1916. All five crewmembers aboard the Tacoma vessel were lost. Wreckage of the Edison and her two dories were found on the beach by the schooner Alamera. A license board inscribed with W2439 was also found in the area verifying the identity of the Edison. The entire halibut fleet was forced away from the fishing grounds of the Gulf of Alaska by the building storm and frigid temperatures.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 56 00 10 N 134 08 W Chart 16016
Sources: 1. Daily Alaska Dispatch (January 23, 1916) “Schooner Edison is Thought to be Total Loss” Pg 8, 2. Salt Lake Telegram (February 2, 1916) “Eleven perish in storm off Alaska” Pg 6, 3. Seattle Daily Times (January 20, 1916) “Southeast Alaska Hit by Worst Storm in Years” Pg 1, 4. Oregonian (January 20, 1916) “Alaskan Coast Storm Swept” Pg 16
EDITH (1926) The 245 ton 120 foot freight barge Edith stranded and was lost May 13, 1926 at Big Port Walter. There was no one aboard at the time of the casualty and no lives were lost.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 56 23 N 134 43 W Chart 17333
Additional Information: Tonnage 245 Gross 235 Net, Length 120, Breadth 24, Depth 9, Built 1882 at San Francisco CA, Registered San Francisco, ON 135621
Sources: 1. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 375, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1930) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 920, 3. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1926) Pgs 656-7
EDITH G (1915) A shift in the wind caused the small gas screw Edith G to drag anchor, strand and break up at 9:00 a.m. November 20, 1915 at the Chilcat Cannery in Lynn Canal. The two person crew of the Edith G had taken the vessel into the sheltered area because of engine trouble. The wind shifted from the north to the southeast with a heavy sea causing both anchors to drag and the 5 ton Edith G stranded. The crew made it to safety but the vessel, valued at $1,000 with no insurance, was lost.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 59 12 25 N 135 26 20 W Chart 17317
Additional Information: Tonnage 5 Net, Age 9 years, Registered Skagway, ON 204362, Master W C Wright of Skagway, Owner same, Last Port Juneau November 15, Destination Skagway
Comment: Story In H W McCurdy Pg 256
Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed at Juneau November 22 by P C Cleveland, agent for owner.
EDNA S (1946) The 20 ton 42 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Edna S burned February 21, 1946 near Hoonah.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 58 06 30 N 135 26 30 W Chart 17300
Additional Information: Tonnage 20 Gross 13 Net, Length 42.4, Breadth 11.9, Depth 5.4, Built 1933 at Hoonah, Crew 5, Horsepower 40, Owner Jacob Pratt, Registered Juneau, ON 232266
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1952) Pg 154, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1953-1954) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 748
EDWARD SCHENK (1942) The 18 ton 43 foot wooden oil screw tug Edward Schenk foundered with all hands October 14, 1942 near Tree Point, between Ketchikan and Prince Rupert, British Columbia. The vessel’s cook, Charles F Swanson’s body was the only one recovered. He was reported to have made it to the beach five miles north of Tree Point but died of hypothermia.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 54 48 15 N 130 55 45 W Chart 17420
Additional Information: Tonnage 18 Gross 11 Net, Length 43.3, Breadth 12, Depth 5, Built 1916 at Tacoma WA, Horsepower 120, SL KACZ, Owner Tongass Timber Company, Registered Wrangell, ON 213954
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1943) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 754, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1942) Pg 128, 3. Riverside Daily Press (November 24, 1942) “Body Of Cook Aboard Missing Tugboat Found” Pg 2
EFFORT (1919) The 24 ton gas screw Effort caught fire at 1:00 p.m. Monday January 13, 1919 between Kasaan and Twelve Mile Arm. The following are statements from the casualty report filed by part owner and master of the Effort, Willie Irvine:
“Caught fire…fire from engine.” “I am unable to state what caused the fire as it happened before we knew it.” “While proceeding to said Twelve Mile Arm, the boat suddenly caught fire. We used fire extinguisher.”
“The Ga-s Andrew Z came to our assistance, and we attempted to get her ashore and sink her in shallow water, but could not control the fire.” “Total loss.”
