South East Alaska Shipwrecks ( U-V-W )

UNDINE (1933)     The 9 ton 33 foot wooden gas screw Undine broke loose from her mooring and broke up on shore in Green Bay at 6:30 p.m. Monday December 18, 1933.  The vessel was at anchor with no one aboard and no cargo when the disaster occurred.  The following are excerpts from the casualty report:

“Green Bay, Alaska”  “Stranding”  “Mooring line pulled out forward butts vessel drifted ashore and broke up”  “Heavy gale”  “Vessel moored alongside Barge Griffon”

The Undine had a value of $1,000 and was a total loss.  No lives were lost.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 09 15 N 134 16 35 W   Chart 17315

Comment: Probably Green Cove, 11 miles SE of Juneau.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 9 Gross 6 Net, Length 33.1, Breadth 12.2, Depth 3.5, Built 1910 at Bay Center, WA, HP 20, Registered Seattle, ON 207892, Master R Clithero of Seattle, Owner Norton Clapp of Tacoma

Sources: 1. U S C G Report of Casualty December 26, 1933 at Juneau by Agent of Owner, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1933) Pgs 578-0

UNILUCO (1929)     Fire destroyed the 17 ton 37 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Uniluco near Gravina Island at 2 p.m. January 21, 1929.  The vessel departed Ketchikan that day “cruising for logs” with only her master aboard and no cargo.  The following are statements from the casualty report submitted by Richard Thompson, master of the Uniluco:

“Calm and clear”  “Black Point, Gravina Island”  “Backfiring of engine”  “Tried to put out fire with Pyrenes”  “After backfiring of engine vessel caught fire in engine room, and after using fire extinguisher found that the fire could not be put out, was forced to abandon vessel”  “Total Loss”

The Uniluco was valued at $5,000 and became a total loss.  She was insured for $2,500.  There was no loss of life.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 02 15 N 132 05 W   Chart 17420

Additional Information: Tonnage 17 Gross 15 Net, Length 37.5, Breadth 11.8, Depth 5.5, HP 24, Built 1911 at Burton WA, Registered Ketchikan, ON 213648, Owner G F Heckman of Ketchikan

Sources: 1. U S C G Report of Casualty January 22, 1929 at Ketchikan, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1928) Pgs 528-9

UNITY (1917)     The 17 ton 39 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Unity was blown ashore and lost on Douglas Island at 2 a.m. Monday December 10, 1917.  The vessel departed Juneau December 9^th bound for Excursion Inlet with 4 crewmen aboard.  The following are excerpts from the casualty report filed by Olaf Jacobson, master of the Unity:

“Snowstorm, dark, about 25 miles (wind)”  “Outer Point, NW end Douglas Island, Alaska”  “Stranded, gale”  “Anchored in storm, driven ashore”  “Put out 2 anchors but wouldn’t hold”  “Vessel broke up immediately”

The Unity was worth $1,500 and became a total loss with no insurance.  There was no cargo aboard.  No lives were lost in the disaster.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 18 05 N 134 41 15 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 17 Gross 11 Net, Length 39.5, Breadth 12.8, Depth 4, IHP 20, Built 1911 at Seattle WA, Registered Seattle, ON 208880, Master Olaf Jacobson of Excursion Inlet, Owner Astoria & Puget Sound Canning Company of Excursion Inlet

Sources: 1. U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty December 12, 1917 at Juneau, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1916) Pg 318

UNKNOWN JAPANESE VESSEL (1805)     An unknown Japanese vessel wrecked in 1805 outside of present day Sitka.  The survivors were given temporary residence on Japonski Island by the Russian inhabitants of the area.  The name of the Island derives from the Japanese presence there.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 03 N 135 22 W   Chart 17320

Source: Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992)

UNKNOWN RUSSIAN GUNBOAT (1840)?     Several unsubstantiated reports have persisted of an unknown Russian vessel, possibly a three masted Russian gunboat that was lost at the entrance to Thomas Bay or the north end of Sergius Narrows or Midway Reef in the vicinity of Fairway Island.

Mapping and Location: South Central or Southeast Alaska Unknown

Source: The BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

UNKNOWN SCHOONER (1870)     An unknown schooner was wrecked in 1870 near Wrangell Island.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 16 N 132 12 W   Chart 17360

Source: Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992)

UNKNOWN COLUMBIA RIVER BOAT (1897)     An unknown Columbia River Boat was lost in Berners Bay in August of 1897.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 43 N 135 W   Chart 17300

Source: Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992)

UNKNOWN STEAMER SCOW (1898)     An unknown steamer scow was lost at Dixon Entrance January 31, 1898.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   54 30 N 133 W   Chart 16016

Source: Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992)

UNKNOWN IRON BARGE (1898)     An iron barge used for hauling ore was driven ashore and wrecked near Skagway February 21, 1898.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   59 27 30 N 135 18 45 W   Chart 17300

Source: Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992)

UNKNOWN  FISHING SLOOP (1904)     A fishing sloop with no apparent name was discovered capsized in Chatham Strait July 22, 1904 with the bodies of two men lashed to it.  Identification found on the men revealed they were Charles Thumberg of Medford, Oregon and J Malone.

