South East Alaska Shipwrecks ( T )

TACOMA (1918) SE     The 11 ton 35 foot gas screw fishing vessel Tacoma stranded and was lost in Metlakatla Harbor at 4:00 a.m. December 16, 1918.  The vessel was out of commission and anchored in the harbor with no one aboard when the disaster occurred.  The following are excerpts from the casualty report filed by Ed Atkinson, master and owner of the Tacoma:

“Heavy SE gale, high seas, dark”  “Metlakatla Harbor, Alaska”  “broke loose from anchorage”  “Stranding”  “Vessel broke loose from anchorage and stranded on reef in harbor.  When found, was broken to pieces”  “total loss”

The Tacoma had a value of $2,400 and was a total loss with no insurance.  There was no loss of life.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 07 45 N 131 34 30 W   Chart 17434

Additional Information: Tonnage 11 Gross 7 Net, Length 35.7, Breadth 11.8, Depth 3.9, IHP 16, Built 1909 at Tacoma WA, Registered Ketchikan, ON 206242, Master and owner Ed Atkinson of Metlakatla

Sources: 1. U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty December 20, 1918 at Ketchikan, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1918) Pg 319

TAGALAK (1931)     Fire destroyed the 71 ton 65 foot oil screw fishing vessel Tagalak in Sukkwan Strait at 11:00 p.m. Thursday September 10, 1931.  The vessel departed Waterfall September 8, 1931 with six crewmen aboard to take in traps from Cordova Bay.  The following are excerpts from the casualty report submitted by J Hansen, master and part owner of the Tagalak:

“2 miles S E of Hydaburg, Alaska in Sukkwan Strait”  “Moderate westerly wind”  “Boat caught fire in engine room supposedly from crossed electric wires”  “When fire discovered all fire extinguishers used also blocked engine room in attempt to smother fire”  “Within three minutes after smoke was discovered the entire boat was in flames.  It went so fast that the crew barely saved life of Capt. Hansen, who was fighting the fire.  The Tagalak had a trap and pile driver in tow at time of accident”  “Had tender Frederick C standing by for two days with man at wreck waiting instructions from insurance company”  “Total loss”

The Tagalak had a value of $55,000 and was a total loss.  She was insured for $37,000.  There was no cargo aboard the vessel.  There was no loss of life.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 12 20 N 132 49 28 W   Chart 17400

Additional Information: Tonnage 71 Gross 48 Net, Length 65.3, Breadth 18.1, Depth 9.1, IHP 180, Built 1928 at Tacoma WA, Registered Ketchikan, ON 227707, Owner J Hansen of Seattle, Owners J Hansen and P M Hansen of Seattle

Sources: 1. U S C G Report of Casualty September 13, 1931 at Ketchikan, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1931) Pgs 520-1

TAKAN (1990)     The 45 foot wooden halibut longliner Takan flooded and was lost in 15 foot seas April 7, 1990 off of Cape Spencer.   All four crewmembers abandoned ship in survival suits and were rescued by a U S Coast Guard Helicopter.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 12 45 N 136 39 30 W   Chart 16016

Additional Information: ON 218055, Built 1919

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

TAKU II (1937)     Fire destroyed the 14 ton 52 foot wooden gas screw Taku II at Ketchikan at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday August 11, 1937.  There were two persons aboard the vessel when the disaster took place.  The following are excerpts from the casualty report filed by Margaret P Noyes, owner of the Taku II:

“Standard Oil Company Dock, Ketchikan, Alaska”  “Fire and Explosion”  “Engineer, Clarence Crawford was filling fuel tanks with gasoline when explosion occurred.  He was burned about hands, face and arms and received a cut near his left eye, severity of the injury is not as yet determined”  “Standard Oil Company Employees, Ketchikan City Fire Truck and Fire Boat (assisted)”  “All available fire equipment used”  “Total loss”

The Taku II had a value of $2,500 which was a total loss.  She was carrying no cargo.  Her insurance was in the amount of $1,500.  There was no loss of life.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 14 Gross 10 Net, Length 52, Breadth 11.3, Depth 4.9, Built 1910 at Seattle, Registered Ketchikan, Master John R Riggs of Ketchikan, Owner Margaret P Noyes of Ketchikan