The two aboard the Effort escaped, but the vessel, valued at $6,000 was lost.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 32 N 132 31 W Chart 17426
Additional Information: Tonnage 24 Gross 17 Net, Age 4 years, Registered Ketchikan, ON 212532, Owners Willie Irvine & Joseph Jones of Kasaan, Vessel Insurance $5,500, Cargo none
Source: U S Customs Report of Casualty January 14, 1919 at Ketchikan
EIDSVOLD (1938) The 22 ton wooden gas screw fishing vessel Eidsvold was lost with all hands around midnight Tuesday August 23, 1938 off Cape Lookout, Dall Island in southeast Alaska. The following are statements from the report of casualty filed by Lester O Fore, agent for surviving half owner Robert E Buschmann:
“Vessel was seen at 8:10 p.m. Aug 23, 1938, at Security Cove, Dall Island, Alaska, when she was proceeding northward towards Meares Passage with a load of seine fish in her hold. Immediately after a heavy fog came in from the northwest and the vessel failing to arrive at Waterfall caused searching boats to be sent out. No trace of the vessel or any member of the crew could be found but the seine was found about 3 miles westerly of Cape Lookout; Later overturned skiff, salmon pough, caps, sweaters and other articles were found along the beach of Sea Otter Harbor. Actual cause of foundering is unknown, but on account of heavy fog it is assumed that the vessel struck one of the out-lying rocks off the northwesterly shore of Dall Island while searching for the entrance of Meares Passage and immediately sunk.”
Lost with the Eidsvold were half owner and master Frederick Buschmann, John Budinich, J W Budinich, J R MacKie, Mike Pucinich, Edwin Fox and John Simicich. The Eidsvold was valued at $5,000 at the time of the tragedy with $4,000 insured. There was no insurance on the load of salmon.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 07 N 133 12 W Chart 17400
Comment: H W McCurdy has this vessel spelled Erdswold Pg 467
Additional Information: Tonnage 22 Gross 15 Net, Age 25 years, Registered Ketchikan, ON 211137, Last Port Waterfall Alaska August 23, 1938, Destination Security Cove and return, Cargo Salmon
Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed August 27, 1938 at Ketchikan
EL LOBO DEL MAR (1979) The gas screw El Lobo Del Mar foundered November 14, 1979 off of Juneau.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 58 18 15 N 134 24 30 W Chart 17300
Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
EL PASO (1949) The 33 ton 58 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel El Paso burned August 31, 1949 off Sylvester (Silvester) Point.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 25 15 N 133 24 40 W Chart 17406
Additional Information: Tonnage 33 Gross 28 Net, Length 58.8, Breadth 13, Depth 5.2, Built 1913 at Seattle, Horsepower 143, Owner L J Moore, Registered Seattle WA, ON 211744
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1949) Pg 157, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1950) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 926
ELEANOR D (1959) *See ELINOR D (1959)
ELFIN II (1963) The diesel screw Elfin II foundered July 1, 1963 in Sergius Narrows, Peril Strait.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 57 24 20 N 135 38 W Chart 17320
Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
ELINA (1918) The wooden gas screw Elina swamped April 3, 1918 at 10 a.m. two miles SW of South Vallenar Point. The Elina and two scows were being towed by the launch Chomley from Chomly to Yes Bay when the bow stem pulled out of the Elina. The towboat had slowed to half speed to try to get the Elina to Vallenar Bay. When the Elina broke free the Chomley continued to Vallenar Bay and dropped off the two scows. The Chomley was able to return to the Elina seven hours later but was only able to salvage the engine. The Elina was effectively a total loss. There was no crew or cargo aboard
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 25 35 N 131 51 W Chart 17420
Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 5 Net, Built 1905, Registered Ketchikan, ON 202538, Master John Henry of Ketchikan, Owner Alaska Pacific Fisheries of Portland Oregon, Last Port Chomly April 3, Destination Yes Bay, Vessel Value $2,500, Insurance none
Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed at Ketchikan July 8, 1918 By Ira W Kelly, superintendent Alaska Pacific Fisheries
ELINOR D (1959) The 9 ton 29 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Elinor D was consumed by fire August 18, 1959 at Ketchikan. Owner Bob Colette turned the key to the ignition and the boat exploded.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 20 30 N 131 38 45 W Chart 17420
Comment: Some reports have this loss at Sitka. WG
Additional Information: Tonnage 9 Gross 8 Net, Length 29, Breadth 9.2, Depth 4.6, Built 1919 at Anacortes WA, Horsepower 95, SL WJ4616, Owner Robert H Colette, Registered Sitka, ON 218045
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1959) Pg 165, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1960) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 823, 3. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013)
ELIZA (1938) The 12 ton gas screw Eliza foundered and was lost off of Point Hugh Light at 4:00 p.m. Friday October 28, 1938. The following are statements taken from the report of casualty filed at Petersburg by Frank S James, owner and master of the Eliza:
“Gusty fairly high sea, getting dark.” “Holding in fairly close to shore but started to head out just before reaching Pt Hugh Light. At that time engine failed due to battery connection breaking because of heavy rolling. Before repairs could be made ship foundered and went down.” “Engine stopped due to broken battery connection. High wind and sea carried her into rocks and she foundered.”