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

Source: The Anaconda Montana Standard (July 26, 1904) “Bodies of Two Found on Overturned Sloop” Front Page

UNUK (1929)     The 12 ton 36 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Unuk collided with the gas screw vessel Confidence near Channel Island Light at 11:30 p.m. Sunday July 28, 1929.  The Unuk had departed Ketchikan and was headed for the fishing grounds with four crewmen aboard.  The following are excerpts from the wreck report filed by Henry Denny, master and owner of the Unuk:

“About 1 mile north Channel Island Light, near Ketchikan, Alaska”  “No wind, smooth sea, dark”  “Collision, gas screw Confidence of Ketchikan”  “Saw Confidence approaching on port.  Blew no whistle as everything looked clear to pass on port”  “All of a sudden Confidence turned to his port and before I could get away he struck Unuk on port”  “After collision Confidence immediately put lines on vessel and towed Unuk into Wards Cove, Alaska”  “Total loss”

The Unuk had a value of $2,500 and was a total loss.  She had no cargo aboard.  There was no insurance on the vessel.  No lives were lost.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 24 30 N 131 43 30 W   Chart 17420

Additional Information: Tonnage 12 Gross 8 Net, Length 35.8, Breadth 10.9, Depth 3.7, Built 1912 at Saxman, HP 16, Registered Ketchikan, ON 210448

Sources: 1. U S C G Report of Casualty August 1, 1929 at Ketchikan, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1929) Pgs 540-1

USSONA (1956)     The 16 ton 43 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Ussona was consumed by fire November 19, 1956 at Deer Island in Ernest Sound.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 02 N 132 01 W   Chart 17360

Additional Information: Tonnage 16 Gross 7 Net, Length 42.9, Breadth 12.2, Depth 5.2, Built 1918 at Raymond WA, Horsepower 140, Owner S Laland Daniels, Registered Astoria OR, ON 216420

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1956) Pg 536, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1957) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 758

 

VAGABOND (1937)     The gas boat Vagabond was blown adrift from the Lundy fox farm on Sullivan Island and disappeared December 28, 1937.  William Anderson was lost with the Vagabond.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 53 N 135 19 W   Chart 17300

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

VAGRANT (1988)     The 70 foot longline fishing vessel Vagrant was consumed by an engine room fire and sank June 27, 1988 approximately 90 miles west of Sitka.  All five crewmembers escaped to a life raft and were rescued by a U S Coast Guard Helicopter and taken to Sitka.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 03 N 135 20 W   Chart 17320

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

VALDER (1959)     The gas screw vessel Valder foundered January 1, 1959 off of Craig.

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

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

VALENCIA (1956)     The 82 ton 69 foot wooden oil screw Valencia stranded and was lost September 11, 1956 on Spanish Island in Southeast Alaska.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 57 N 134 07 W   Chart 17400

Additional Information: Tonnage 82 Gross 55 Net, Length 69.5, Breadth 18.8, Depth 8.4, Built 1927 at Gig Harbor WA, Service freight, Horsepower 140, SL WB 4032, Owner M G Legaz, Registered Seattle WA, ON 226467

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1956) Pg 538, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1957) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 758

 

VALERIE G (1988)     The fishing vessel Valerie G grounded and was abandoned November 27, 1988 at the head of Nehenta Bay on the southwest side of Gravina Island.  Winds up to 60 knots in Clarence Strait precipitated the disaster.  There was no loss of life.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 09 25 N 131 47 45 W   Chart 17420

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

VALIANT (1970)     The seiner Valiant flooded her engine room from a malfunctioning engine cooling line September 26, 1970 in Snow Pass near Ketchikan.  The fishing vessel My Ann took the Valiant in tow but the line parted and the Valiant sank.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 17 N 132 57 W   Chart 17420

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

VALO (1949)     The 10 ton 34 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Valo was consumed by fire July 29, 1949 off of Hoonah.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 10 Gross 8 Net, Length 33.9, Breadth 9.2, Depth 4.4, Built 1927 at Sitka, Horsepower 20, Owner Walter J Maki, Registered Juneau, ON 227183

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1949) Pg 561, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1950) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 928

 

VASHON (1986)     The 200 foot wooden passenger and automobile ferry Vashon ran aground and was lost at Johnson Cove on Prince of Wales Island June 6, 1986.  The vessel had served for many years as a ferry for Vashon Island, the San Juan Islands, and Hood Canal.  She had been taken to Alaska to be used as a supply boat in her waning years, but the grounded ended that endeavor. Remains of the vessel are still on site.  There was no loss of life.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 00 30 N 132 06 W   Chart 17420

Additional Information: Length 200, Breadth 58, Depth 12, Built Houghton WA 1930, ON 229805, SL WB3763

Source: Evergreenfleet.com/Vashon (2014)

 

VENTURA (1932)     Fire destroyed the 13 ton 45 foot wooden gas screw Ventura near Juneau at 2 p.m. Monday May 16, 1932.  The vessel had departed Annex Creek that day bound for Juneau with 3 persons aboard and no cargo.  The following are statements taken from the casualty report filed by George Baggen, master and owner of the Ventura:

“1/4 mile off Carlson Creek and 2 1/2 miles off Annex Creek Dock, near Juneau, Alaska”  “Engine base exploded, catching boat afire and burned it to water’s edge.  Vessel sank in about 24 fathoms of water”  “Calm weather in afternoon”  “Used all fire extinguishers I had, 2 Pyrenes and 1 3-gallon Foamite.  Had one more extinguisher but couldn’t get to it.  Vessel was in a blaze quickly”  “Crew got off in a skiff, after using all possible means to extinguish fire.  About 25 minutes after fire started an outboard motorboat owned by Ray Hyden came to our assistance and took us back to Annex Creek, from whence we came to Juneau aboard the oil screw Yakobi.”