Sources: 1. U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty August 12, 1937, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1937) Pg 296

TAKU NO 5 (1923)     The 19 ton scow Taku No 5 was blown ashore in high winds and broke up in Taku Harbor, Taku Inlet at 10:00 a.m. Friday September 28, 1923.  The wreckage of the vessel was hauled onto the beach and fired to avoid further damage.  The Taku No 5 had a value of $1,500 at the time of the loss and was not carrying cargo.  No one was aboard the scow.  The vessel was a total loss.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 03 30 N 134 02 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 19, Built 1919 at Taku Harbor, Registered Juneau, ON 167616, Master C F Ahues, Owner Libby, McNeil & Libby, Insurance unknown

Sources: 1. U S C G Report of Casualty October 1, 1923 by Ahues at Juneau, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1923) Pg 417

TALIA (1991)     The 58 foot herring fishing vessel Talia sank in rough seas with a heavy load of herring April 11, 1991 off of Point Gardner.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 01 N 134 37 W   Chart 17320

Additional Information: ON 607610

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

 

TAMMY KAY (1992)     The 32 foot salmon seiner Tammy Kay capsized and sank while under tow September 1, 1992 off of Seduction Point.  Robert J. Becker Jr. (20) survived but Justin R. Albecker (16) was lost.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   59 04 55 N 135 18 25 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: ON 556470

Sources: 1. U S C G Shipwreck List (1989-2004), 2. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013), 3. Daily Sitka Sentinel (September 2, 1992) “Crewman Dies When Boat Flips” Pg 3

 

TAMORA (2000)     The 36 foot wooden salmon troller Tamora drug anchor, grounded, capsized and was lost August 25, 2000 in Kalinin Bay.  The only person aboard made it to safety.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 20 N 135 47 W   Chart 17320

Comment: Some reports have this vessel lost in Sitka Sound, not Salisbury Sound.  WG

Additional Information: ON 210074

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

 

TAMRA DAWN (1996)     The 29 foot sea cucumber urchin dive boat Tamra Dawn took on water and sank November 26, 1996 at Dall Head southwest of Ketchikan.  The vessel was on a dive trip for sea cucumbers with three persons on board.  The Tamra Dawn was lost with all hands including owner Bryan Spencer, his brother Lee Spencer and crewmember Bill Tyler, all from Ketchikan.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 08 N 131 45 W   Chart 17420

Additional Information: ON 237277

Sources: 1. U S C G Shipwreck List (1989-2004), 2. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013), 3. Daily Sitka Sentinel (November 29, 1996) “Search for Boat Ended” Pg 5

 

TANIA DEE (2005)     The 38 foot steel halibut longline fishing and trolling vessel Tania Dee foundered in rough weather April 22, 2004 approximately 29 nautical miles west of Cape Ommaney.  The two crewmen abandoned ship in survival suits.  One crewman was rescued by the fishing vessel Kristina in good condition having donned his survival suit before entering the water.  The master of the Tania Dee, William Thomas Roy Smith, was picked up by U S Coast Guard Helicopter but did not survive. While the Tania Dee was listing 45 degrees, Smith attempted to release the vessel’s life raft and did not get into his survival suit until after he entered the water.

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

Additional Information: ON 278829, Built 1959 Parkland WA, Call Sign WL6857

Sources: 1. USCG News Release (April 23, 2005) “Coast Guard helicopter crew responds to vessel sinking”, 2. USCG MISLE Case # 227774

 

TARLETON H BEAN (1958)     The 35 foot herring fishing vessel Tarleton H Bean disappeared December 10, 1958 in Taku Inlet.  The vessel was abandoned in a gale by three Alaska Fish and Wildlife Service men who had been doing herring research when they became entrapped in the ice of a small land projection.  The three men boarded the U S Coast Guard Cutter Sweetbriar unharmed.  A power barge was sent to recover the vessel but the Tarleton H Bean could not be found.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 12 N 134 06 W   Chart 17360

Additional Information: Former research vessel Black Bear

Sources: 1. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013), 2. Seattle Daily Times (December 13, 1958) “Research Boat Lost in Gale near Juneau” Pg 11

 