The Eliza had departed Juneau at 10:00 a.m. that morning with two aboard bound for Klawock. The vessel was valued at $2,000 and had 300# or $100 worth of machine parts on board. The crew survived but all else was lost as the vessel had no insurance.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 57 34 10 N 133 48 30 W Chart 17360
Additional Information: Tonnage 12 Gross 8 Net, Built 1928, Registration Wrangell, ON 228222
Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed November 5, 1938
ELIZABETH (1974) The 12 ton 35 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Elizabeth was consumed by fire July 13, 1974 at Tenakee Springs.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 57 46 50 N 135 13 W Chart 17300
Additional Information: Tonnage 12 Gross 8 Net, Length 35.8, Breadth 10.6, Depth 4.2, Built 1917 at Shakan, ON 230464
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 207, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1978) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 2117
ELIZABETH (1997) The 47 foot dive boat Elizabeth sank November 12, 1997 near Metlakatla. The cargo shifted causing the disaster. All four persons on board made it to safety.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 07 45 N 131 34 30 W Chart 17420
Additional Information: ON 593780
Sources: 1. U S C G Shipwreck List (1989-2004), 2. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013)
ELLA J (1916) Four crewmen were reported dead and another dying at Wrangell from carbon monoxide gas poisoning aboard the halibut boat Ella J, August 19, 1916. Included among those lost was a Taku Chief.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 56 28 N 132 22 40 W Chart 17360
Sources: 1. Daily Alaska Dispatch (August 19, 1916) Pg 1, 2. Seattle Daily Times (August 21, 1916) “Engine Gas Kills Three On Vessel” Pg 13
ELLA ROHLFFS (1906) The 76 foot steamer Ella Rohlffs stranded in a snow storm at the north end of Long Island about 10 miles north of Howkan about 7 p.m. December 7, 1906. The vessel was traveling from Howkan to Ketchikan via Coppermount when the accident occurred. There were 12 crew and 10 passengers on board as well as a ten ton cargo of empty beer kegs, timbers and misc. boxes. The cause of the stranding that was listed was a heater that had been brought into the wheelhouse during the snow strorm which had put the compass off. The following day all ten passengers were taken aboard the steamer Cordova to Coppermount. The wreck report does not specify the amount of damage to the vessel or its cargo. No lives were lost.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 54 58 15 N 132 51 45 W Chart 17400
Additional Information: Length 75.5, Breadth 20, Depth 8, Service tow, IHP 80, Built 1889 at San Francisco, Tonnage 149 Gross, Registered Ketchikan, Master Captain Brown of Ketchikan, Owner Union Steamship Co of Ketchikan, Vessel Value $15,000, Cargo Value $100, Vessel Insurance $5,000, Cargo Insurance none
Source: U S Customs Wreck Report filed December 13, 1906 by Frank H Bold, Mgr.