The Venture had a value of $4,000 and was insured for $2,500.  There was no loss of life.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 18 20 N 134 08 30 W   Chart 17315

Additional Information: Tonnage 13 Gross 11 Net, Length 45.5, Breadth 11, Depth 3.4, Built 1908 at Everett WA, HP 45, Registered Juneau, ON 206280, Master and owner George Baggen of Juneau

Sources: 1. U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty May 17, 1932 at Juneau, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1931) Pgs 538-9

VENUS (1946)     The 42 ton 52 foot wooden oil screw Venus was destroyed by fire March 25, 1946 near McNamara Point in Sumner Strait.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 19 50 N 133 03 45 W   Chart 17360

Additional Information: Tonnage 42 Gross 25 Net, Length 52.4, Breadth 15.8, Depth 7.4, Built 1913 at Tacoma WA, Service freight, Crew 7, Horsepower 65, Owner West Coast Transportation Company of Alaska, Registered Ketchikan, ON 211551

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1949) Pg 563, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1950) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 928

 

VENUS (1991)     The 44 foot longliner Venus flooded, capsized and sank in 100 knot winds April 11, 1991 off of Katlian Bay north of Sitka.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 09 N 135 23 W   Chart 17320

Additional Information: ON 509395

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

 

VERMA (1990)     The 46 foot wooden salmon fishing vessel Verma sank after a collision with the tug John Brix August 24, 1990 in Snow Pass.  Kenneth Kahklen (34) from the Verma was lost and five others were rescued from the Verma by the fishing vessel Viking Serenade.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 17 N 132 57 W   Chart 17360

Additional Information: ON 245362

Sources: 1. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 2. Daily Sitka Sentinel (August 24, 1990) “Petersburg Man Dies After Tugboat Rams Fishing Vessel” Pg 6

 

VERMAY (1950)     The 50 ton 50 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Vermay foundered in August of 1950 near Cape Muzon.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 50 Gross 43 Net, Length 50, Breadth 15.2, Depth 6.8, Built 1944 at Hydaburg, Horsepower 100, SL WB5578, Owner Verne J Swanson, Registered Seattle, ON 246163

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1952) Pg 583, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1953-1954) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 750

 

VERNA (1930)     The 9 ton 32 foot gas screw wooden fishing vessel Verna was destroyed by fire August 15, 1930 at Point Rosalie.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 34 15 N 133 24 45 N   Chart 17400

Comment: I have charted this wreck at Point Saint Rosalia which is speculation on my part.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 9 Gross 7 Net, Length 32.3, Breadth 9.8, Depth 4.9, Brake Horsepower 29, Built 1919 at Seattle WA, Owner Harry W Benolkin of Ketchikan, Registered Seattle, ON 217960

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1931) Vessels Reported Lost Pg 940, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1930) Pgs 542-3

 

VERNIA (1904)     The 6 ton 28 foot sloop Vernia struck a rock and was lost in Lynn Canal at 9:30 p.m. Monday January 4, 1904.  The vessel had departed Juneau December 9, 1903 and was bound for Hunters bay with 2 persons aboard.  Her cargo at the time of the disaster was 4,000 pounds of fish and fishing gear worth $200.  The following are excerpts from the wreck report:

“9:30 p.m. dark”  “Darkness and squall”  “Struck rock”  “Kitten Island, Hunters Bay, Lynn Canal, Alaska”  “Squall struck her and she was blown on the rock.  Hole punched in her side”  “Sunk and was battered to pieces”

The Vernia had a value of $150 and was a total loss along with her cargo.  There was no insurance and no loss of life.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 15 N 134 56 W   Chart 17316

Comment: Probably The Kittens near Funter Bay.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross and 6 Net, Length 28, Breadth 10.7, Depth 3.7, Built 1889 at Port Blakeley WA, Master and part owner William Beckler of Juneau, Owners William Beckler and Ernest King of Juneau, ON 161664

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report January 16, 1904 at Juneau by Ernest King for Beckler & King

VICTORY (1943)     The 17 ton 35 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Victory burned January 21, 1943 at Lat. 55 17 N Long. 131 37 W.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 17 N 131 37 W   Chart 17420

Comment: These coordinates put the wreck near Gravina Point just south of Ketchikan.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 17 Gross 13 Net, Length 35.8, Breadth 12, Depth 5.1, Built 1908 at Dockton WA, Crew 4, Horsepower 20, Owner Frank Natkong, Registered Ketchikan, ON 205697

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1945) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 778, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1944) Pg 324

 

VIEWPOINT (2012)     The 49 foot wooden longline fishing vessel Viewpoint struck a rock at Gardner Bay July 29, 2012 causing a breach in her hull. The master of the vessel suffered a head injury that required stitches. Good Samaritan fish tender Ocean Maid tied alongside the Viewpoint and attempted to assist in dewatering the vessel. The Viewpoint was later put in tow by U S Coast Guard Ketchikan rescue boat 47260 but began taking on water and sank August 3, 2012 in 600 feet of water.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   54 49 30 N 131 57 45 W   Chart 17420

Additional Information: Tonnage 21 Gross 17 Net, Length 49.5, Breadth 14.9, Depth 6.8, Built 1945 Seattle WA, ON 247373, Call Sign WD8126

Sources: 1. 17^th Coast Guard District Enforcement Report (Jun-Sep 2012), 2. USCG MISLE Case # 605953, 3. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1979) Pg 1599

 

VIGILANT (1903)     The steam tug Vigilant was lost in NE Dixon Entrance in August of 1903.  The vessel had departed Sunny Point and was on the Ketchikan mail route when the helmsman fell asleep and ran the Vigilant into the rocks at full speed on Fox Island off of Cape Fox.  One crewman was injured by a broken steam pipe.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   54 45 50 N 130 51 W   Chart 17420

Sources: 1. H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 94, 2. Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992)

VINA (1976)     The fishing vessel Vina was found capsized on shore in Cedar Pass November 1, 1976 with both crewmembers missing. Donald Davis (19) and Laura Higby (17) had been on a hunting and fishing trip to whale bay south of Sitka and were thought to have been lost.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 46 N 135 11 W   Chart 17320

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

VIOLA (1935)     The 10 ton 32 foot gas screw fishing vessel Viola stranded and foundered near San Fernando Island at 8:00 p.m. January 28, 1935.  The vessel departed Craig January 26^th and was bound for Waterfall with two persons aboard.  The following are excerpts from the casualty report filed by Harry Nelson, master and owner of the Viola:

