South East Alaska Shipwrecks ( M )

 

M&M (1983)     The 50 foot wooden fishing vessel M&M struck a log and capsized October 26, 1983 near Wrangell.

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

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

MABEL A (1920)     The 32 ton gas screw fishing vessel Mabel A stranded and was lost at 7:00 a.m. Monday December 13, 1920 near “Noise Island”.  The vessel departed Ketchikan with three crewmen aboard bound for deep sea fisheries and had accumulated 2.5 tons of fish worth $700.  The engine of the Mabel A broke down during a “50 mile gale” allowing the vessel to wash onto an exposed part of “Noise Island”.  The gas screw Todd II stood by and got a line aboard, but that parted.  The Mabel A was reported to have broken up within two hours.  She was valued at $8,000.  The crew made it to safety.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 30 N 133 40 W   Chart 17400

Comment: Noise Island probably Noyes Island.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 32, Age 8 years, Registered Seattle, ON 209932, Master A Jensen of Paulsbo WA, Owner H C Hansen of Ballard WA, Vessel Insurance $4,000, Cargo insurance none

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty December 29, 1920 at Seattle by Jensen

 

MABEL M (1965)     The 10 ton 32 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Mabel M foundered in November of 1965 at Grave Island, Hoonah.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 06 35 N 135 27 15 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 10 Gross 8 Net, Length 31.9, Breadth 10.6, Depth 2.8, Built 1932 at Petersburg, Horsepower 110, SL WE4819, Owner George Martin Jr., Registered Sitka, ON 232087

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 416, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1968) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1170

 

MACE (1956)     The 10 ton 36 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Mace burned May 18, 1956 at Castle Flats.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 38 30 N 133 15 30 W   Chart 17360

Additional Information: Tonnage 10 Gross 9 Net, Length 35.9, Breadth 10.1, Depth 3.9, Built 1943 at Bay City MI, Former Names CG-33025 (U S C G) and PRB-C-15996 (U S N), Horsepower 143, SL WF3735, Ove U Foss, Registered Seattle, ON265288

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1956) Pg 317, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1957) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 757

 

MAGIC MINNOW (1997)     The 32 foot crab fishing vessel Magic Minnow was lost from an explosion and engine room fire February 18, 1997 in Gastineau Channel.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 16 N 134 20 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: ON AK3591K

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

 

MAGNHEL (1920)     The 9 ton single masted gas screw fishing vessel Maghnel broke a shaft and stranded at Cora Point on Coronation Island at 10 a.m. Friday March 5, 1920.  The vessel was pushed ashore by heavy NE weather.  They had departed Ketchikan the day before with a crew of three to work along the fishing bank of Coronation Island.  The master of the Magnhel, A Lindset of Seattle, made the following statements in his casualty report:

            “N.E. wind…Put out 2 anchors and rode 24 hours, when same dragged our cables parted, and vessel was washed ashore.  Crew went ashore after vessel was anchored.”  “On March 7, Ga.s. My Fancy passing was signaled and took master and crew to Shakan.”  “All ships papers were lost including manifest of vessel cleared for deep sea on March 4, 1920 from Ketchikan.” 

            The Magnhel was valued at $4,000 and became a total loss with no insurance.  She was owned by her master, A Lindset and his partner L Skogsaas.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 54 10 N 134 47 15 W   Chart 17400

Additional Information: Tonnage 9 Gross 6 Net, Built 1917, Registered Tacoma, ON 215118

Source: USCG Report of Casualty March 14, 1920 at Wrangell by Lindset

 

MAINE (1949)     The 29 ton 45 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Maine foundered August 23, 1949 in Lisianski Strait.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 50 N 136 27 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 29 Gross 19 Net, Length 45.4, Breadth 14, Depth 6.3, Built 1915 at Tacoma WA, Crew 7, Horsepower 143, Owner Robert Austin, Registered Juneau, ON 213139

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1952) Pg 334, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1955) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 739

 

MAKAKA (1990)     The 152 foot steel fish tender Makaka stranded and was lost August 3, 1990 on Fernando Reef.  There was no loss of life.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 29 30 N 133 15 50 W   Chart 17400

Comment: Fern Reef off of San Fernando Island.  WG

Additional Information: ON 255042

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

MALLARD (1921)     The halibut boat Mallard was wrecked in a storm October 27, 1921 on False Island in Clarence Strait.  The Mallard was attempting to assist the halibut boat Alta who had stranded.  There was no loss of life.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   Unknown

Source: The Juneau Empire (November 2, 1921) Pg 6

 

MAMOOK (1917)     The 17 ton 42 foot gas screw Mamook burned at Eagle Reef August 6, 1917.  The two persons aboard made it to safety.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 27 40 N 134 49 15 W   Chart 17300

Comment: Formerly the gas screw Merrill

Additional Information: Tonnage 17 Gross 12 Net, Length 42, Breadth 11, Depth 6, Service freight, IHP 40, Built 1911 at Seattle WA, Registered Seattle, ON 208648

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1918) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 441, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1916) Pg 270

 

MANANA II (1969)     The charter vessel Manana II struck a deadhead and sank May 1, 1969 near Sitka.  All seven on board escaped to safety.

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

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

MARCELLA (1972)     The 14 ton 39 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Marcella foundered June 25, 1972 at Stephens Island.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   Unknown

Additional Information: Tonnage 14 Gross 9 Net, Length 39.8, Breadth 10.9, Depth 4.2, Built 1943 at New Bedford MA, Former Name J-513 (U S A), ON 247226

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 424, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1978) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 2118

 

MARGARET (1874)     The U S transport schooner Margaret was driven ashore in a heavy snowstorm near the village of Kake March 2, 1874.  The vessel departed Sitka February 16, 1874 with captain Harrison at the helm bound for the San Juan Islands of Washington.  All three crewmen found safety, but the Margaret was lost and her cargo pillaged by Natives.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 58 30 N 133 56 30 W   Chart 17368

Sources: 1. Lewis and Dryden’s Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1961) Pg 222, 2. Shipwrecks of the Alaskan Shelf and Shore (1992)

 

MARGARET (1937)     An explosion and fire destroyed the 9 ton wooden gas screw Margaret at the General Petroleum Dock at Ketchikan at 10:30 a.m. July 11, 1937.  The five crewmen escaped to safety, but the Margaret, valued at $4,000 was a total loss.  The following are excerpts from the casualty report:

            “Calm, cloudy…smooth”  “Had filled starboard tank with 130 gallons of gas and had shifted to port tank and was about to take gas in that tank when an explosion occurred in port tank.  The explosion shattered port tank and caused gas to run out into bilge.  The engine room and pilot house caught afire immediately.  Attempted to put out fire, but fire could not be controlled.  Vessel was moved from oil dock and beached on Pennock Is. where she sank in about 10 or 15 ft. of water – with about 4 or 5 ft. of her mast visible above lower water.”  “Casualty occurred suddenly without warning – impossible to take measures to avoid it.”

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska 55 20 30 N 131 38 45 W   Chart 17428

Additional Information: Tonnage 9 Net, Age 13 years, Registered Ketchikan, ON 224608, Master Charles Ryan of Metlakatla, Owner Amanda Ryan of Metlakatla

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty July 12, 1937 by Charles Ryan

 

MARGARET A (1976)     The 108 ton oil screw Margaret A foundered November 22, 1976 at Frederick Sound by Turnabout Island.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 07 30 N 133 58 40 W   Chart 17320

Additional Information: Tonnage 108 Gross, Built 1965, ON 501928

Source: Merchant Vessels of the U S (1978) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 2118

 

MARGARET J (1957)     The 28 ton 49 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Margaret J stranded and was lost September 24, 1957 at Sunny Cove, Chomly (Cholmondeley) Sound.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 28 Gross 19 Net, Length 49, Breadth 13.5, Depth 6.2, Built 1927 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 85, Owner J A Johnson, Registered Seattle, ON 226740

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1957) Pg 329, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1958) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 778

 

MARGARET N (1996)     The 30 foot fishing vessel Margaret N sank October 2, 1996 at Hydaburg.  Both persons aboard made it to safety.