TASMANIA (1932)     The 10 ton 34 foot wooden gas screw Tasmania caught fire and burned off Wrangell December 16, 1932.  The four persons aboard made it to safety.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 10 Gross 7 Net, Length 33.9, Breadth 9.6, Depth 3.7, Built 1911 at Decatur WA, Horsepower 30, Owner Carl Anderson, Registered Petersburg, ON 208577

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1933) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 990, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1932) Pgs 542-3

 

TATOOSH (1938)     The 31 ton 50 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Tatoosh struck a navigational dolphin (Buoy #9) and foundered in Wrangell Narrows at 7 a.m. Tuesday September 27, 1938.  The vessel departed Juneau September 16^th bound for the fishing banks of Area 3, and was on her way to Prince Rupert, B.C.  There were seven crewmen aboard when the disaster occurred.  The following statements are from the casualty report submitted by Kristian Martinsen, master and owner of the Tatoosh:

“Dense fog and heavy tide”  “100 yard approximately from black dolphin south of red dolphin No 3, Wrangell Narrows”  “Struck dolphin No 8 and foundered”  “Calm, dense fog, no sea, heavy tide current, at night, dark”  “Master jumped from dolphin to stern in effort to put a line on the dolphin but ship was sinking too fast”  “Ship held against dolphin by force of tide current, no possible chance to work her by either way.  Force of current bore her down on side away from dolphin, soon filling engine room and forecastle.  Ship went down by head, and drifted away from dolphin with stern about two feet out of water, then finally sank in about seven fathoms water.  All aboard ship climbed on dolphin.”  “Oil screw Recovery picked the master and crew off the dolphin and took them to Petersburg, Alaska”

The Tatoosh had a value of $10,000.  She had a cargo of 25,000 pounds of fresh halibut aboard valued at $2,000 and halibut fishing gear worth $1,500.  The vessel and her cargo were total losses.  There was no insurance on the vessel, but her cargo was insured for eight cents per pound.  There was no loss of life.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 31 N 132 55 W   Chart 17375

Additional Information: Tonnage 31 Gross 21 Net, Length 50.4, Breadth 14.3, Depth 7.8, Built 1917 at Seattle WA, IHP 60, Registered Ketchikan, ON 215345, Master and owner Kristian Martinsen of Seattle

Sources: 1. U S C G Report of Casualty October 1, 1938 at Petersburg, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1937) Pg 296

TEDDY (1914)     The 12 ton 38 foot wooden gas screw Teddy stranded and sank in Nichols Bay at 6:30 p.m. Friday November 20, 1914.  The vessel departed Sulzer that day bound for Ketchikan with two persons aboard.  There was no cargo.  The following are excerpts from the casualty report filed by A L Hubbard, master and owner of the Teddy:

“Heavy S E Gale, night, snowing”  “Upper part of Nichols Bay, S E Alaska.  Drifted on reef, filled and sank”  “Stranded”  “Drifted on reef and sank”

The Teddy was valued at $3,200 at the time of the disaster.  She was insured for $1,500.  There was no loss of life.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   54 41 30 N 132 04 45 W   Chart 17420

Additional Information: Tonnage 12 Gross 8 Net, Length 38.5, Breadth 8.5, Depth 2.8, Built 1904 at Ketchikan, Registered Ketchikan, ON 200982, Master A L Hubbard of Ketchikan, Owners Hubbard & Williams of Ketchikan

Sources: 1. U S C G Report of Casualty November 30, 1914, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1914) Pg 306

TERESA (1930)     The 8 ton 30 foot wooden fishing vessel Teresa foundered near Khaz Head at 2 p.m. Friday November 21, 1930.  The vessel departed Sitka November 12, 1920 bound for Lisianski Inlet with 3 passengers and 1 crewman aboard.  The vessel had no cargo.  The following are excerpts from the casualty report submitted by Hugo W Frederickson, master and owner of the Teresa:

“Phil’s (Piehle) Passage, Khaz Head”  “High wind, severe storm”  “Ignition trouble and storm”  “Foundering”  “Tried sails and anchors but anchor lines chafed and parted”  “Passengers and master stayed on rock 42 hours until rescued by Estebeth”  “Total loss”

The Teresa had a value of $2,000 which was a total loss.  There was no insurance on the vessel.  No lives were lost.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 31 45 N 136 01 W   Chart 17322

Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 5 Net, Length 30, Breadth 10.5, Depth 3.8, Built 1910 at Colby WA, HP 10, Master and Owner Hugo W Frederickson of Sitka

Sources: U S C G Report of Casualty November 11, 1930 at Sitka, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1930) Pgs 526-7

THELMA (1933)     The 7 ton 30 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Thelma foundered off Cape Muzon Light November 28, 1933.  The one person aboard was lost with the Thelma.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   54 39 50 N 132 41 30 W   Chart 17400

Additional Information: Tonnage 7 Gross 5 Net, Length 30.1, Breadth 9, Depth 4.1, Built 1929 at Ketchikan, Horsepower 20, Owner T H Paulsen, Registered Ketchikan, ON 228239

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1934) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1007, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1933) Pgs 566-7

 

THELMA M (1934)     The 10 ton 31 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Thelma M foundered off Portage Island March 8, 1934.  The three crewmen aboard made it to safety.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 01 10 N 133 20 50 W   Chart 17360

Additional Information: Tonnage 10 Gross 7 Net, Length 31, Breadth 10.8, Depth 5.2, Built 1917 at Astoria OR, Horsepower 20, Owner Sigurd Klabo, Registered Petersburg, ON 215091

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1934) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1007, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1933) Pgs 566-7

 

THLINKET (1969)     The oil screw Thlinket foundered and was lost August 8, 1969 in Sumner Strait.

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

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

THOR (1963)     The 59 ton 60 foot steel gas screw fishing vessel Thor foundered April 29, 1963 in Behm Canal.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 28 N 131 55 W   Chart 17420

Additional Information: Tonnage 59 Gross 53 Net, Length 59.9, Breadth 20, Depth 4.6, Built 1951 at Bellingham WA, Horsepower 242, SL WE3067, Owner Port Ashton Packing Company, Registered Bellingham WA, ON 261655

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1963) Pg 648, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 967

 

THRASHER (1958)     The 11 ton 38 foot wooden gas screw tug Thrasher foundered August 15, 1958 off of Mary Island.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 06 N 131 10 08 W   Chart 17420

Comment: There are other Mary Islands this wreck could have been near.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 11 Gross 8 Net, Length 38.1, Breadth 11.4, Depth 4.6, Built 1920 at Lake Bay WA, Service towing, Horsepower 141, SL WB7941, Owner Elmer A Almquist, Registered Ketchikan, ON 221011

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1959) Pg 559, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1960) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 826

 

THREE DEUCES (1949)     The 14 ton 45 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Three Deuces burned one hundred yards offshore one quarter mile south of Bear Creek on Admiralty Island August 14, 1949.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 16 55 N 134 46 30 W

Comment: Bear Creek flows into Stephens Passage from the Mansfield Peninsula 1.8 miles NW of Colt Island.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 14 Gross 9 Net, length 45.1, Breadth 9.1, Depth 4.7, Built unknown, Horsepower 110, Owner Ludwig Nelson, Registered Juneau, ON 235795

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1949) Pg 545, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1950) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 928, 3. Dictionary of Alaska Place Names (1971) “Bear Creek” Pg 113

 

THREE TWINS (1927)     The 10 ton 34 foot wooden gas screw 3 Twins foundered near Prince of Wales Island at 2:00 p.m. January 5, 1927.  Two of the three persons aboard perished in the disaster.  The vessel departed Ketchikan and was bound for Kendrick Bay.  The following information comes from the casualty report much of which came from the Ketchikan Chronicle from the day after the tragedy; details given by the only survivor, Tom Berry:

“Coast of Prince of Wales Island opposite Ketchikan”  “Heavy sea, very cold, in day time”  “Open hatch and loss of skiff, cover blew off and seas filled boat”  “Foundering”  “Owner of boat was in engine room because of engine trouble when boat sank”  “Total Loss”

Lost with the 3 Twins were master and owner, T H Voss, and crewman Gus Swenson.  The vessel had a value of $1,500.  She had 2,500 pounds of cargo including coal, $50 worth of groceries for camp and some boom chain on deck.  All was lost with no insurance for the vessel or her cargo.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   54 51 15 N 131 58 W   Chart 17420