“Very strong wind, dark rainy night”  “Point Amargura on San Fernando Island about 10 miles SW of Craig”  “Stranded on rocks”  “Strong wind”  “When wind came up we tied boat securely at Waterfall Cannery”  “Gas screw Roal came to assist in bringing Viola back, but wind was too strong”

The Viola had a value of $1,000 and became a total loss.  She was not carrying cargo and was not insured.  No lives were lost.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 27 N 133 21 30 W   Chart 17400

Additional Information: Tonnage 10 Gross 6 Net, Length 32, Breadth 10.5, Depth 3.4, Built 1912 at Keyport WA, HP 15, Registered Ketchikan, ON 210766, Master and owner Harry Nelson of Craig

Sources: 1. U S C G Report of Casualty March 11, 1935 at Craig, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1934) Pgs 604-5

VIRGIE K (1961)     The 13 ton 39 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Virgie K foundered September 24, 1961 in Sitka Sound.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 N 135 30 W   Chart 17320

Additional Information: Tonnage 13 Gross 10 Net, Length 39.4, Breadth 11, Depth 3.8, Built 1940 at Bremerton WA, Horsepower 110, Owner Eugene Meyer, Registered Sitka, ON 259817

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1960) Pg 597, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1962) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 905

 

VIRGINIA IV (1935)     The 92 ton 97 foot oil screw motor freighter Virginia IV stranded and was lost off of Yakobi Island, near the entrance to Lisianski Strait, April 24, 1935.  The vessel was on her way to Kimshan Cove

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 50 N 136 27 W   Chart 17320

Comment: This vessel was subsequently assisted off of the rocks and towed to Juneau by the U S Coast Guard cutter Tallapoosa.

Additional Information: Tonnage 92 Gross 59 Net, Length 97.6, Breadth 22.7, Depth 6.7, Built 1904 at Tacoma WA, HP 100, Home Port Tacoma WA, ON 200681

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1935) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1030, 2. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 441, 3. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1934) Pg 606, 4. Seattle Times (April 27, 1935) “Ship Pulled Off Reef By Cutter” Pg 9

VIS (1925)     The 17 ton 41 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Vis stranded and was lost in Kasaan Bay at 4 a.m. May 20, 1925.  The vessel had come to Kasaan Bay from Ketchikan with two persons aboard.  The following are excerpts from the casualty report filed by Arthur Wadhams, master of the Vis:

“Struck rock”  “Off Long Island (Kasaan Island) in Kasaan Bay”  “Sunk from striking rock”  “Southwest Gale”  “Tried to pull her off and after getting her off she sunk in deep water”  “Gas boat Louisiana helped pull her off”

The Vis had a value of $3,000 and was a total loss.  She was not carrying cargo.  There was no insurance.  The two aboard made it to safety.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 30 N 132 21 W   Chart 17426

Additional Information: Tonnage 17 Gross 11 Net, Length 41, Breadth 12.9, Depth 4.5, IHP 32, Built 1910 at Tacoma WA, Registered Ketchikan, ON 207620, Master Arthur Wadhams of Ketchikan, Owner Joseph Dulskes of Ketchikan

Sources: 1. U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty July 7, 1925 at Ketchikan, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1924) Pg 293

VOLANTE (1916)     The 125 ton schooner Volante broke loose from the two motor tugs Gjoa and Penguin and was lost in a gale in Chatham Strait in January of 1916. She was being towed from Petersburg to Sitka and was loaded with salt and herring fishing nets and gear. She stranded on a reef near Cape Ommaney and was abandoned as lost. Two months and 400 miles later she was found by a Canadian the fishing schooner Tuladie. The Volante was adrift and trailing seaweed in the Gulf of Alaska with most of her valuable cargo intact. A lawsuit ensued between the original owners of the Volante and the salvage schooner Tuladie. A second lawsuit was filed between the crew of the Tuladie and her owners. The crewmembers claimed that because they were not employees of the Tuladie but were paid on a share basis, they were in fact business partners of the Tuladie and should be compensated for the salvage rights in like manner. The Volante was built in 1891 and owned by Pacific Mild Cure Company.  There was no loss of life.

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

Sources: 1. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 269, 2. Daily Alaska Dispatch (January 15, 1916) “Schooner Is Lost” Front Page, 3. The Morning Oregonian (March 29, 1916) “Fishing Tender Volante Picked Up After Long Wanderings” Pg 15

VOLANTE (1938)     The 18 ton 58 foot gas screw fishing vessel Volante was lost in the vicinity of Salisbury Sound on or about October 15, 1938.  The vessel departed Sitka bound for sea fisheries with only C N Robinson aboard.  She was never heard from again.  The following are excerpts from the casualty report:

“Believed lost off Point Amelia, Alaska”  “Not definitely known, believe swamped and broken up by heavy sea during storm”  “Believe vessel beaten to pieces”  “Unknown but believe to have been gale force, possibly 40 to 50 miles per hour”  “Unknown as the master was alone on the vessel and no other vessel was near”  “Nothing definite can be stated, however, he was a good navigator and had been in the waters where lost often enough to know conditions and familiar with all harbors or places of safety”

The Volante was valued at $1,500 and may have been carrying fresh salmon.  There was no insurance.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 13 30 N 135 52 30 W   Chart 17320

Additional Information: Tonnage 18 Gross 16 Net, Length 57.9, Breadth 11.5, Depth 4.2, IHP 25, Built 1908 at Seattle WA, Registered Ketchikan, ON 200137, Master C N Robinson of Ketchikan, Owners C N Robinson and Estate of John C Waggoner of Port Orchard WA

Sources: 1. U S C G Report of Casualty at Ketchikan March 14, 1939 by C R Bilderback, agent, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1938) Pg 304