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

Additional Information: ON 230176

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

 

MARGE (1987)     The 36 foot fishing vessel Marge sank July 29, 1987 at Grand Island southeast of Ketchikan.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   54 58 15 N 132 51 45 W   Chart 17400

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

MARGIE ANN (1963)     The 12 ton 33 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Margie Ann burned July 14, 1963 at Fresh Water Bay near Tenakee.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 51 N 134 59 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 12 Gross 8 Net, Length 33.1, Breadth 10.7, Depth 4.8, Built 1935 at Wrangell, Horsepower 33, Owner Larry Jackson, Registered Wrangell, ON 234231

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1963) Pg 396, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 965

 

MARIAN M (1948)     The 34 ton 49 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Marian M collided with a dead mine at Salisbury Sound, 60 miles west of Sitka and was lost August 4, 1948.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 34 Gross 23 Net, Length 49.2, Breadth 16, Depth 6.9, Built 1941 at Potlatch WA, Horsepower 100, Owner Barry C Moxley, Registered Aberdeen WA, ON 242077

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1948) Pg 314, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1949) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 910

 

MARIE (1919)     The 43 ton 63 foot gas screw fishing vessel Marie burned September 25, 1919 at Sister Island.  The 6 crewmen aboard made it to safety.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   54 52 15 N 131 17 15 W   Chart 17434

Comment: Could be a different Sister Island than the one I charted.  WG

Sources: 1. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pg 312, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1921) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 455, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1916) Pg 272

 

MARIE (1941)     The 10 ton 34 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Marie stranded and was lost near Kake February 4, 1941.  The one person aboard survived the disaster.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 58 30 N 133 56 30 W   Chart 17360

Additional Information: Tonnage 10 Gross 8 Net, Length 34.1, Breadth 11.6, Depth 4, Built 1918 at Juneau, Horsepower 18, Owner Willie Grant, Registered Juneau, ON 216436

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1942) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 511, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1941) Pg 208

 

MARIECHEN (1906)     The 2521 ton 290 foot steel German steam ship Mariechen struck a rock I a snowstorm January 25, 1906 in False Bay, Chatham Straits.  The following are excerpts from the wreck report:

            “Disabled Dec. 25, 1905, deadlight in coal bunker sprung open, adrift until Jan. 25, 1906.”  “Unable to see on account of snow storm and lack of steam.”  “Struck rock in snowstorm.”  “No charts of this coast, compass frozen up”

            The Mariechen departed Seattle December 19, 1905 bound for Vladivostock, East Siberia.  She had a crew of 50 and a cargo of 5,000 tons of general merchandise worth $100,000.  The vessel herself was worth $250,000.  At the time the wreck report was filed by Rudolph Heldt, master of the Mariechen, the damage to the vessel and cargo had not been ascertained.  Later reports have the vessel salvaged and towed back to Seattle. 

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 58 N 134 55 W   Chart 17300

Comment: Though the Mariechen may have been salvaged, there may be other evidence of this wreck on site.  That is why it is included in this compilation.”  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 2521, Length 289.6, Breadth 44.3, Depth 25.2, Built 1885 at Liverpool, England, Registered Hamburg Germany, ON 2521, Master Rudolph Heldt of Kiel Germany, Owner M Jabsen of Hamburg, Insurance unknown at the time of report

Sources: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report February 1, 1906, 2. The H W McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest (1966) Pgs 125&135

 

MARIETTA J (1970)     The oil screw Marietta J foundered and was lost August 29, 1970 three miles west of Cape Strait in Frederick Sound.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 59 55 N 133 05 30 W   Chart 17360

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

MARINA (1903)     The 5 ton 30 foot wooden sloop Marina struck a rock and was lost at 7:00 p.m. February 4, 1903.  Owner of the Marina, James Gordon and five passengers had departed Killisnoo and were bound for Hoonah when the disaster occurred.  They were loaded with $250 worth of camp supplies and potatoes.  The following are excerpts from the wreck report:

            “Wind strong, dark.”  “Stranded on a reef.”  “Probably Fisheries Point. (Chatham Strait) Alaska.”  “The vessel struck a rock; all goods were moved ashore.  Men went on board to wait for tide to rise.  Only one was seen again who spoke only a few words and died.”

            Lost were owner James Gordon, Grant Kadotk and Jim Teenduo.  The wreck report was signed by William M Carle, Minister of Gospel.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 47 30 N 134 42 35 W   Chart 17320

Comment: Fishery Point is on the route that the vessel was taking.  Some wreck reports spell the vessel Mariana.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 5, Length 30, Breadth 8.5, Depth 3.0, Built 1891 at Tacoma WA, Registered Juneau, ON 92344, Insurance unknown

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report March 6, 1903 at Juneau

 

MARINE VIEW (1989)     The 82 foot fishing vessel Marine View grounded and sank during a herring opening March 21, 1989 in Kah Shakes Cove.  All three crewmembers were able to walk to shore.  

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 02 40 N 130 59 15 W   Chart 17420

Additional Information: ON 243366

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

MARIPOSA (1917)     The 3,158 ton 314 foot Alaska Steamship Company steamer Mariposa struck a reef near Point Baker and was lost November 18, 1917.  The vessel was carrying 25,000 cases of salmon and 1,200 tons of copper ore as well as 265 passengers.  She had departed Anchorage and recently stopped at Shakan to load canned salmon.  It was shortly after her departure at 3:00 a.m. from Shakan that the Mariposa ran up on the reef.  The passengers were quickly evacuated.  Among the passengers aboard the Mariposa were shipwrecked crewmen from the Al-Ki, which was lost November 1st southwest of Juneau and shipwrecked crewmen from the Manhattan, which was lost November 15th in the Gulf of Alaska.  There were tensions between the two shipwrecked crews as the Manhattan crew had looted the wreck site of the Al-Ki before the Manhattan sank two weeks later.  Tourists were getting their money’s worth of adventure that the Alaska Steamship Company brochures promised.  They were seeing the wonder of Alaska, getting to mingle with two different shipwrecked Alaskan crews and finally becoming ship wreck victims themselves.  Six hours and 38 minutes after the stranding of the Mariposa, the vessel slid off into the deep carrying the valuable cargos with her.  The crew and passengers were taken aboard the Curacao, Ravalli and Jefferson and transported to safety.  The reef where the disaster occurred has been renamed Mariposa Reef.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 22 45 N 133 42 W   Chart 17378

Additional Information: Tonnage 3,158 Gross 1,939 Net, Length 314, Breadth 41, Depth 17.3, IHP 3,500, Built 1883 at Philadelphia PA, Registered Port Townsend WA, SL KBGT, ON 91554

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1918) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 439, 2. Alaska Steam Alaska Geographic Quarterly Vol 11 No 4 (1984) Pg 64, 3. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1916) Pg 143

 

MARJO (1996)     A 48 foot vessel named Marjo was consumed by fire June 4, 1996 in Salisbury Sound.

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

Source: Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013)

 

MARJORIE M (1929)     The 14 ton 40 foot gas screw fishing vessel Marjorie M was consumed by fire at Haines in 1929.  No one was aboard and no lives were lost at the time of the disaster.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   59 14 10 N 135 26 15 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 14 Gross 10 Net, Length 40, Breadth 11.8, Depth 3.8, Built 1928 at Hoonah, IHP 20, Registered Juneau, ON 223967, Owner Marion McKinley of Hoonah

 Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1931) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 940, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1930) Pgs 414-5

 

MARK CHRISTOPHER (1997)     The 49 foot salmon seiner Mark Christopher grounded and sank June 23, 1997 approximately 20 nautical miles east of Sitka.  All five crewmembers made it to safety.