ELLA ROHLFFS (1907) The steamer Ella Rohlffs is reported lost in 1907 in San Alberto Bay near Craig
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 28 N 133 14 W Chart 17400
Source: Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992)
ELMIRA (1937) The 14 ton gas screw Elmira broke her mooring chain in a 50 mile an hour wind with heavy sea and drifted ashore at Fanshaw Beach and broke up at 6:00 p.m. January 3, 1937. The crew of two escaped the wreck, but the Elmira, valued at $2,000 was a total loss. The vessel had neither cargo nor insurance. The Elmira had departed Petersburg October 12, 1936 bound for Cleveland Passage.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 57 12 N 133 33 W Chart 17360
Additional Information: Tonnage 14 Gross 11 Net, Built 1913, Registered Ketchikan, ON 211163, Master Fred Miller of Fanshaw, Owners Fred and Alec Miller of Fanshaw
Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty February 12, 1937 at Ketchikan
ELMIRA B (1965) The 8 ton 28 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Elmira B foundered November 23, 1965 in Sumner Strait.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 56 32 N 132 36 W Chart 16016
Comment: Coordinates are the NW end of Sumner Strait. WG
Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 5 Net, Length 28.4, Breadth 9.1, Depth 4.8, Built 1928 at Norfolk VA, Horsepower 42, SL WT7507, Owner Ruth E Bonner, Registered Seattle, ON 246210
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 210, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1166
ELMO II (1930) The wooden gas screw Elmo II had her anchor line break Thursday October 2, 1930 at 3 p.m. and she drifted ashore at Comet. The following are excerpts from the report of casualty filed by R J Frey, owner and master:
“Heavy wind from northwest, heavy seas. Captain went ashore before accident leaving one crew aboard. Anchor line parted, crewman attempted without success to start engine, vessel drifted ashore and vessel broke up completely.”
The crewman escaped injury, but the Elmo II, valued at $1,000 was a total loss and had no insurance.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 58 52 05 N 135 08 25 W Chart 17317
Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 5 Net, Built 1914, Registered Juneau, ON 227528, Master and Owner R J Frey of Juneau
Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty October 6, 1930 at Juneau
ELNA (1966) The 8 ton 29 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Elna burned June 27, 1966 at South Point (possibly South Vallenar Point), Gravina Island.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 22 50 N 131 52 40 W Chart 17420
Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 7 Net, Length 29.6, Breadth 9.4, Depth 3.7, Built 1928 at Gig Harbor WA, Horsepower 20, Registered Ketchikan, ON 232083
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 210, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1166
ELSIE III (1951) The 9 ton 32 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Elsie III foundered October 7, 1951 at Rocky Bay.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska Unknown
Comment: Multiple Rocky Bays. WG
Additional Information: Tonnage 9 Gross 7 Net, Length 32.6, Breadth 9.5, Depth 4.5, Horsepower 30, Owner Lars M Larson, Registered Ketchikan, ON 227191
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1951) Pg 162, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1952) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 955
ELWOOD (1895) The schooner Elwood stranded on the reef and was lost on Gardner Point at 2:00 a.m. December 14, 1895. The vessel departed Seattle September 1, 1895 bound for Kodiak and Cook Inlet. Adrian F Gorton, a Swedish sailor, was lost attempting to make shore. Captain E E Wyman and the rest of the crew managed to reach land clinging to the wreckage of the Elwood. They made their way to Murder Cove and eventually Killisnoo where they were rescued by the USS Wolcott and taken to Sitka.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 57 01 N 134 37 W Chart 17320
Comment: One news account says the seaman lost was N. F. Gastrom of San Francisco. WG
Additional Information: Tonnage 97.27 Gross 92.44 Net, Length 84, Breadth 23, Depth 8, SL QVTN, Built 1873 at Kennebunk ME, Former name USCGS Yukon, ON 135436
Sources: 1. Oregonian (January 2, 1896) “Fate of the Elwood” Pg 4, 2. San Francisco Call (January 2, 1896) “Wrecked on a Reef” Front page, 3. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1892) “Yukon” Pg 445, 4. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1894) “Elwood” Pg 109