 

W.N. (1916)     The schooner W.N. was lost off of Cape Bendel with three crew members aboard. Captain Halvor Ove and crewman Hjalmar Larson were lost with the W.N. The sole survivor was Pete Nelson. The vessel was owned by all three men.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 03 50 N 134 01 40 W   Chart 17360

Source: Fairbanks Sunday Times (February 20, 1916) “Elsewhere in Alaska”

 

WA WA (1943)     The 9 ton 34 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Wa Wa foundered April 6, 1943 at Chatham.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 30 50 N 134 55 30 W   Chart 17320

Additional Information: Tonnage 9 Gross 6 Net, Length 34.1, Breadth 10.4, Depth 4.7, Built 1917 at Seattle, Horsepower 13 (Brake), Owner Holly Evans, Registered Ketchikan, ON 215426

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1944) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 757, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1943) Pg 314

 

WALRUS (1906)     Fire destroyed the 9 ton 30 foot wooden gas screw Walrus in Tongass Narrows at 1:30 a.m. Thursday September 6, 1906.  The vessel departed Bell Island September 5^th on her way to Ketchikan with six passengers aboard.  The sole crewman was master and owner E W Gurney of Ketchikan.  The Walrus had 600 pounds of cargo on deck consisting of two stoves and two gas tanks.  Lost in the disaster were 6 year old Miss Emma McKay and 15 year old Miss Emma McKay.  The following are excerpts from the casualty report:

“Off East Clump Tongass Narrows”  “Light wind, cloudy night”  “Explosion of lantern”  “Fire”  “Caused by explosion, no measures could be taken”  “One passenger and myself launched lifeboat and took all except 2 passengers, of which were burned to death.  The 2 passengers lost were cut off by flames and could not be reached”

The Walrus had a value of $2,500 and her cargo $43 both of which were total losses.  There was no insurance.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 20 42 N 131 41 15 W   Chart 17428

Additional Information: Tonnage 9 Gross 6 Net, Length 30, Breadth 9.5, Depth 3.1, IHP 10, Built 1904 at Ketchikan, Registered Ketchikan, ON 201124

Sources: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report September 6, 1906 by Gurney, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1906) Pg 318

WALRUS (1953)     The 21 ton 41 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Walrus was consumed by fire September 27, 1953 at Lincoln Rock in Clarence Strait.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 21 Gross 17 Net, Length 41, Breadth 11.5, Depth 6, Built 1926 at Tacoma WA, Horsepower 85, SL WB7298, Owner George Mackie, Registered Ketchikan, ON 225596

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1952) Pg 592, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1953-1954) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 750

 

WALWORTH (1968)     The oil screw Walworth was consumed by fire August 5, 1968 off of Sumner Strait.

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

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

WANDERER (1991)     The 34 foot longline fishing vessel Wanderer sank while at anchor May 30, 1991 in Stephens Passage near Juneau.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 18 15 N 134 24 30 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: ON 228410

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

 

WANDERER (1999)     The 75 foot wooden salmon fishing vessel Wanderer grounded on Kataguni Island and sank in 86 feet of water July 13, 1999 in Lynn Canal 13 miles south of Haines.  The master of the vessel fell asleep at the helm causing the disaster.  All three persons aboard were rescued by the fishing vessel Riptide.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 10 N 134 58 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: ON 234141, Built 1935, Call Sign WB4306

Sources: 1. U S C G Shipwreck List (1989-2004), 2. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013), 3. USCG MISLE Case # 81984

 

WANITA (1953)     The 32 ton 44 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Wanita burned November 9, 1953 at the mouth of Red Bay on the north end of Prince of Wales Island.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 20 N 133 18 W   Chart 17360

Additional Information: Tonnage 32 Gross 25 Net, Length 44, Breadth 14, Depth 6.2, Built 1947 at Petersburg, Horsepower 165, SL WH5064, Owner Leon W Hasbrouck, Registered Wrangell, ON 252319

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1952) Pg 594, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1953-1954) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 750

 

WARDS COVE (1929)     Fire destroyed the 34 ton 58 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Wards Cove in Clover Pass at 12:30 p.m. Monday December 30, 1929.  The vessel departed Ketchikan that day bound for Neets Bay with two persons aboard.  The following are excerpts from the casualty report submitted by A W Brindle, master and managing owner of the Wards Cove:

“Clover Pass, opposite Hump Island, SE Alaska”  “Fire”  “Back-fire from engine”  “Used fire extinguisher”  “I was draining the carburetor to remove water and the engine had stopped.  Then restarted engine and it began to miss again.  I opened cock and was draining out more water, and engine back-fired and ignited gas”

The Wards Cove had a value of $9,000 and was a total loss.  She was insured for $6,000.  There was no cargo.  The two aboard made it to safety.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 34 Gross 23 Net, Length 58.1, Breadth 15, Depth 6.7, HP 50, Built 1916 at Tacoma WA, Registered Ketchikan, ON 213916, Master R W Brindle of Ketchikan, Owner Wards Cove Packing Company

Sources: 1. U S C G Report of Casualty December 31, 1929 at Ketchikan, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1929) Pgs 554-5

WARRIGAL (1946)     The 9 ton 30 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Warrigal stranded and was lost April 26, 1946 at the southwest end of Chichagof Pass.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 21 N 132 28 W   Chart 17360

Additional Information: Tonnage 9 Gross 6 Net, Length 30.8, Breadth 8.2, Depth 4.3, Built 1907 at Norfolk VA, Former Name No. S-110 (U S N), Horsepower 20, Owner Leon L Bylington, Registered Seattle WA, ON 227036

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1948) Pg 546, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1949) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 912

 

WASHINGTON (1851)     The ship Washington was lost at Pitt’s Island in 1851.  Her value at the time of the disaster was $25,000 with cargo.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 10 N 135 40 W   Chart 17320

Comment: I have charted this wreck at Kruzof Island, which was named Pitt Island by Captain Nathanial Portlock in 1787.   The Island was later called Sitka Island, Croose Island, Edgecumb Island, Kruzow Island and finally Kruzof Island.