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

Additional Information: ON 296804

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

 

MARS (1915)     The small halibut schooner Mars burned near Petersburg October 14, 1915.  A backfire in the engine room ignited the blaze which ended when the vessel was burned to the waterline near Five Fingers Islands.  All five crewmembers were able to escape.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 17 30 N 133 40 15 W   Chart 17360

Comment: Some sources have only four crewmembers. WG

Additional Information: Built 1903, Master and Owner Jens Varang

Sources: 1. Seattle Daily Times (October 21, 1915) “Halibut Boat is Burned in North” Pg 16, 2. Morning Olympian (November 24, 1915) “Storm Along the Alaska Coast Causes Big Loss of Shipping” Pg 2

 

MARTHA (1938)     The 11 ton wooden gas screw fishing vessel Martha foundered in Chilkat Inlet at 12:30 p.m. August 3, 1938.  Master George Kasko of Haines and one deck hand were aboard when the disaster occurred.  Their cargo was 36,000 pounds of fresh salmon.  The following are quotes from the casualty report:

            “Chilkat Inlet, 3 miles south of Letnikof Cove.”  “Force of wind strong; weather bad with heavy sea running; daylight.”  “Foundered…unable to stand strain of heavy seas.”  “Boat foundered suddenly; crew unable to take any measures to avoid casualty.”

            The Martha was valued at $2,000 and her cargo $1,500.  Vessel and cargo were listed as total losses with no insurance.  The two crewmen made it to safety.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   59 10 40 N 135 24 10 W   Chart

Additional Information: Tonnage 11 Gross 7 Net, Built 1915, Registered Juneau, ON 213823, Owner Haines Packing Co of Seattle, Last Port Letnikof Cove, Destination Chilkoot Inlet

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty May 25, 1939 at Juneau by E M Brennan of Harris Packing Company

 

MARTIN D (1974)     The 147 ton 80 foot steel oil screw tug Martin D foundered February 15, 1974 at the entrance to Wrangell Narrows in Sumner Strait.  Three of her four crewmembers were lost.  The barge the vessel was towing was caught by the wind and blown ahead of the tug causing her to capsize and sink.  Lost were captain Jack MacKinnon, Jack Sanders (42) and Al Kite (51).  Mike MacIntyre (22) was the only survivor.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 31 N 132 55 W   Chart 17360

Additional Information: Tonnage 147 Gross 98 Net, Length 80.2, Breadth 23.2, Depth 9.1, Built 1945, Service tug, Former Name ST-890 (U S A), ON 283372

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 436, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1979) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 2243, 3. Fairbanks Daily News Miner (February 16, 1974) “CG rescues 1 in sinking” Pg 2

 

MARVA ANNE (1999)     The 58 foot steel longline halibut fishing vessel Marva Anne flooded and sank October 21, 1999 two and a half miles west of Security Bay in Stephens Passage.  Both crewmembers donned survival suits and abandoned ship to a life raft.  They were rescued by the fishing vessel Celtic Air.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 53 N 134 21 W   Chart 17320

Additional Information: ON 580460

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

 

MARY (1885)     The 18 ton 48 foot wooden sloop Mary drifted ashore and was wrecked at 8 a.m. Sunday November 22, 1885 on Admiralty Island.  The following are excerpts from the wreck report filed by Charles Green of Juneau, owner and master of the Mary:

            “North point of Admiralty Island, Alaska…Stranded.”  “Had three anchors out…Dragged anchors and drifted ashore…Strong gale and heavy sea.”  “Total wreck”

            The crew of three made it to safety, but the Mary, valued at $100 was lost.  There was neither cargo nor insurance.  The Mary had sailed from Juneau November 19th bound for Admiralty Island.

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

Comment: I charted this wreck at Pt Retreat, the northernmost point on Admiralty Island.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 18.26, Length 48.4, Breadth 14.3, Depth 4.6, Built 1884 at Wrangell, Registered Wrangell, ON 91744

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report November 20, 1886 at Juneau by Charles Green

.

MARY (1926)     The 10 ton wooden gas screw Mary collided with the gas screw Virginia E in Tongass Narrows at 3:00 a.m. Monday September 27, 1926.  She had departed Saxman that day bound for Chomly with four aboard.  The following are excerpts taken from the casualty report filed by Peter McKay, master of the Mary:

            “No wind; clear and calm; moonlight, slight haze.”  “In Tongass Narrows near Channel Is. Light…Collision Ga. S. Virginia E of Ketchikan.”  “Captain of Mary was unable to determine which side to pass Virginia E on.”  “I heard Virginia E blow one whistle but considered I was too close to pass on starboard so answered with two whistles and swung to port.  Both vessels were advancing too rapidly to avoid collision and I hit the Virginia E on the port side.  The bow of the Mary was badly smashed and she began to sink immediately.  The Virginia E put a rope under the Mary to keep her afloat and towed her ashore and then took my crew of three besides myself aboard and brought us to Saxman, Alaska.”

            The Mary was a total loss and had no insurance.  She was valued at $2,000 and with no cargo aboard.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 23 45 N 131 45 45 W   Chart 17428

Additional Information: Tonnage 10 Gross 8 Net, Built 1913, Registered Ketchikan, ON 211056, Master Peter McKay of Ketchikan, Owner Charles T Johnson of Ketchikan

Source: U S C G  Report of Casualty September 27, 1926 at Ketchikan

 

MARY ANN (1955)     The 7 ton 29 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Mary Ann was consumed by fire June 8, 1955 in Kendrick Bay on Prince of Wales Island.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 7 Gross 5 Net, Length 29.4, Breadth 8.7, Depth 3.6, Built 1928 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 16, Owner James J Fitzgerald, Registered Ketchikan, ON 233209

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1955) Pg 332, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1956) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 744

 

MARY ELLEN (1943)     The 15 ton 39 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Mary Ellen burned August 7, 1943 at Icy Point.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska Unknown

Additional Information: Tonnage 15 Gross 10 Net, Length 38.9, Breadth 13.2, Depth 5.3, Built 1928 at Houghton WA, Horsepower 25, Crew 2, Owner Arthur Anderson, Registered Ketchikan, ON 227770

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1944) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 755, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1943) Pg 217

 

MARY G II (1931)     The 34 ton gas screw Mary G II caught fire and was lost on the NE coast of Prince of Wales Island at 10:30 a.m. November 24, 1931.  The vessel departed Ketchikan November 17th, 1931 with two aboard bound for the fishing grounds outside of Prince of Wales Island.  Master and owner of the Mary G II, Otto Bindpage, listed the following information in his casualty report:

            “Near Coffman Island at entrance to Lake Bay, Prince of Wales Island.”  “Raining and sky overcast light SW wind.”  “Caught fire from carbureter back firing.”  “Endeavored to put out fire with extinguishers.”  “Fire occurring in engine room got beyond control, master and crew were forced to take to skiff.”  “Total loss”

            Both Bindpage and his crewman escaped the disaster, but the Mary G II, valued at $10,600, was a total loss.  She was insured for $9,000.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 01 45 N 132 50 30 W   Chart 17360

Additional Information: Tonnage : 34 Gross 23 Net, Built 1919, Registered Ketchikan, ON 218151, Cargo none

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty November 27, 1931 at Ketchikan

 

MARY J (1933)     The 9 ton 36 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Mary J foundered near Sitka September 23, 1933.  The one person aboard made it to safety.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 9 Gross 6 Net, Length 36, Breadth 11, Depth 3, Built 1922 at Sitka, Horsepower 12, Owner Peter C Nelson, Registered Sitka, ON 222617

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1938) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 512, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1933) Pgs 434-5

 

MARY-JO (1960)     The 10 ton 39 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Mary-Jo burned June 14, 1960 at Kalinin Bay on Kruzof Island.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 10 Gross 6 Net, Length 39, Breadth 11.5, Depth 3, Built 1943 at Bremerton WA, Horsepower 130, SL WL9438, Owner Alvin W Green, Registered Tacoma WA, ON 274520