EMILY (1943) The 11 ton 47 foot wooden gas screw Emily stranded and was lost at Juneau January 26, 1943.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 58 18 15 N 134 24 30 W Chart 17300
Additional Information: Tonnage 11 Gross 7 Net, Length 47, Breadth 10.3, Depth 3.3, Built 1907 at Saint Michael, Service freight, Horsepower 8, Owner Fred F Jorgenson, Registered Juneau, ON 204379
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1944) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 754, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1943) Pg 138
EMILY BROOKE (1998) The 36 foot sea cucumber urchin dive boat Emily Brooke was consumed by a galley stove fire December 26, 1998 in Bar Harbor, Ketchikan. No one was aboard at the time of the disaster.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 20 30 N 131 38 45 W Chart 17420
Additional Information: ON CF1655EB
Sources: 1. U S C G Shipwreck List (1989-2004), 2. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013)
EMMA ARLINE (1998) The 38 foot salmon troller Emma Arline grounded and was lost February 16, 1998 approximately 10 nautical miles north of Petersburg. Both persons on board made it to safety.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 56 48 10 N 132 58 W Chart 17360
Additional Information: ON AK2221H
Sources: 1. U S C G Shipwreck List (1989-2004), 2. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013)
EMPRESS (1922) It was 1:30 in the morning July 27, 1922 when the 23 ton wooden gas screw Empress collided with the 25 ton gas screw Vega off Angle Point, Bold Island. The Vega, captained by Mike Ukropane was headed from Ketchikan to Smeaton Bay and the fishing grounds with four crew. The Empress captained by F H Simonds had been fishing in Smeaton Bay and had 20 tons of fresh fish aboard and one crewman and was headed back to Ketchikan. The following are the two accounts of the accident from the two captains taken from the wreck reports filed by each in Ketchikan the day of the accident.
Captain Simonds of the Empress : “Pilot on Empress saw Ga. S. Vega coming head-on and in an endeavor to keep green to green threw his wheel hard over but could not clear, and the Vega hit the Empress astern cutting the stern off and sinking the Empress within two minutes. The crew of the Vega brought the crew of the Empress to Ketchikan. As soon as the two vessels came together, a line was bent on the Vega in an effort to hold the Empress but the weight was too great and the vessel sank.”
Captain Ukropane of the Vega : “Was keeping the Empress on port all of the time with plenty of room for clearance, when suddenly the Empress cut across our bow and it was impossible to miss the vessel although I threw the wheel hard over. We got a line on the Empress but could not hold her and she sank in about two minutes after the accident.”
The Vega accident report has the Vega’s damage at $10. The Empress, valued at $5,000 and her cargo of fresh fish valued at $500 were both completely lost. The Empress had no insurance.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 14 20 N 131 25 30 W Chart 17420
Additional Information: Tonnage 23 Gross 15 Net, Age 8 years, Registered Seattle, ON 211839, Owner Annette Island Packing Co of Seattle, Last Port Ketchikan July 25th, Destination Smeaton Bay for fish
Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed at Ketchikan July 27, 1922
EMPRESS (1941) The 20 ton 45 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Empress was consumed by fire July 20, 1941 at the entrance to Traitors Cove in Behm Canal.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 42 N 131 39 W Chart 17420
Additional Information: Tonnage 20 Gross 13 Net, Length 45.4, Breadth 12.9, Depth 5.5, Built 1935 at Metlakatla, Horsepower 60, Owner Ben Ridley, Registered Ketchikan, ON 234207
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1948) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 861, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1947) Pg 151
EMPRESS (1962) The 71 ton 78 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Empress burned May 15, 1962 near Pleasant Island in Icy Strait.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 58 21 N 135 38 W Chart 17300
Additional Information: Tonnage 71 Gross 58 Net, Length 78.8, Breadth 17.6, Depth 7.6, Built 1912 at Eliza Island WA, Horsepower 120, SL WA4694, Owner William F Smith, Registered Juneau, ON 209679
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1962) Pg 159, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1963) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 930