Sources: 1. Marine Disasters of the Alaska Route (1916) Pg 31, 2. Dictionary of Alaska Place Names (1971) “Kruzof Island” Pg 546

WASHINGTON (1951)     The 18 ton 44 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Washington foundered September 28, 1951 off of Douglas Island.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 15 30 N 134 16 30 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 18 Gross 15 Net, Length 44.6, Breadth 12.1, Depth 5.3, Built 1919 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 148, Owner R L Barber, Registered Seattle, ON 218103

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1952) Pg 596, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1953-1954) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 747

 

WASP (1922)     The 13 ton 38 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Wasp stranded and was lost at Metlakatla at 1:30 a.m. February 14, 1922.  The vessel broke loose from the dock in an 80 mile an hour northeasterly wind and broke up on the beach.  The Wasp had a value of $4,000 which was a total loss.  There was no insurance.  No lives were lost.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 07 45 N 131 34 30 W   Chart 17420

Additional Information: Tonnage 13 Gross 9 Net, Length 38.6, Breadth 12, Depth 3.2, Built 1915 at Moira Sound, IHP 20, Registered Ketchikan, ON 213507

Sources: 1. U S C G Report of Casualty July 5, 1922 by Frank M Williams, Agent, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1922) Pg 349

 

WEBSTER NO IV (1941)     The 39 ton 50 foot wooden scow Webster No IV stranded and was lost September 25, 1941 200 yards from the entrance to Dear Harbor about a mile NE of Cape Cross.  The two persons aboard the scow made it to safety.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 56 30 N 136 33 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 39 Gross and Net, Length 50.3, Breadth 19.1, Depth 4.8, Built 1922 at Seattle WA, Owner Kalle Rastikalnen, Registered Sitka, ON 168360

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1942) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 512, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1941) Pg 425

 

WELCOME (1961)     The 21 ton 42 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Welcome stranded and was lost July 15, 1961 at Gambier Bay, Admiralty Island.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 28 N 133 55 W   Chart 17360

Additional Information: Tonnage 21 Gross 14 Net, Length 42.3, Breadth 13.6, Depth 5.6,Built 1913 at Tacoma WA, Horsepower 85, SL WB7416, Owner Alexander Bryant, Registered Ketchikan, ON 211863

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1960) Pg 609, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1962) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 905

 

WESLEY (1994)     The 42 foot wooden longline halibut fishing vessel Wesley flooded and sank in 100 feet of water during stormy weather September 14, 1994 in Frederick Sound 30 miles northwest of Petersburg.  Only one of the two crewmembers on board survived. Martha Mullen (31) of Petersburg was lost when she was trapped in the pilothouse with a survival suit on as the vessel capsized and sank. The Wesley was returning to Petersburg after a derby style halibut opening which closed at noon that day.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 19 Gross, 13 Net, Length 42.5, Breadth 12.3, Depth 5.2, Built 1935 at Wrangell, ON 233747, Call Sign WB9342

Sources: 1. U S C G Shipwreck List (1989-2004), 2. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013), 3. Sitka Daily Sentinel (September 15, 1994) “Weather Takes Toll in Halibut Opening” Pg 1

 

WEST POINT (1921)     The 19 ton 44 foot gas screw fishing vessel West Point broke loose from the dock at Quadra Cannery and foundered October 28, 1921.  The vessel departed Ketchikan October 1, 1921 bound for Boca de Quadra with one person aboard.  The following are excerpts from the casualty reports:

“Heavy gale, rough sea, dark”  “Strong gale, heavy chop, dark and heavy rain squall”  “Moored to dock with heavy lines”  “Broke adrift in a gale of wind”  “Went adrift at midnight, no one on board, started out after her as soon as possible”  “Foundered in 130 fathoms 8 miles from Quadra Cannery”

The West Point had a value of $2,970 and was only insured for fire.  There was no cargo and no lives were lost.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 04 N 131 01 W   Chart 17420

Additional Information: Tonnage 19 Gross 17 Net, Length  44, Breadth 11.3, Depth 5.2, IHP 50, Built 1915 at Seattle WA, Registered Seattle, ON 213233, Master none (laid up for Winter), Owner Booth Fisheries Company of Seattle

Sources: 1. U S C G Report of Casualty November 15, 1921 at Seattle by Frank B Poul Co. Inc. Agents, 2. U S C G Report of Casualty October 31, 1921 at Ketchikan by R Pringle, Master, 3. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1921) Pg 351

WESTERLY (1994)     The 65 foot crab fishing vessel Westerly capsized and sank February 15, 1994 in southern part of Glacier Bay just south of Strawberry Island.  Unstable stacked crab pots shifted causing the vessel to flood from the stern and roll over.  It was also thought that the bin boards may have failed and the fish in the hold shifted helping aggravate the list. Winds were at 40 knots and seas 8-10 feet. The Westerly sank in 37 fathoms of water.  All three crewmembers were rescued by another fishing vessel.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 31 N 136 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: ON 507754, Built 1967

Sources: 1. U S C G Shipwreck List (1989-2004), 2. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013), 3. USCG MISLE Case # 60236

 

WESTERN (1952)     The 9 ton 30 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Western was consumed by fire September 25, 1952 in Canoe Passage at the south end of Etolin Island.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 59 N 132 12 W   Chart 17360

Additional Information: Tonnage 9 Gross 6 Net, Length 30.3, Breadth 11.2, Depth 4.2, Built 1939 at Bellingham WA, Horsepower 140, Owner Frank Young, Registered Wrangell, ON 238799