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1960) Pg 368, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1962) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 904

 

MARY KAY (2012)     The 78 foot wooden fish tender Mary Kay experienced severe flooding from a transverse bulkhead into her engine room while hauling gutted salmon from Neets Bay Cannery to Craig July 27, 2012. The vessel was traveling in heavy weather off of Cape Chacon when the four person crew was unable to keep the vessel dewatered from leaks in the lazarette, starboard fish hold and finally her engine room. All four were forced to don survival suits and abandon ship to an inflatable life raft and 10 foot skiff. The Good Samaritan fishing vessel North Wind rescued the crew and returned them to Ketchikan.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   54 41 30 N 132 00 50 W   Chart 17420

Additional Information: Tonnage 117 Gross 80 Net, Length 78.5, Breadth 21.6, Depth 10.2, Built 1940 Tacoma WA, ON 239946, Signal Letters KATN, Call Sign WA3232, Former Names California Bear and Ocean Cape

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1952) Pgs 420&677, 2. 17th Coast Guard District Enforcement Report (Jun-Sep 2012), 3. USCG MISLE Case # 605609

 

MARY L (1932)     The 8 ton wooden gas screw Mary L broke up on the beach near Wrangell at 10 p.m. Wednesday February 14, 1932.  The vessel was at anchor in the harbor with no one aboard before the tragedy.  The following are statements from the accident report made by master and owner Manuel Loftus of Wrangell:

            “Strong wind, rough sea, dark.”  “Anchor failed to hold.”  “Stranded on beach within ½ mile of Wrangell, Alaska.”  “No one on board and vessel was ashore and breaking up before the owner knew anything about it.”  “The anchor failed to hold and the vessel was driven on the beach and broken up by the waves.”

            The Mary L was valued at $800 with no cargo and no insurance.  The accident report is dated February 20, 1934.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 28 N 132 22 40 W   Chart 17384

Comment: The Casualty Report says February 14, 1932 and the Merchant Vessels of the U S (1934) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1007 says February 14, 1934.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 6 Net, Built 1911, Registered Wrangell, ON 232145

Source: U S C G Report of Casualty February 20, 1934 by Loftus at Wrangell

 

MARY LOU (1967)     The diesel screw Mary Lou foundered August 20, 1967 at Little Roller Bay on the west coast of Noyes Island.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 31 N 133 46 W   Chart 17400

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

MARY LOU (1984)     The 86 foot trawl fishing vessel Mary Lou was struck by a large wave, rolled over and sank January 22, 1984 off of Cape Decision.  The vessel was coming from Seattle on her way to Kodiak.  Two crewmembers were lost and three rescued.  Lost were skipper and part owner Tom Hansen (33) of Seattle and Fred Blanchard (25) of Portland.  Survivors were Tracy Bain (26) of Seattle, Mike York (23) of Moses Lake and David Thomas (41) of Seattle.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 00 10 N 134 08 W   Chart 17320

Sources: 1. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011), 2. Seattle Times (January 24, 1984) “Rescue at Sea: Survivors relive brush with death” Pgs A1&A5, 3. Oregonian (January 25, 1984) “Despite odds 3 crew members survive ordeal at sea” Pg C3

 

MARY LOUISE (1937)     The 19 ton wooden gas screw Mary Louise was destroyed by a fire at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday May 26th, 1937 in Hidden Inlet.  The following are excerpts from the casualty report:

            “Hidden Inlet, Alaska…Moderate wind, showers…Boat caught fire from burning buildings.”  “Gasoline, diesel fuel and fuel storage tanks caught fire.  Burning fuel oils flowed from storage tanks under buildings and boat destroying all.”  “Boat caught fire from burning buildings.”  “Destroyed by fire which destroyed cannery building and warehouses.”  “The Mary Louise was standing on a cradle on the beach close by the buildings, low tide, cradle dry.  Vessel had been berthed there all Winter, no captain or master assigned.  Completely destroyed by fire which originated in and around fuel tanks.”  “Complete loss.”

            The Mary Louise was valued at $5,000 and hadn’t been assigned a master.  She had last sailed out of Ketchikan August of 1936.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   54 57 N 130 21 W   Chart 17437

Comment: Probably the abandoned cannery at Gwent Cove.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 19 Gross 15 Net, Built 1929, Registered Ketchikan, ON 228803, Owner Nakat Packing Corp. at Hidden Inlet, Insurance unknown

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty June 15, 1937 at Ketchikan by L F Ryan, Superintendent for Hidden Inlet Cannery

 

MARY MAY (1992)     The 41 foot longline halibut fishing vessel Mary May sank without a trace September 11, 1992 near Biorka Island.  Jeff Anderson (29) and Robert Enlowe (23) both from Sitka were lost.  The body of one was later recovered in Sitka Bay on Kruzof Island.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 51 N 135 32 W   Chart 17320

Additional Information: ON 510791

Sources: 1. U S C G Shipwreck List (1989-2004), 2. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013), 3. Daily Sitka Sentinel (September 11, 1992) “Coast Guard Searches For Two Overdue Boats” Pg 1

 

MARY R (1951)     The 13 ton 33 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Mary R burned May 17, 1951 in Veta Bay.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 21 N 133 39 W   Chart 17400

Additional Information: Tonnage 13 Gross 8 Net, Length 33.4, Breadth 10.8, Depth 5.4, Built 1929 at Gig Harbor WA, Horsepower 20, Owner Ed Wick, Registered Seattle, ON 229156

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1951) Pg 352, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1952) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 956

 

MAURELLE (1997)     The 36 foot salmon troller Maurelle was lost in an explosion and fire July 4, 1997 approximately 20 nautical miles northwest of Cape Spencer.  All three crewmembers were rescued.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 12 45 N 136 39 30 W   Chart 17300

Comment: Some reports have this wreck listed as the fishing vessel Moral (ON 263900). WG

Additional Information: ON 944697

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

 

MAXINE (1942)     The 7 ton 30 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Maxine was consumed by fire July 25, 1942 at Hydaburg.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 7 Gross 5 Net, Length 30.4, Breadth 8.8, Depth 4.4, Built 1928 at Metlakatla, Horsepower 30, Owner Victor Haldane

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1944) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 755, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1943) Pg 219

 

MAXINE M (1958)     The 31 ton 44 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Maxine M foundered September 24, 1958 off of Dall Head near Gravina Island.  Five of the vessel’s six crewmembers were lost.  The sixth crewman, Howard Williams, son of the owner of the Maxine M was found alive atop a floating seine table in Clarence Strait.  He was picked up along with his deceased father by the fishing vessel Homer.  Lost in the disaster were owner James Williams (65), Alfred Dundas, Billy Dundas, Fred Fawcett and Henry Brendible.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 31 Gross 22 Net, Length 44.6, Breadth 14.4, Depth 6.2, Built 1942 at Saxman, Horsepower 165, SL WA8011, Owner James H Williams, Registered Ketchikan, ON242625

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1959) Pg 364, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1960) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 825

 

MAY (1919)     The 11 ton wooden gas screw May was forced ashore and lost on Prince of Wales Island at 6 p.m. Saturday December 20, 1919.  The vessel had departed Ketchikan December 7th with only owner and master John Leedy aboard.  He was expecting to return to Ketchikan.  The following are excerpts from the casualty report:

            “Strong wind…heavy sea…dark night.”  “Lost wheel close shore”  “Wind and tide forced boat in”  “Prince of Wales Island, 2 miles south of Narrow Point.”  “put out anchor was on shore wind.”  “Broken plank and battered by high seas…considered not worth repairs.”