ENOS (1955) The 25 ton 45 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Enos stranded and was lost August 14, 1955 at Lazarita Island.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 35 05 N 133 14 40 W Chart 17404
Comment: Probably Larzatita Island. WG
Additional Information: Tonnage 25 Gross 21 Net, Length 45, Breadth 13.3, Depth 5.8, Built 1912 at Poulsbo WA, SL WE4395, Horsepower 110, Owner Wesley Morrison, Registered Ketchikan, ON 209704
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1956) Pg 163, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1957) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 756
EQUINOX (1983) The crab fishing vessel Equinox capsized and sank March 13, 1983 in Lynn Canal two miles east of Haines.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 59 14 10 N 135 26 15 W Chart 17300
Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
EQUITY (2012) The 42 foot troller Equity struck a rock and sank December 14, 2012 southwest of Heceta Island. The crew issued a distress call over VHF Channel 16 and abandoned ship in survival suits to a life raft. Good Samaritan fishing vessel High Pockets responded to the radio call and recovered the three crewmembers of the Equity and transported them to Klawock.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 45 N 133 30 W Chart 17400
Additional Information: Tonnage 25 Gross 5 Net, Length 42, Reg. # AK4241AK, Call Sign WDG3610
Sources: 1. USCG News Release (December 14, 2012), 2. 17th Coast Guard District Enforcement Report (Dec 2012-Mar 2013), 3. USCG Marine Information Exchange
ERDSWOLD (1938) See EIDSVOLD (SE)
ESSU (1925) The 9 ton 32 foot wooden gas screw Essu caught fire at was destroyed at the wharf at Port Alexander at 4:00 p.m. June 7, 1925. The following are comments found on the report of casualty filed at Ketchikan by the master of the Essu, Maude Mezich:
“Calm, warm, smooth sea….Wharf Port Alexander, Alaska.” “Vessel was filling oil, no fire in stove and no one smoking, very warm day, but cause of fire and how it started not known.” “Crew of Am. Ga. S. Lief II used fire extinguishers and sand and sunk vessel.”
There was no loss of life, but the Essu, valued at $3,000 was a total loss with no insurance. She was later salvaged, put back into service and burned again in 1946 at Wrangell.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 56 15 N 133 38 40 W Chart 17320
Additional Information: Tonnage 9 Gross 7 Net, Age 7 years, Registered Seattle, ON 216534, Master Maude Mezich of Ketchikan, Owner John K Peterson of Portland Oregon
Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty June 18, 1925
ESSU (1946) The 9 ton 32 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Essu was consumed by fire in the small boat harbor at Wrangell on March 27, 1946.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 56 28 N 132 22 40 W Chart 17360
Additional Information: Tonnage 9 Gross 7 Net, Length 32.5, Breadth 10.9, Depth 3.8, Built 1918 at Seattle, Horsepower 60, Owner Leeman S Ellis, Registered Wrangell, ON 216534
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1946) Pg 151, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1947) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 823
ESTEBETH (1948) The 70 ton 55 foot wooden oil screw Estebeth was destroyed by fire March 31, 1948 off of Point Couverden, 55 miles from Juneau.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 58 11 25 N 135 03 10 W Chart 17300
Additional Information: Tonnage 70 Gross 47 Net, Length 55.1, Breadth 17.8, Depth 9.7, Built 1918 at Tacoma WA, Service passenger, Horsepower 100, Owner James V Davis, Registered Ketchikan, ON 216559
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1957) Pg 168, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1958) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 777
ESTELLA (1939) An engine backfire caused an explosion and fire which destroyed the 13 ton gas screw Estella at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday August 22, 1939. Owner and master Claude Yeisley of Ketchikan and his only crewman, Charles Kennedy were thrown from the cabin of the Estella when the blast occurred and were able to escape the vessel. The Estella, valued at $3,500 burned where she sat in a small cove immediately north of Wards Cove. There was no cargo and the Estella was insured for $2,000.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 24 30 N 131 43 30 W Chart 17430
Additional Information: Tonnage 13 Gross 9 Net, Age 35 years, Registration Ketchikan, ON 201127, Last Port Ketchikan August 21, 1939, Destination Wards Cove
Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed at Ketchikan August 22, 1939 by Yeisley
ESTELLA (1996) The 58 foot fishing vessel Estella ran aground and sank July 25, 1996 in Sukoi Inlet. All six on board made it to safety.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 57 14 N 135 36 W Chart 17320
Additional Information: ON 232995
Sources: 1. U S C G Shipwreck List (1989-2004), 2. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013)
ESTER (1958) The 9 ton 34 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Ester burned September 5, 1958 at Camp Coogan Bay near Sitka.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 57 00 30 N 135 14 W Chart 17320
Additional Information: Tonnage 9 Gross 6 Net, Length 34, Breadth 9.3, Depth 4.7, Built 1928 at Poulsbo WA, Horsepower 115, SL WD2803, Owner George Q Rohrer, Registered Sitka, ON 227489
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1959) Pg 175, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1960) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 823
ESTRELLA (1952) The 7 ton 38 foot wooden gas screw Estrella burned May 20, 1952 at Clover Pass.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 28 20 N 131 47 30 W Chart 17420
Additional Information: Tonnage 7 Gross 5 Net, Length 38.8, Breadth 7.8, Depth ?, Built Seattle WA, Service misc., Horsepower 80, Owner Stanley Oaksmith Jr, Registered Ketchikan, ON 218392
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1952) Pg 173, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1953-1954) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 744
ETOLIN (1933) The 17 ton 43 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Etolin foundered in Kasaan Bay August 4, 1933. The five crewmen aboard made it to safety.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 24 N 132 06 W Chart 17420
Additional Information: Tonnage 17 Gross 14 Net, Length 43, Breadth 13, Depth 5, Horsepower 30, Built 1912 at Seattle WA, Owner R P Young of Kasaan, Registered Ketchikan, ON 209587
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1934) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1007, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1933) Pgs 312-313
ETOLIN (1938) The 24 ton 53 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Etolin was destroyed by fire at 11 a.m. Saturday October 22, 1938 in Red Bay, southeast Alaska. The vessel was outbound from Wrangell with 12 tons of oil in drums, ice and groceries headed for Keku Island. When the fire occurred, the two aboard were able to escape. Manuel Loftas, master of the Etolin made the following statements in his casualty report filed at Wrangell:
“Red Bay, SE Alaska…SW light breeze, sea fairly calm.” “Backfire from engine….fire” “Put Pyrene on it; broke small bulb extinguisher in engine room; had life boat towing behind. Ga. S. Caesar alongside about hour later. Guns were borrowed to shoot holes thru hull to sink vessel to prevent further burning. Tried to pull vessel over by putting line around mast, but unable to do so; drum exploded aft at this time. Brought to Snow Pass by Caesar to await further transportation to town.”
According to the casualty report, the Etolin was valued at $2,500 and her cargo at $50. Insurance on the vessel, which was a total loss, was $1,000.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 56 20 N 133 18 W Chart 17360
Additional Information: Tonnage 24 Gross 16 Net, Built 1912 at Astoria OR, Registered Wrangell, ON 209947, Owner C B Wyatt of Wrangell
Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed October 26, 1938 at Wrangell
ETTA (1966) The 17 ton 41 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Etta was lost on September 11, 1966, after a collision with the My Laddie approximately 5000 feet off shore from Beacon Point.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 56 56 15 N 132 59 30 W Chart 17360
Additional Information: Tonnage 17 Gross 12 Net, Length 41.6, Breadth 11.6, Depth 6.1, Built 1948, Horsepower 96, SL WD3993, Registered Seattle, ON 254704
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 219, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1167
EURUS (1927) The 18 ton oil screw Eurus was lost in Dixon Harbor at 12:05 p.m. Friday November 4, 1927 after a collision with the USCG Cutter Unalga. The Unalga had towed the Eurus into safety after the Eurus broke down in Cross Sound near Cape Spencer. The tow line parted in Dixon Harbor and while attempting to get another aboard the Eurus, the Unalga punched a hole into the Eurus which sank in 20 minutes. The crew of two from the Eurus was taken aboard the Unalga.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 58 20 15 N 136 52 W Chart 17301