Additional Information: Tonnage 10 Gross 7 Net, Length 33.8, Breadth 9.6, Depth 4.6, HP 20, Built 1911 at Seattle WA, Registered Ketchikan, ON 208607, Master and owner T H Voss of Ketchikan

Sources: 1. U S C G Report of Casualty March 11, 1927 by Mrs. Anne Voss at Ketchikan, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1926) Pgs 520-1

THUNDERBIRD (1991)     The 35 foot longline fishing vessel Thunderbird flooded and sank February 14, 1991 in Chatham Strait.  Two persons were on board but only one survived the disaster.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 03 N 134 32 W   Chart 16016

Additional Information: ON 255145

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

 

TIDINGS (1947)     The 17 ton 40 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Tidings stranded and foundered September 3, 1947 off of Soapstone Point in Cross Sound.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 06 10 N 136 29 50 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 17 Gross 11 Net, Length 40.5, Breadth 11.7, Depth 5.4, Built 1902 at Seattle, Crew 2, Horsepower 145, SL AYEO, Owner Richard Perry, Registered Sitka, ON 145941

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1947) Pg 501, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1962) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 905

 

TILLIKUM (1959)     The 26 ton 47 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Tillikum foundered December 1, 1959 near Dundas Island.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 19 N 136 14 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 26 Gross 18 Net, Length 47, Breadth 12.7, Depth 6.8, Built 1918 a Seattle WA, Horsepower 65, Owner Edna E Almquist, Registered Seattle, ON 215954

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1960) Pg 575, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1961) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 863

 

TIMBERMAN (1952)     The 53 ton 61 foot wooden oil screw tug Timberman stranded and was lost October 18, 1952 at Caamano Point.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 30 N 131 58 W   Chart 17420

Additional Information: Tonnage 53 Gross 36 Net, Length 61.1, Breadth 16.9, Depth 6.9, Built 1914 at Port Angeles WA, Former Name Albert, Service towing, Horsepower 240, Owner Clarence Purdy, Registered Ketchikan, ON 212551

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1958) Pg 549, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1959) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 803

 

TINY BOY (1940)     The 27 ton 46 foot wooden oil screw freight hauling vessel Tiny Boy foundered October 11, 1940 1 ½ miles off shore between Funter Bay and Point Retreat.  The 6 crewmen aboard made it to safety.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 24 45 N 134 57 15 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 27 Gross 18 Net, Length 46.4, Breadth 13.3, Depth 6.2, Built 1937 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 85, Owner W H Bowman, Registered Wrangell, ON 236443

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1942) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 512, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1941) Pg 291

TOGALOH (1931)     See TAGALAK (1931)

Comment: Reported in H W McCurdy (1966) Pg 413 with incorrect spelling.  WG

TOM (1960)     The 36 ton 50 foot steel oil screw tug Tom foundered September 7, 1960. The vessel sank in 492 feet of water in Stephens Passage near Frederick Sound 75 miles south of Juneau. Lost with the vessel were skipper Earl Long of North Bend OR, Myrton Voellger of Poulsbo WA and William Povoa of Honolulu HI.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 50 N 134 25 W   Chart 17360

Additional Information: Tonnage 36 Gross 24 Net, Length 50.8, Breadth 18.5, Depth 5.3, Built 1959 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 454, SL WL2619, Owner Puget Sound Dredging Company, Registered Seattle, ON 278299

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1960) Pg 576, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1961) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 863

 

TOMBSTONE (1999)     The 35 foot pleasure craft Tombstone grounded and sank December 31, 1999 on the northwest side of Shelter Island.  Both persons on board were rescued by the U S Coast Guard rescue boat from Juneau.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 26 N 134 52 W   Chart 17300

Sources: 1. U S C G News Release (December 31, 1999) “Coast Guard rescues stranded hunters off Juneau’s Shelter Island”, 2. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013)

 

TOMMY BOY (1974)     The private vessel Tommy Boy went missing November 4, 1974 at Shelter Island near Juneau with the loss of the three people on board.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 26 N 134 52 W   Chart 17360

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

TONGASS (1971)     The fishing vessel Tongass stranded and sank May 2, 1971 at the south end of Baranof Island.  All six crewmembers were rescued by a nearby fishing vessel and taken to Sitka.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 45 N 135 10 W   Chart 17320