            John Leedy survived the tragedy, but the May, valued at $3,000 was abandoned.  The accident reports that the vessel had no insurance and was a $1,600 loss.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 47 30 N 132 28 30 W   Chart 17420

Additional Information: Tonnage 11 Gross 7 Net, Built 1913 at Ketchikan, Registered Juneau, ON 211493, Master and Owner John Leedy of Ketchikan

Source: U S C G Report of Casualty February 3, 1920 at Wrangell by Leedy

 

MAY (1992)     The tug May capsized and sank November 22, 1992 in 50 fathoms of water at the mouth of Farragut Bay in Frederick Sound.  Only one crewmember survived out of the four on board. Lost were David J. Seelye (45) of Wrangell, Jay W. Ellis (42) of Wrangell and Randy S. Janisch (35) of Washington state. First Mate Wally Mizell was on deck when the vessel capsized and after being pulled down by the sinking vessel, swam free and was able to locate a liferaft. He was rescued 13 hours later.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 06 N 133 14 W   Chart 17360

Sources: 1. Michael Burwell Shipwreck List (2013), 2. The Daily Sentinel (November 23, 1992) “3 Crewmen Missing After Tug Boat Sinks” Pg 1

 

MCKINLEY (1928)     The 56 ton diesel screw McKinley foundered near Cape Decision at 2:00 a.m. Saturday March 5, 1928.  The vessel departed Ketchikan February 11, 1928 with 10 crewmen aboard bound for “Sea Fisheries.”  The following are excerpts from the casualty report:

            “Spanish Reef Island, opposite Cape Decision.”  “Fog and tidal currents setting vessel off its course.”  “Struck reef and foundered.”  “TOTAL LOSS”

            The crew all made it to safety, but the vessel and her cargo were a total loss.  The McKinley was loaded with 54,000 lbs. of fish valued at $3,500.  The vessel was valued at $28,000.  Insurance on the vessel was $20,000 but there was none on the cargo of fish.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 57 N 134 07 W   Chart 17402

Additional Information: Tonnage 56 Gross 38 Net, Built 1927, Registered Ketchikan, ON 226236, Master and part owner Barney Hanson of Ketchikan, Owners B Hanson and O Knutson

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty at Ketchikan by Hanson

 

MELISSA K (1989)     The 24 foot herring fishing vessel Melissa K grounded in heavy weather and broke up on the rocks March 30, 1989 on Survey Point, Annette Island.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 00 45 N 131 29 15 W   Chart 17420

Additional Information: ON AK1281K

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

MELODY (1992)     The 42 foot longline fishing vessel Melody developed rudder problems, washed up on a ledge and sank May 23, 1992 northwest of Baker Island.  Both persons aboard made it to safety.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 22 N 133 36 W   Chart 17400

Additional Information: ON 248046

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

 

MEMORIES (1997)     The 49 foot shrimp pot fishing vessel Memories grounded and sank October 28, 1997 in Wrangell Narrows.  The operator fell asleep at the wheel causing the disaster.  Both persons on board made it to safety.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 31 N 132 55 W   Chart 17360

Additional Information: ON 234750

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

 

MENOQUET (19??)     The 197 ton 106 foot wooden electric oil screw tug Menoquet foundered sometime before 1979 at Katlian Bay.  Originally a Navy Tug doing service in WWII in the Pacific, she was stricken from the Navy List in May of 1959.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 197 Gross 134 Net, Length 106, Breadth 26.4, Depth 12.7, Built 1944 at San Francisco CA, Former Name YTB-256 (U S N), Service tug, ON281433

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 451, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1979) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 2243, 3. Wikipedia “USS Menoquet (YTB-256)”

 

MERCER N0 1 (1943)     The barge Mercer No 1 broke loose from the gas boat Highway and was lost March 5, 1943 at Lena Point.  Wreckage of the Highway was found near Ralston Island.  All 6 or 7 crewmembers were lost in the disaster.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 23 45 N 134 46 45 W   Chart 17300

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

MERCURY (1898)     The 1050 ton 193 foot wooden ship Mercury stranded in Skagway Harbor at 2 a.m. April 11, 1898.  The vessel had sailed out of Seattle, Washington March 27, 1898 with a crew of 40.  She was carrying 1,500 tons of general merchandise worth $20,000.  The Mercury drug anchor in a 60 mile an hour gale that was “blowing too hard”.  The Mercury was listed with of value $8,000 with $4,000 worth of damage as a result of the stranding.  The report also lists $10,000 worth of cargo lost.  There was no insurance on the Mercury.  The vessel was eventually refloated and put back in service as a barge.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   59 27 30 N 135 18 45 W   Chart 17317

Additional Information: Tonnage 1050.29, Length 193, Breadth 39, Depth 22.2, Built 1851 at NY NY, Registered Seattle, ON 16948, Master Frank Anderson of Seattle, Owner E E Caine (M.O.) of Seattle, Last Port Seattle March 27, 1898, Destination Skagway

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report July 14, 1898 at Puget Sound by Frank Anderson

 

MERCY BEE (1981)     The fishing vessel Mercy Bee capsized in heavy surf January 1, 1981 in Squaw Bay.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   60 49 15 N 147 50 30 W   Chart 16705

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

MERRIE COLLEEN (1993)     The 58 foot salmon seiner Merrie Colleen burned to the waterline and sank September 11, 1993 near Nichols Island.  All four crewmembers abandoned ship to a 10 foot skiff and were picked up by the 22 foot research boat Cape Henry.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 10 N 132 59 W   Chart 17400

Additional Information: ON 261504

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

 

MEXICO (1897)     The 1,797 ton 275 foot steam powered wooden schooner Mexico struck a rock and foundered in Dixon Entrance at 4:20 a.m. Thursday August 5, 1897.  The vessel departed Sitka at 4:52 a.m. with 70 passengers and 71 crewmen bound for Victoria and ports on Puget Sound.  She was also carrying three tons of general merchandise of unknown value.  The following are excerpts from the wreck report filed at Willamette:

            “Weather smooth, partly foggy.”  “Struck a rock in Dixons Entrance, Alaska, supposed to be West Devil Rock.  Sunk in 85 fathoms of water in two hours.”  “Got everybody in boats with hand baggage, and landed at Metlakahtla.  From there brought to Puget Sound by str. City of Topeka.”  “Total loss”

            The Mexico was valued at $100,000 at the time of the disaster.  All passengers and crew made it to safety but the vessel and her cargo were lost.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   54 40 N 131 36 W (West Devil Rock) Chart 17434

Comment: The 1883 Coast Pilot for Alaska puts West Devil Rock at 54 41.5 N 131 27.5 W which is substantially East and slightly North of its actual location.  The wreck site is very near the border between Alaska and British Columbia.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 1797 Gross 1340 Net, Length 275, Breadth 26, Depth 20.7, Built 1882 San Francisco, NHP 1,500, Registered Portland OR, ON 91411, Master H C Thomas of San Francisco, Owner Oregon Improvement Co of Portland OR, Vessel Insurance $35,000

Sources: 1. U S Customs Wreck Report August 26, 1897 by Goodall Perkins & Co General Agents, 2. Pacific Coast Pilot Alaska Part I (1883) ADDENDA and ERRATA – “Dangers in Dixon Entrance and Vicinity” Pg 277

 

MICHO (1959)     The 21 ton 34 foot wooden oil screw Micho was consumed by fire August 21, 1959 at Smeaton Bay.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 19 N 130 54 W   Chart 17420

Additional Information: Tonnage 21 Gross 14 Net, Length 34.4, Breadth 12.5, Depth5.3, Built 1956 at Ketchikan, Service freight, Horsepower 100, SL WH2872, Owner Tom C Wonk, Registered Ketchikan, ON 271694

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1959) Pg 371, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1960) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 825

 

MIKIE (1955)     The 7 ton 28 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Mikie was consumed by fire September 16, 1955 in Fortuna Strait near Chichagof Island.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 25 N 135 53 W   Chart 17320

Additional Information: Tonnage 7 Gross 5 Net, Length 27.9, Breadth 9.2, Depth 4.6, Built 1932 at Marysville WA, Horsepower 95, Owner Jack W Huff, Registered Sitka, ON 261801

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1955) Pg 346, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1962) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 904