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1952) Pg 599, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1953-1954) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 750

 

WESTERN SALVOR (1973)     The logging barge Western Salvor broke loose from a tug in rough weather and broke apart in the surf December 4, 1973 on the south shore of Kruzof Island west of Sitka.  The barge was carrying a million board feet of saw logs.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 10 N 135 40 W   Chart 17320

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

WESTERN SUN (1954)     The 79 ton 68 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Western Sun stranded and was lost December 12, 1954 near the mouth of Kah Sheets Bay at the south end of Duncan Canal.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 31 N 133 06 W   Chart 17360

Additional Information: Tonnage 79 Gross 54 Net, Length 68.7, Breadth 19.3, Depth 8.6, Built 1937 at Tacoma WA, Crew 11, Horsepower 135, SL WU4413, Owner Alfred Howe, Registered Seattle, ON 236198

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1952) Pg 600, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1955) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 741

 

WESTWARD (2008)     The 82 foot wooden fishing vessel Westward stranded and sank February 16, 2008 in the vicinity of Point Ildefonso on the southwest side of Prince of Wales Island west of Klawock.  Both crewmembers were rescued by another fishing vessel in the area.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 34 10 N 133 15 45 W   Chart 17400

Comment: This vessel was subsequently refloated and taken to Craig.  WG

Additional Information: ON 274414, Call Sign WDC8769, Built 1943 Seattle WA, Former Names Royal Alaskan, Jo G, BSP 864 USA

Sources: 1. U S Coast Guard News Release (February 20, 2008) “Fishing Vessel Aground; Coast Guard Working to Mitigate Pollution”, 2. USCG MISLE Case # 392821, 3. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1979) Pg 2010

 

WHITE BEAR (1934)     The 27 ton 45 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel White Bear struck a rock and foundered near Killisnoo Island Monday January 1, 1934.  The vessel departed Killisnoo with two persons aboard and was travelling to Hood Bay.  The following are excerpts from the casualty report:

“Northwest wind, sea rough”  “Snowstorm”  “Going less than half speed”  “2 ½ miles SE of Killisnoo Island, Alaska”  “Struck a rock and sank”  “Vessel sank in 35 fathoms”  “(assistance rendered by) Al. Frish Boat and 3153”

The White Bear was a total loss.  The vessel was not carrying cargo.  No lives were lost in the disaster.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 28 15 N 134 36 W   Chart 17320

Additional Information: Tonnage 27 Gross 18 Net, Length 45.3, Breadth 14.1, Depth, 5.6, Built 1912 at Tacoma WA, HP 30, Registered Juneau, ON 210637, Master Fred Hucker of Hood Bay, Owner Hood Bay Canning Company of Seattle WA

Sources: 1. U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty February 10, 1934 at Juneau, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1933) Pgs600-1

WHITE GULL (1983)     The 32 foot fishing vessel White Gull disappeared with three people on board January 25, 1983 between Pelican and Yakutat. The vessel had a dark blue hull and white pilothouse and had gone to Yakutat to pick up crab gear. Aircraft from Kodiak and Sitka searched for days with no indication of what happened to the vessel or her crew. Lost along with the White Gull were owner-operator James Fothingham, crewman Paul A. Boone and Jimmy McCormick.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 57 30 N 136 13 30 W   Chart 17300

Sources: 1. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 2. Daily Sitka Sentinel (January 28, 1983) “Coast Guard” Pg 4

 

WHITE STAR (1931)     The halibut schooner White Star exploded and burned off of Tatoosh Island April 23, 1931.  The crew of five was able to row to Neah (Naha) Bay to safety.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 31 N 131 50 W   Chart 17420

Source: Juneau Empire (April 24, 1931) Pg 8

 

WHITELAW (1898)     The 363 ton 145 foot passenger freight steamer Whitelaw burned while at anchor in Skagway Harbor March 4, 1898.  The vessel was out of San Francisco and in use by the British Steamship and Yukon Gold Dredging Company.  The freight, cargo and machinery were salvaged.  The Whitelaw had a value of $75,000 with cargo and the vessel was a total loss.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   59 27 30 N 135 18 45 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 363.14 Gross 210.46 Net, Length 145, Breadth 32, Depth 12, NHP 75, IHP 250, SL KMQL, Built 1896 at Alameda CA, Registered San Francisco CA, ON 81537

Sources: 1. Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992), 2. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 40, 3. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1897) Pg 304

WICKLOW (1987)     The 28 foot gillnet fishing vessel Wicklow was blown ashore and destroyed by a freak 70 mile an hour wind October 1, 1987 in Astrolabe Bay.  Both crewmembers were rescued by a U S Coast Guard Helicopter.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 22 30 N 136 54 30 W   Chart 17300

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

WILD BILL (1956)     The 8 ton 29 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Wild Bill burned September 17, 1956 in Ernest Sound.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 11 N 132 18 W   Chart 17420

Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 6 Net, Length 29.4, Breadth 9.6, Depth 4.3, Built 1928 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 125, SL WE9864, Owner Harold Nosh, Registered Juneau, ON 227411

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1957) Pg 569, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1958) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 779

 

WILD CANARY (1984)     The 28 foot inboard/outboard cabin cruiser Wild Canary sank July 23, 1984 in Chatham Strait north of Port Alexander.  Bellevue, Washington businessman Herbert Clausing, owner and operator of the vessel, was lost in the disaster.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 14 30 N 134 38 50 W   Chart 17320

Sources: 1. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 2. The Seattle Times (July 25, 1984) “Search for man is cut back” Pg A 16

 