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

TONGASS (1995)     The 110 foot steel tug Tongass capsized and sank in heavy weather December 1, 1995 near Hump Island north of Point Retreat.  The vessel was disembarking a state pilot from the 600 foot log carrier Ken El at the Point Retreat pilot station. As the pilot prepared to board from the Ken El, the Tongass began to roll over. The deckhand from the Tongass was able to jump from the bow over to the Ken El as the Tongass capsized. Captain Miles “Mike” Keso abandoned the Tongass as she keeled over but did not have his survival suit completely on. He was retrieved several hours later from the water and flown to Bartlett Memorial Hospital but never revived. Weather included northwest winds 30 to 40 knots, 8 to 10 foot seas with heavy freezing spray and a temperature of 20 degrees. Though heavy icing on the Tongass played a part in the capsizing, it was also determined that many other factors contributed. The Tongass made contact with the Ken El with both vessels underway and put his rudder at an angle to force the Tongass against the hull of the Ken El.  The additional forces, including suction, drag, rudder, wind and waves coupled with the ice buildup creating an unstable condition that led to the capsizing of the Tongass. The contrary weather and poor visibility further hindered efforts of the responding Coast Guard helicopter to travel to the scene and locate Captain Keso.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 27 30 N 134 59 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 141 Gross, Length 100, Built 1941 Port Arthur TX, ON 575676

Sources: 1. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013), 2. USCG MISLE Case # 818081

 

TOPSY D (1928)     The 9 ton 33 foot wooden fishing vessel Topsy D stranded and was lost at Point Amelius at 2:30 p.m. Saturday January 7, 1928.  The vessel was coming from Wrangell on her way to Louise Cove with two persons aboard; the master and engineer.  The following are excerpts from the casualty report filed by Emil Meldahl, master and owner of the Topsy D:

“Heavy southerly gale, weather was cloudy and rainy, dark”  “On Point Amelius, Alaska, close to Beauclaire Light”  “Stranded”  “Broke moorings and drifted on the rocks”  “Could do nothing as the engine was not strong enough to make any headway with the vessel”  “The reason the wreck was not reported before is that we were trying to salve the vessel and thought possibly she could be repaired, but when we got her off we found she was a complete wreck”  “TOTAL LOSS”

The Topsy D had a value of $600, was not carrying cargo, and had no insurance.  There was no loss of life.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 12 N 133 54 15 W   Chart 17360

Additional Information: Tonnage 9 Gross 6 Net, Length 33, Breadth 9.7, Depth 3.6, Horsepower 14, Built 1907 at Seattle WA, Registered Wrangell, ON 213927, Master and Owner Emil Meldahl of Wrangell

Sources: 1. U S C G Report of Casualty March 24, 1928 at Wrangell, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1927) Pgs 506-7

TOTSY (1963)     The 17 ton 42 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Totsy stranded and was lost December 30, 1963 at Waterfall.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 17 50 N 133 14 30 W   Chart 17400

Additional Information: Tonnage 17 Gross 11 Net, Length 42, Breadth 11.9, Depth 4.7, Built 1938 at Hydaburg, Horsepower 70, Owner Philip G Lauth Sr., Registered Ketchikan, ON 237826

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) Pg 678, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1006

 

TOWNSEND (1900)     The 450 ton 125 foot wooden steamer Townsend stranded and was lost near Haines Mission at 4 p.m. Tuesday January 16, 1900.  The vessel departed Skagway that day bound for Haines Mission with 8 passengers and 20 crewmen aboard.  They were not carrying cargo.  The following are excerpts from the wreck report file by W McKenzie, master of the Townsend:

“Point of land midway between Haines Mission and Battery Point”  “Stranding”  “Boilers failed and engines stopped”  “In heavy sea vessel drifted on point”  “Gale from north, moderate sea, weather clear”  “No time to take any measures; was ashore in 15 minutes”  “No assistance rendered.  Crew and passengers landed through surf In boats”  “Anchors were let go as soon as engines failed, but could find no bottom until vessel was on the rocks; January 21 vessel had disappeared from sight”  “Total loss”

The Townsend had a value of $70,000 and was a total loss with no insurance.  There was no loss of life.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   59 12 30 N 135 21 40 W   Chart 17300, 17317

Additional Information: Tonnage 450 Gross 240 Net, Length 125, Breadth 27, Depth 19, Built 1884 at Astoria OR, SL KCVB, Master W McKenzie of San Francisco, Owner Charles D Lane of San Francisco

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report at Seattle February 7, 1900

 

TRADEWIND (1972)     The oil screw Tradewind burned September 27, 1972 at Sergius Narrows north of Sitka.