 

MIKKIDURA (1927)     The 10 ton wooden auxiliary schooner Mikkidura caught fire at 4:30 a.m. Wednesday July 27, 1927 in Barlow Cove.  The vessel departed Juneau July 26th bound for Lincoln Island via Barlow Cove with two aboard.  Pyrene and seawater were used to attempt to extinguish the blaze.  It was a clear night with calm seas and the Mikkidura had been at anchor all night.  The two aboard escaped to safety, but the vessel became a total loss.  The Mikkidura was valued at $7,000 and had no cargo at the time of the disaster.  The cause of the fire was unknown.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 24 N 134 55 W   Chart 17316

Additional Information: Tonnage 10 Gross 8 Net, Built 1909, Registered Seattle, ON 225878, Master and owner J R Crawford of Juneau, Vessel Insurance $5,000

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty July 29, 1927 by J K Crawford at Juneau

 

MILDRED (1954)     The 12 ton 50 foot wooden oil screw fishing vessel Mildred burned February 12, 1954, one and one half miles northeast of East Point on Woronkofski Island.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 23 N 132 24 20 W   Chart 17360

Additional Information: Tonnage 12 Gross 11 Net, Length 50, Breadth 12.6, Depth 3.6, Built 1912 at Petersburg, Horsepower 165, Owner Mike Lynch Jr., Registered Wrangell, ON 210116

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1955) Pg 347, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1956) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 744

 

MILDRED II (1928)     An engine backfire caused a blaze that destroyed the 45 ton wooden gas screw fishing vessel Mildred II at 7:30 a.m. April 30, 1928 near Turn Point Light.  The vessel departed Ketchikan April 16, 1928 bound for sea fisheries with 6 crewmen aboard.  They had 5,000 lbs of fresh halibut aboard worth $700 when the disaster occurred.  The following are statements from the casualty report:

            “near Turn Point Light, Alaska”  “Easterly wind, rainy”  “Engine back fired…Fire”  “Assistance rendered by Cannery tender Harolda.  Vessel appeared on the scene but could do nothing on account of the gallons of gas being aboard burning vessel which made it dangerous to get too close.”  “TOTAL LOSS”

            The Mildred II, worth $10,000 and her cargo of halibut were lost.  The crew made it to safety.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 59 05 N 132 58 50 W   Chart 17375

Comment: There are several Turn Point Lights in Southeast Alaska.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 43 Gross 31 Net, Built 1920, Registered Seattle, ON 220046, Master C Svendsen of Seattle, Owner Martin Johnson of Seattle, Insurance unknown

Source: U S C G Report of Casualty May 2, 1928 by Svendsen at Ketchikan

 

MILLER’S BAY (1976)     The 34 foot gasoline powered salmon troller Miller’s Bay went missing with a family of three on board July 25, 1976 off of Noyes Island 150 miles south of Juneau.  Lost were Robert West (31), his wife Judy (30) and their 14 year old daughter Brenda.  The Wests were salmon fishing at the time of the disaster.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 30 N 133 40 W   Chart 17400

Additional Information: Tonnage 8, Built 1919, ON 217917

Sources: 1. The Oregonian (July 29, 1976) “Oregonians still missing off Alaska” Pg C 1, 2. BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

MILLVILLE (1924)     A fire of unknown origin destroyed the 22 ton wooden gas screw Millville December 18, 1924.  The vessel was laid up for winter at Pybus Bay when the disaster occurred.  There was no one aboard and no cargo.  The Millville was valued at $2,000 and had $2,000 worth of insurance.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 16 N 134 05 W   Chart 17320

Additional Information: Tonnage 22 Gross 18 Net, Built 1915, Registered Ketchikan / Seatttle, ON 213011, Owner Alaska Pac. Fisheries of Seattle

Source: U S C G Report of Casualty May 11, 1925 by J M Gelbert, Agt. Alaska Consol. Canneries for Alaska Pac. Fisheries

 

MINNIE (1926)     The 8 ton 34 foot gas screw fishing vessel Minnie burned June 20, 1926 in Excursion Inlet.  The one person aboard at the time of the casualty made it to safety.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 8 Gross 7 Net, Length 34.7, Breadth 11.2, Depth 4, Built 1912 at Excursion Inlet, Horsepower 16, Owner John Williams of Hoonah, Registered Juneau, ON 210266

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1928) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 886, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1926) Pgs 434-5

 

MINNIE (1935)     An engine room fire destroyed the 11 ton gas screw fishing vessel Minnie at 6:15 p.m. Wednesday December 18, 1935 at Clover Island.  The Minnie and her crew of two departed Ketchikan December 17th for the “crab and clam fishing grounds”.  Master and owner Earl K Goodwin of Ketchikan made the following statements in his casualty report:

            “Clover Pass and Clover Island”  “Wind blowing in sharp gusts, sea smooth in Pass.  Dark and thick, going at half speed trying to get bearings.”  “When in pilot house with my deckhand I heard engine miss and turned to look down companionway leading from pilot house to engine room and was met with a burst of flame.  Impossible to get at fire extinguishers which were hanging in this companionway.  We got skiff overboard and pulled away some 100 yards fearing explosion of tanks.  Boat burned for several hours drifting onto Clover Island.”  “Total loss.”

            The Minnie was valued at $4,500 at the time of the tragedy.  She had no cargo aboard.  Her insurance was in the amount of $3,111.11.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 29 N 131 48 W   Chart 17420

Additional Information: Tonnage 11 Net, Age 25 years, Registered Ketchikan, ON 208079

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty December 21, 1935 by Goodwin at Ketchikan

 

MINNIE K (1964)     The 10 ton 30 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Minnie K foundered June 12, 1964 at Meyers Chuck.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 44 30 N 132 15 15 W   Chart 17423

Additional Information: Tonnage 10 gross 8 Net, Length 30.8, Breadth 9.2, Depth 4.4, Built 1916 at Wrangell, Horsepower 90, SL WL2132, Owner Cecil Griner, Registered Seattle, ON 214000

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) Pg 441, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1004

 

MIRA (1973)     The 10 ton 32 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Mira stranded and was lost August 19, 1973 in Frederick Sound near Cape Strait.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 59 55 N 133 05 30 W   Chart 17360

Additional Information: Tonnage 10 Gross 7 Net, Length 32.6, Breadth 10, Depth 5.4, Built 1921 at Seattle, ON 221877

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 458, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1974) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1636

 

MISCHIEF (1943)     The 9 ton 34 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Mischief was consumed by fire June 1, 1943 at Ketchikan.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 9 Gross 8 Net, Length 34.8, Breadth 9.9, Depth 3.9, Built 1924 at Stanwood WA, Horsepower 15, Owner M E Wilson, Registered Ketchikan, ON 223722

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1946) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 806, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1945) Pg 257

 

MISS AURORA (1976)     The 22 ton oil screw Miss Aurora foundered September 27, 1976 one and a half miles off of Point Lull at the entrance to Kelp Bay, Chatham Strait.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 18 N 134 48 45 W   Chart 17320

Additional Information: Tonnage 22 Gross, Built 1972, ON 539093

Source: Merchant Vessels of the U S (1978) Pg 2119

 

MISS DOREEN (1995)     The 40 foot fishing vessel Miss Doreen capsized and sank while at anchor June 15, 1995 in a bay near Petersburg. All three persons aboard were asleep when the vessel began to capsize during the night. The two men aboard were able to escape, but 10 year old Corrina Caples of Petersburg was lost.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 48 10 N 132 58 W   Chart 16016

Source: Sitka Daily Sentinel (June 16, 1995) “Divers Recover Body of Girl, 10, After Boat Sinks” Front Page

 

MISS EVERETT (2003)     The 34 foot wooden troller Miss Everett sank due to unknown causes July 8, 2003 near Kruzof Island approximately 10 miles north of Sitka near Point Amelia.  The only person aboard, Ted Hahler, was lost with the Miss Everett.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 7 Gross 6 Net, Length 34, Breadth 9.6, Depth 4.2, Built 1921 Everett WA, ON 221075, Call Sign WL9447