WILLARD B (1948)     The 64 ton 73 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Willard B stranded and was lost August 29, 1948 in Lisianski Strait two miles north of Pelican City.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 57 30 N 136 13 30 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 64 Gross 44 Net, Length 73.3, Breadth 17.8, Depth 7.3, Built 1913 at Port Blakely WA, Crew 7, Horsepower 150, SL WLEO, Owner Hans Peterson, Registered Seattle WA, ON 210982

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1950) Pg 588, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1951) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 939

 

WILLIAM BURNETT (1955)     The 20 ton 48 foot wooden gas screw William Burnett was consumed by fire April 22, 1955 in Koffman Cove.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 01 N 132 50 W   Chart 17360

Comment: Must be Coffman Cove.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 20 Gross 14 Net, Length 48.6, Breadth 14.1, Depth 4.3, Built 1927 at Seattle WA, Service tow, Horsepower 200, SL WC2755, Owner William H Bessner, Registered Bellingham WA, ON 226831

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1955) Pg 558, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1956) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 745

 

WINDWARD (1999)     The 41 foot wooden longline halibut fishing vessel Windward struck a rock, flooded and sank May 17, 1999 in Nichols Bay, 50 miles southwest of Ketchikan.  Both crewmembers donned survival suits and abandoned ship to a life raft.  They were rescued by a U S Coast Guard Helicopter and transported to Ketchikan.

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

Additional Information: ON 274279

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

 

WINGFOOT (1964)     The 8 ton 30 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Wingfoot was consumed by fire March 23, 1964 at Aarons Creek.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 21 N 131 59 W   Chart 17360

Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 6 Net, Length 30.3, Breadth 9.2, Depth 4.7, Built 1924 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 105, SL WC7714, Owner Edgar E Duncan, Registered Wrangell, ON 223843

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) Pg 723, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1006

 

WINNIE (1913)     The 12 ton 40 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Winnie stranded near Metlakatla November 9, 1913.  The vessel had departed Metlakatla with two persons aboard.  The following are excerpts from the wreck report filed by Charles Brendible, master and owner of the Winnie:

“On island 1 1/3 miles west of Metlakatla”  “Stranded”  “Anchor lines being out”  “Dark stormy night and rough seas”  “The casualty happened sometime in the night unknown to any one, therefore no measures could be taken to avoid the casualty”

The Winnie was only seven months old and had an estimated value of $2,800.  Damage to the vessel was reported as “not less than $500”.  There was no insurance.  No lives were lost.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 07 45 N 131 34 30 W   Chart 17420

Comment: This vessel was salvaged and put back into service.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 12 Gross 9 Net, Length 40, Breadth 11.7, Depth 3.5, IHP 20, Built 1913 at Metlakatla, Registered Ketchikan, ON 211057, Master and owner Charles Bendible of Metlakatla

Sources: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report November 20, 1913 at Ketchikan, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1913) Pg 328

WINNIE (1926)     The gas screw Winnie was lost June 20, 1926 at Excursion Inlet.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 25 N 135 26 W   Chart 17300

Comment: This is probably the 12 ton 40 foot Winnie first wrecked in 1913 at Metlakatla.  WG

Source: Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992)

WOLVERINE (1960)     The 32 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Wolverine burned near Sitka in 1960.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 03 N 135 20 W   Chart 16016

Additional Information: Tonnage 13 Gross 10 Net, Length 32.1, Breadth 9.9, Depth 4.6, Built 1918 Aberdeen WA, 75 HP, SL WH4806, ON 216720

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1974) Pg 1261, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 752

 

WOOD DUCK (1981)     The trawler Wood Duck sank February 13, 1981 in the area of Union Bay.  Rand Bifoss was lost in the disaster.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 46 N 132 13 W   Chart 17420

Sources: 1. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 2. Family member interview WG

 

WTB CO NO 7 (1937)     Fire destroyed the 488 ton 91 foot wooden scow WTB Co No 7 near Olga Straits at 8:30 p.m. Tuesday June 22, 1937.  The vessel was travelling from Appleton Cove to Olga Straits with one person aboard.  Her cargo was 5 tons of cans, crab traps and rope valued at $1,400.  The following are excerpts from the casualty report:

“Light westerly wind”  “Vessel destroyed by fire”  “Faulty stove pipe”  “Unable to do anything”  “Total loss”  “Assistance offered by Dave Hallick of Sitka, Alaska”

The WTB Co No 7 had a value of $3,000 and was a total loss along with all cargo.  Neither was insured.  There was no loss of life.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 11 N 135 27 W Chart 17320

Additional Information: Tonnage 488, Length 91, Breadth 34.6, Depth 7.6, Built 1910 at Seattle WA, Owner John P Nyquist of Seattle, Registered Juneau, ON 164293

Sources: 1. U S C G Report of Casualty June 23, 1927 at Sitka by C L Durgan, Caretaker, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1936) Pgs 828-9

WTB CO NO 33 (1927)     The 733 ton 160 foot wooden scow WTB Co No 33 was blown ashore and lost near Wards Cove at 11:30 p.m. Saturday March 5, 1927.  The vessel was at anchor with no one aboard.  The following are statements taken from the casualty report filed at Juneau:

“High wind”  “Cove near Wards Cove, Alaska”  “Vessel moored for winter between four pile dolphins which apparently were weakened by being eaten by teredos”  “Blown ashore”  “High wind carried dolphins away allowing vessel to drift ashore”  “TOTAL LOSS”

The WTB Co No 33 had a value of $7,000 which was a total loss without insurance.  There was no cargo aboard.  No lives were lost.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 23 30 N 131 44 30 W   Chart 17420

Additional Information: Tonnage 733, Length 160, Breadth 36.8, Depth 7, Built 1902 at Port Blakely WA, Service freight, Registered Juneau, ON 48693, Master A Wood of Seattle, Owner Libby McNeil & Libby of Taku Harbor

Sources: 1. U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty March 30, 1927 by C E Thies, Agent of Owner, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1926) Pgs 754-5