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

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

TRANSITION (2008)     The 35 foot converted wooden troller Transition disappeared with two persons aboard February 28, 2008 on a trip from Juneau to Ketchikan.  Only a door to the vessel was found on Kupreanof Island in Frederick Sound.  Lost were Mike Dunne and Vern McGee.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 45 N 133 30 W   Chart 17360

Sources: 1. U S C G News Release (February 23, 2008) “Coast Guard Searches for Two Unreported Mariners”, 2. U S C G News Release (February 28, 2008) “Search for Missing Mariners Suspended”

 

TRAVELER (1965)     The 9 ton 39 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Traveler burned March 10, 1965 at Klawock.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 33 15 N 133 05 45 W   Chart 17400

Additional Information: Tonnage 9 Gross 6 Net, Length 39.8, Breadth 9.1, Depth 3.5, Built 1910 at Portland OR, Horsepower78, Owner Kenneth Mauska, Registered Wrangell, ON 207305

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 705, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1176

 

TRAVELER (1972)     The oil screw Traveler foundered and was lost June 2, 1972 in Clarence Strait.

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

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

TRILBY (1989)     The 43 foot steel longline halibut fishing vessel Trilby struck a rock and sank quickly October 9, 1989 in Salisbury Sound.  All four crewmembers escaped to a life raft and were rescued.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 22 N 135 50 W   Chart 17320

Additional Information: ON 635726

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

TRINITY I (1972)     The tug Trinity I struck Lincoln Rock in Clarence Strait, slipped off and sank February 7, 1972.  Both crewmen were rescued by the U S Coast Guard Cutter Bittersweet.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 03 25 N 132 41 50 W   Chart 17360

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

TRISH (1988)     The 40 foot troller/gillnetter/longliner Trish capsized and sank June 23, 1988 off of Tolstoi Point in Clarence Strait.  The vessel took a wave over the stern which precipitated the disaster.  All three crewmembers escaped to a life raft and were picked up by the fishing vessel Harvey-O.  The U S Coast Guard cutter Cape Hatteras attempted to tow the vessel to shallower water but the tow line broke.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 40 10 N 132 23 10 W   Chart 17420

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

TRITON (1962)     The 19 ton 42 foot wooden oil screw Triton was consumed by fire March 12, 1962 at Craig.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 28 30 N 133 09 W   Chart 17400

Additional Information: Tonnage 19 Gross 16 Net, Length 42.2, Breadth 10.8, Depth 5.8, Built 1920 at Everett WA, Service passenger, Horsepower 100, SL WC8144, Owner Gerald Garner, Registered Ketchikan, ON 220309

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 707, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1176

 

TRUTH (1928)     The 15 ton 46 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Truth broke loose from her moorings in a storm and foundered in Nichols Passage at 11 p.m. Sunday December 1, 1928.  The Truth had departed Metlakatla November 29^th and was bound for Dall Island.  The crew of three was not aboard when the vessel broke free.  It was very dark with a 50 mile an hour wind and heavy seas.  The Truth had a value of $2,600 with no cargo and was a total loss with no insurance.  No lives were lost.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 05 N 131 42 W   Chart 17420

Additional Information: Tonnage 15 Gross 13 Net, Length 45.8, Breadth 11.6, Depth 4.1, Built 1910 at Ketchikan, HP 20, Registered Ketchikan, ON 207757, Master and owner Ed Atkinson of Metlakatla

Sources: 1. U S C G Report of Casualty January 14, 1929 by Atkinson at Portland OR, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1928) Pgs 526-7

TUCK A HOE (1941)     The 39 ton 56 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Tuck A Hoe stranded and was lost at Palm Point near Katalla January 25, 1941.  All four crewmembers made it to shore.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   60 11 N 144 33 W   Chart 16723