Sources: 1. U S C G News Release (July 8, 2003) “Coast Guard locates boat wreckage near Sitka”, 2. Anchorage Daily News (July 19, 2003) “False Alarms”, 3. USCG MISLE Case # 127074, 4. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1979) Pg 953

 

MISS LACE (1951)     The 14 ton 35 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Miss Lace burned October 14, 1951 off of Steamer Point, Clarence Strait.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 13 N 132 42 40 W   Chart 17360

Additional Information: Tonnage 14 Gross 9 Net, Length 35.7, Breadth 10.7, Depth 6, Built 1942 at Algonac MI, Former Name C-6061 (U S N), Horsepower 320, SL WC4638, Owner George Shapley, Registered Seattle, ON 257977

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1952) Pg 374, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1953-1954) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 745

 

MISSION (1927)     The 13 ton wooden gas screw Mission was destroyed by fire at midnight August 14, 1927 at Burnet Cannery.  The vessel and her crew of four departed Petersburg May 17, 1927 bound for Burnet Cannery.  The following is an accounting taken from the casualty report filed by Billy Hooper, master of the Mission:

            “two miles south of Burnet Cannery”  “Calm moonlit night.”  “Hand lantern falling ignited gasoline in bilge.  Pyrene fire extinguishers unavailing.”  “Used Pyrene fire extinguisher unavailingly to extinguish flames.  Took to dingy when efforts were useless.”  “When boat was about 15 feet from vessel, Mission blew up and wreck sunk in 22 fathoms of water.” 

            The Mission was valued at $2,000 and reported as a total loss.  It was unknown at the time of the report whether there was any insurance.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 04 N 132 29 W   Chart 17382

Comment: There is a Cannery Point at the west entrance to Burnett Inlet with the ruins of a cannery; probably the location of this wreck.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 13 Gross 8 Net, Built in 1910 at Sacramento, Registered Wrangell, ON 207771, Master William Hooper of Wrangell, Owner Wm. Tamaree of Wrangell

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty August 18, 1927 at Wrangell by Hooper

 

MIST (1894)     The 18 ton 50 foot wooden schooner Mist parted her anchor chains and was lost in a storm at 7:00 p.m. Friday October 12, 1894 at Sitka.  The crew of three survived and made it to safety, but the Mist drifted ashore and went to pieces.  High seas, high winds and a dark stormy night were reported at the time.  The Mist was valued at $600 and had no cargo and no insurance.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 03 N 135 20 W   Chart 17327

Additional Information: Tonnage 17.87 Net, Length 50, Breadth 12, Depth 3.5, Built 1865 at Oak Point WA, Registered Port Townsend WA, ON 17962, Master and Owner Wm H Smith of Sitka, Last Port Sitka October 11, 1899, Destination Hot Springs AK

Comment: The wreck report mentions the Mist departed Sitka the day before the tragedy so it may be possible that the wreck occurred in Hot Springs Bay southeast of Sitka near Goddard.  WG

Source: U S Customs wreck report October 15, 1894 by Smith at Sitka

 

MIST (1961)     The 17 ton 39 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Mist foundered August 4, 1961 at Mount Edgecumbe Dock, Sitka.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 17 Gross 11 Net, Length 39.6, Breadth 12.3, Depth 5.6, Built 1929 at Seattle WA, Horsepower 143, SL WF4447, Owner Ernest Hillman, Registered Sitka, ON 228786

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1963) Pg 439, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 965

 

MISTRESS (1999)     The 42 foot fiberglass crab fishing vessel Mistress capsized and sank in bad weather November 3, 1999 in the vicinity of Cape Fanshaw near Petersburg.  All three crewmembers were lost including captain James Odegard (47), his daughter Renee Odegard (22) and son Eric Odegard (25).

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 11 N 133 33 W   Chart 17360

Additional Information: ON 561341

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

 

MITCHELL (1930)     The 14 ton wooden gas screw Mitchell stranded and was lost on “Fanny Island Reef” at 11 a.m. Friday August 22, 1930.  Master J M Adamson was the only one aboard.  He had departed Juneau August 21st bound for “Speal River”.  The following are excerpts from the casualty report:

            “Fanny Island reef…stranded…fog.”  “Calm sea heavy fog.”  “Running slow at about 5 miles an hour.”  “In attempting to raise the boat the gas line broke and in some manner the boat got on fire and burned up.”  “total loss”

            The Mitchell was valued at $2,000 and had no insurance.  Adamson made it to safety and filed an accident report in Juneau soon after.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 02 45 N 133 47 10 W   Chart 17313

Comment: Fannie Island…Speel River.  WG

Additional Information: Tonnage 14 Gross 10 Net, Built 1902, Registered Juneau, ON 93286, Owner Robert E Coughlin of Juneau

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty August 29, 1930 by Adamson at Juneau

 

MITKOF (2004)     The 75 foot wooden fish tender Mitkof struck a rock and sank at 1:57 a.m. August 5, 2004 approximately 10 miles north of Petersburg.  The disaster was attributed to the operator falling asleep at the wheel and grounding near Sukoi Island.  The owner of the Mitkof took the helm after the grounding and attempted to run the vessel aground on a beach nearby, but she sank enroute. The vessel was carrying 160,000 pounds of fish.  All four crewmembers were rescued by the fishing vessel Angjenl.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 106 Gross 84 Net, Length 75.5, Breadth 21.4, Depth 9.5, Built 1940 Tacoma WA,  ON 239861, Call Sign WCG3220, Former Call Sign WB4006, Former Names Royal Aleutian, Mary Jo, New San Antonio II, Califano Isidoro

Sources: 1. USCG News Release (August 6, 2004) “Fisherman rescues skipper, three teens”, 2. USCG MISLE Case # 192673, 3. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1979) Pgs 980 & 1949

 

MOCKINGBIRD (1899)     The vessel Mockingbird was lost at Dyea Harbor December of 1899.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   59 29 35 N 135 21 45 W   Chart 17317

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

 

MOJO (1988)     The 28 foot fishing vessel Mojo sank when her anchor line tangled July 25, 1988 in Cameron Bay south of Sitka.  Jim Trow (62), owner and operator of the Mojo was lost after being pulled from the water by the fishing vessel Sefora.  Two crewmembers were rescued from the water by a U S Coast Guard Helicopter.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 43 N 135 16 30 W   Chart 16326

Source: BOEM Alaska Shipwreck List (2011)

 

MONO (1898)     The 88 ton British steamer Mono was washed up on the rocks in Clarence Strait July 23, 1898.  She had been under tow by the vessel Fastnet along with the British steamer Stikine Chief, also in tow.  As the Fastnet made a turn down Snow Passage to escape freshening southeasterly weather, the towline to the Mono parted and the vessel was set adrift.  While the Fastnet was towing the Stikine Chief to safety on the northwest side of Bushy Island, the Mono drifted NW.  The crew aboard the Mono attempted to set anchors to slow the drifting vessel but the Mono blew up onto the rocks on the SE end of Bushy Island.  The tide was very high so the Mono was carried over the reefs and high onto the rocks at the south end of the Island.  Much of the cargo was salvaged when the tide receded but the Mono was a total loss. 

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 16 N 132 59 W   Chart 17382

Comment: The Stikine Chief was lost in the Gulf of Alaska a week later near Yakutat

Source:  U S Customs Wreck Report filed at Wrangell and accompanying letter from P F Armstrong, Master

 

MONTANA (1914)     The 65 ton wooden gas halibut schooner Montana caught fire and was lost at 1:00 p.m. Monday April 27, 1911 near Redoubt Bay.  The vessel departed Ketchikan April 8, 1914 with a crew of 15 on a fishing cruise.  At the time of the disaster, they had stowed 8,900 lbs. of halibut and 376 lbs. of bait worth a total of $4,000.  The following are excerpts from the Wreck Report filed by Michael Scott of Seattle, master of the Montana:

            “8 ¼ mi. SSE from Sitka Sound on small Island front Redoubt Bay…on reef…gentle breeze.”  “Vessel floated off reef without damage.  At anchor when fire occurred.  Engines… tried to extinguish fire.  Fire caused by backfire of engines.”  “Towed to beach by gas boats Star and Niagara.”  “Complete loss.”