Additional Information: Tonnage 15 Gross 10 Net, Built 1902, Registered Juneau, ON 156995, Master P Kegel of Juneau, Owner same, Last Port Cordova October 28, 1927, Destination Juneau, Cargo none, Vessel Value $9,000, Insurance $2,000, Weather moderate SW breeze, considerable swell
Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed by Kegel November 5, 1927 at Juneau
EVELYN G (1921) The 13 ton wooden gas screw Evelyn G stranded and was lost at Point Arden, Stephens Passage 7:00 p.m. Sunday November 20, 1921. According to the casualty report filed by owner and master Paul Kegel of Douglas, “water in gas froze and cut off fuel supply.” “Endeavored to start engine, lost rudder and vessel drifted ashore.” Kegel and one other crewman were on their way from Petersburg to Juneau with no cargo. The crew survived but the Evelyn G was a total loss.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 58 09 30 N 134 10 30 W Chart 17300
Additional Information: Tonnage 13 Gross 11 Net, Age 9 years, Registered Juneau, ON 213724, Vessel Value $2,000, Insurance none
Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed at Juneau November 28, 1921
EVELYN MARY LOUISE (1996) The 32 foot fiberglass fishing vessel Evelyn Mary Louise burned and sank March 29, 1996 at Metlakatla. There was no loss of life.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 07 45 N 131 34 30 W Chart 17420
Additional Information: ON 593247
Sources: 1. U S C G Shipwreck List (1989-2004), 2. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013)
EVELYN S (2001) The 70 foot fish tender Evelyn S flooded and sank August 27, 2001 in the Gulf of Alaska 52 nautical miles south of Yakutat. A leaking shaft seal flooding the engine room precipitated the disaster. All three crewmen abandoned ship and were rescued with the aid of the U S Coast Guard and fishing vessel Gandil.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 59 33 N 139 44 W Chart 16013
Additional Information: ON 220014
Sources: 1. U S C G News Release (August 28, 2001) “Coast Guard responds to sinking fishing boat”, 2. A D E C Incident Report (August 28, 2001) “F/V Evelyn S”
EVENING STAR (2012) The 50 foot purse seine fishing vessel Evening Star capsized and sank in Slocum Arm August 2, 2012. The crew had just hauled a large set of pink salmon over the starboard rail when she capsized and sank. Four crewmembers were deposited into the water and retrieved by the fifth crewman who was operating the vessel’s seine skiff. All five were rescued by the fishing vessel El Dorado who was working nearby. As a result of the pollution potential caused by the sinking of the Evening Star, the pink salmon fishery in Slocum Arm was closed down for three days.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 57 34 N 136 03 W Chart 17320
Additional Information: Tonnage 35 Gross 4 Net, Built 1960, AK Reg. AK6682AM
Sources: 1. 17th Coast Guard District Enforcement Report (Jun-Sep 2012), 2. USCG MISLE Case # 606705, 3. USCG Marine Information Exchange
EVIE (1968) The gas screw Evie foundered and was lost October 5, 1968 off of Point Stanhope.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 56 00 50 N 132 36 10 W Chart 17360
Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)
EXHIBIT (1961) The 21 ton 40 foot wooden oil screw Exhibit was consumed by fire August 18, 1961 at Hydaburg.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 12 20 N 132 49 28 W Chart 17400
Additional Information: Tonnage 21 Gross 14 Net, Length 40.8, Breadth 12.9, Depth 5.8, Built 1949 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 165, Service freight, SL WJ6073, Owner Duncan Cogo, Registered Ketchikan, ON 257648
Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 223, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1167
EXPLORA (1929) The 10 ton wooden gas screw Explora caught fire and was lost at 9 p.m. Tuesday November 5, 1929 at Herring Creek on the east side of Wrangell Island. The two person crew survived, but the Explora, valued at $1,500 was a total loss with no insurance.
Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska Unknown
Comment: Probably Herring Cove east of Ketchikan. WG
Additional Information: Tonnage 10 Gross, 8 Net, Age 16 years, Registered Ketchikan and Seattle, ON 218191, Master Carl Helm of Ketchikan, Owner Charles Eltman of Ketchikan, Last Port November 4, 1929, Destination Herring Creek
Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty filed November 12, 1929 at Ketchikan