Additional Information: Tonnage 39 Gross 26 Net, Length 56.6, Breadth 14.6, Depth 6, Built 1915 at Ballard WA, Crew 4, Horsepower 55, Owner Joseph P Crock, Registered Seattle, ON 213766

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1944) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 757, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1943) Pg 301

 

TUM TUM (1933)     The 13 ton 36 foot wooden gas screw Tum Tum burned at Petersburg March 25, 1933.  The one person aboard made it to safety.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 48 10 N 132 58 W   Chart 17360

Additional Information: Tonnage 13 Gross 9 Net, Length 36, Breadth 12.2, Depth 4, Built 1922 at Totem Bay, Horsepower 32, Owner A W Willard, Registered Petersburg, ON 222470

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1933) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 991, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1932) Pgs 552-3

 

TWIN B (1930)     Fire destroyed the 9 ton 40 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Twin B at 8:00 p.m. Tuesday July 29, 1930 at Port Althorp.  The vessel was departing Port Althorp bound for floating trap three at Hill Island with three crewmen aboard.  The following are excerpts from the casualty report:

“Port Althorp, Alaska”  “Caught fire, believe engine backfired”  “Good clear weather, daylight”  “Trap watchman in Dory and 50 h.p. Diesel Boat Hero from cannery (assisted)”  “Total loss”

The Twin B had a value of $10,000 and was a total loss.  She also had 32,000 pounds of fresh fish aboard worth $500 which was also a total loss.  The vessel was insured for $5,000 and there was no cargo insurance. No lives were lost.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 07 55 N 136 19 50 W   Chart 16016

Additional Information: Tonnage 9 Gross 7 Net, Length 40, Breadth 11.9, Depth 3.7, Built 1919 at Port Althorp, HP 18, Registered Ketchikan, ON 219140, Master Walter Karkainen of Poulsbo WA, Owner Alaska Pacific Salmon Corp of Seattle WA

Sources: 1. U S C G Report of Casualty August 30, 1930 by Lester Ogre, Attorney in fact for Alaska Pacific Salmon, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1930) Pg 536-7

TYEE (1959)     The 16 ton 39 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Tyee burned July 18, 1959 at Anan Creek in Ernest Sound.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 10 50 N 131 53 05 W   Chart 17360

Additional Information: Tonnage 16 Gross 11 Net, Length 39, Breadth 11.7, Depth 4.4, Built 1915 at Ketchikan, Horsepower 75, Owner Fidalgo Island Packing Company, Registered Ketchikan, ON 213224

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1959) Pg 571, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1960) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 826

 

TYEE SCOUT (1943)     The 23 ton 49 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Tyee Scout stranded and was lost August 3, 1943 at Lat. 58 00 20 N on her way to Cape Spencer.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 12 45 N 136 39 30 W   Chart 16016

Additional Information: Tonnage 23 Gross 16 Net, Length 49.8, Breadth 12.9, Depth 5, Built 1924 at Puget Sound WA, Former Name, Horsepower 140, Owner Harry H Moore, Registered Sitka, ON 229092

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1947) Pg 510, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1948) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 862

 

TYKE (1965)     The gas screw Tyke was destroyed by a storm November 22, 1965 at Shakan Strait on the northwest coast of Prince of Wales Island.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 07 30 N 133 30 W   Chart 17360

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

TYKE II (1986)     The fishing vessel Tyke II grounded and broke up in the surf March 4, 1986 near Rockwell Lighthouse in Sitka Sound.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 02 15 N 135 20 13   17327

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

TYKE IV (1972)     The 9 ton 30 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Tyke IV burned December 12, 1972 at Hoonah.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 9 Gross 7 Net, Length 30.2, Breadth 10.1, Depth 4.6, Built 1917 at Astoria OR, ON 278933

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 712, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1974) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1872

 

TYPHOON (1945)     The 8 ton 31 foot wooden gas screw Typhoon stranded and was lost in South Inian Pass July 11, 1945.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 13 30 N 136 10 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 6 Net, Length 31, Breadth 10.9, Depth 5.7, Built 1916 at Seattle WA, Service misc., Horsepower 16, Owner Robert H Burns, Registered Juneau, ON 216474

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1945) Pg 338, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1946) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 807