            The Montana was valued at $16,000 at the time of the disaster and was a total loss including cargo.  The crew all made it to safety.  There was a total of $14,000 worth of insurance.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   56 55 30 N 135 22 W   Chart 17326

Additional Information: Tonnage 65 Gross 33 Net, Age 3 years, Registered Seattle, ON 208427, Owners W H Butt, E Cunningham and H Lee

Source: U S Customs Wreck Report April 30, 1914 by M Scott

 

MONTCLAIR (1925)     The 23 ton gas screw Montclair stranded in a storm off the south shore of Etolin Island at 6 p.m. Tuesday December 8, 1925.  The vessel departed Ketchikan November 23, 1925 with a crew of three bound for Onslow Island.  The following are excerpts from the casualty report:

            “South shore Etolin Is. nr. Double Is.”  “Storm”  “Stranded”  “80 mile gale, rough sea, dark.”  “Montclair was lying at anchor on the leeward side of Mable Is. storm came up about 12 M increased in fierceness until midnight, at 6 p.m. she began to drag anchor, another was thrown out but to no avail.  The vessel now rests on the beach in a cove on the south shore of Etolin Island, about halfway between Mable and Double Is the engines and other machinery have been salvaged, it is not yet fully decided whether the hull is worth repairing or not.”

            The Montclair was valued at $5,000 and was reported a total loss with no insurance.  The crew made it to safety.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 52 30 N 132 22 W   Charts 17360 and 17423

Additional Information: Tonnage 23, Age 17 years, Registered Seattle, ON 205622, Master Lewis A Stockley of Myers Chuck, Owner Fur Farms Finance Co of Seattle 42/50th

Source: U S Coast Guard Report of Casualty March 3, 1926 at Myers Chuck by Stockley

 

MORZHOVOI (1955)     The 81 ton 80 foot wooden oil screw Morzhovoi burned June 10, 1955 in Funter Bay, Clarence Strait.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 14 15 N 134 55 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 81 Gross 63 Net, Length 80.2, Breadth 18.9, Depth 7.6, Built 1917 at Seattle WA, Service freight, Horsepower 165, SL WB4935, Owner P E Harris Company, Registered Juneau, ON 214789

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1956) Pg 364, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1957) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 757

 

MRS (2005)     The 48 foot wooden shrimp fishing vessel MRS capsized and sank October 14, 2005 near Grindall Island, Kasaan Bay in Clarence Strait.  All three persons aboard were rescued from the water by the Good Samaritan Vessel Lady Mae.  One crewmember and an observer survived the disaster, but the master of the MRS, Ryan Miller was too long in the 53 degree water and did not survive. Miller was lowering stabilizers when the vessel rolled over. The stacks of shrimp pots on deck, a home-made freezer filled with 7,000 lbs of shrimp and empty voids and tanks below deck were all thought to have contributed to the vessel’s instability.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 26 35 N 132 07 30 W   Chart 17420

Additional Information: Tonnage 40 Gross 30 Net, Length 48.4, Breadth 14.5, Depth 6, Built 1950 Wrangell AK, ON 260616, Call Sign WD6706

Sources: 1, USCG News Release (October 14, 2005) “Coast Guard, Good Samaritans rescue crew of fishing vessel MRS”, 2. Juneau Empire (October 24, 2005) “A heavy turnout in Wrangell for fisherman who drowned”, 3. USCG MISLE Case # 261947, 4. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1979) Pg 1002

 

MS TRACIE (2000)     The 50 foot wooden salmon fishing vessel Ms Tracie flooded from a faulty shaft packing, sprung a plank and sank August 16, 2000 off of Cedar Point, Metlakatla.  All six crewmembers abandoned the vessel to a skiff and were rescued by the fishing vessel Island Dancer.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   55 05 50 N 131 36 25 W   Chart 17420

Additional Information: ON 260528

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

 

MULE (1964)     The 31 ton 52 foot steel oil screw fishing vessel Mule was destroyed by a storm April 4, 1964 near Cape Spencer.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 31 Gross 21 Net, Length 51.9, Breadth 13.8, Depth 4.7, Built 1945 at Emeryville CA, Former Name LCM-6-C-48815 (U S N), Horsepower 330, SL WL2676, Owner Western Marine Construction Inc., Registered Seattle, ON 276472

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1964) Pg 462, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 1005

 

MUNROE (1969)     The 30 ton 46 foot wooden oil screw Munroe collided with an iceberg and was lost August 29, 1969 in Stephens Passage.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   57 13 N 133 39 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: Tonnage 30 Gross 20 Net, Length 46.9, Breadth 13.7, Depth 6.3, Built 1942 at Seattle WA, ON 241885

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1965) Pg 480, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1979) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 2243

 

MUSHER (1941)     The 6 ton 28 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Musher was consumed by fire July 13, 1941 in Sitka Sound.  The two persons aboard made it to safety.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 6 Gross 5 Net, Length 28.2, Breadth 8.7, Depth 3.4, Built 1927 at Ketchikan, Horsepower 16, Owner Charles McKewan, Registered Sitka, ON 232311

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1942) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 511, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1941) Pg 225

 

MYRNA (1937)     The 11 ton 34 foot wooden gas screw fishing vessel Myrna was destroyed by fire at Wrangell September 29, 1937.  The three persons aboard made it to safety.

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

Additional Information: Tonnage 11 Gross 7 Net, Length 34.4, Breadth 10.3, Depth 3.5, Built 1936 at Petersburg, Horsepower 70, Owner Loren Johnson of Petersburg, Registered Petersburg, ON 235582

Sources: 1. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1938) “Vessels Reported Lost” Pg 512, 2. Merchant Vessels of the U S (1937) Pg 239

 

MYRTLE D (1997)     The 33 foot salmon troller Myrtle D grounded and was lost August 24, 1997 at Elfin Cove.  The operator sleeping at the wheel was blamed for the disaster.  There was no loss of life.

Mapping and Location: Southeast Alaska   58 11 40 N 136 20 35 W   Chart 17300

Additional Information: ON 230884

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

 

2 Replies to “South East Alaska Shipwrecks ( M )”

  1. I’m interested in the details of the sinking of the seiner Marietta J, out of Petersburg, Norman Tate, captain, sometime in August of 1970 (I’m pretty sure). I worked on this boat in 1969 and 1970 as a deckhand, and in August of 1970 I left to go back to Juneau (my hometown) and return to college. Norman Tate’s wife, Vange Tate, wrote my mother some weeks later that the Marietta J had gone out on a trip immediately after I left, and been struck by a power barge in the early morning hours as it was returning to Petersburg. It sank in about 20 minutes, with no casualties. The crew got into the skiff, cut the seine loose, and escaped. The seine later floated up badly torn from being caught on the power block and boom. This is all I know. Norman Tate had two daughters (one was named Roundtree [or “Rountree”] by marriage), and they may still be in Petersburg. In fact, “Fuzzy” Roundtree, her husband, may have been on the boat when it sank.

    That’s all I have, and I’ve searched as well as I’m able on the Internet for more information for some years. I’m very curious about the exact location of this sinking, exactly what happened, who was at fault, and perhaps some details of the crew’s experience, as you might expect.

    —DCK

    1. All I have found so far is what is published in my books which is: “The oil screw Marietta J foundered and was lost August 29, 1970 three
      miles west of Cape Strait in Frederick Sound.” I will do some follow up research and see what I can find, but what you have posted is very helpful.

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