Maritime Losses: A Record of Shipwrecks and Naval Incidents
The history of seafaring is marked by both triumph and tragedy. From the depths of the North Sea to the remote coasts of Alaska, countless vessels have been lost to the elements, mechanical failure, and the violence of war. These losses encompass a wide variety of ships, including schooners (sailing vessels with at least two masts) and barques (a specific type of sailing vessel with three or more masts), as well as advanced naval submarines.
Key Facts
- Vessels from multiple nations, including the United States, United Kingdom, Norway, France, Germany, and Russia, are represented in these records.
- Causes of loss range from accidental sinkings and engine malfunctions to mine strikes during World War I.
- Some vessels, such as the AG-13 and the Harriet G, were successfully salvaged and returned to service under new names.
- Geographic losses are widespread, spanning the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean, and the North Sea.
Naval and Military Losses
Military vessels often face higher risks due to combat and experimental technology. During World War I, minefields became a significant hazard in the North Sea. For instance, the British coaster Taurus struck a mine east of the Shetland Islands in either July or August 1917, resulting in the loss of nine crew members. Similarly, the Imperial German Navy's SM U-50, a Type U 43 submarine, is believed to have sunk after striking a mine off Terschelling, Netherlands, on or after August 31.
Not all naval losses were combat-related. The Imperial Russian Navy's AG-13 submarine sank accidentally, though it was later refloated, repaired, and renamed AG-16. In France, the naval trawler Dorade was lost sometime in 1917.
Commercial and Private Vessel Wrecks
Commercial shipping faced constant threats from unpredictable weather and navigational hazards. In the North Atlantic and North Sea, the British ship Belem sank near Bude, Cornwall, while the Norwegian barque Orthes was abandoned in the Atlantic Ocean and subsequently foundered.
The Norwegian fishing steamer Spes & Fides, a former whaler, sank during a storm off Tromsø due to an engine malfunction. While there were no deaths, the wreck remained hidden until 2014, when divers located it at a depth of 20 meters (66 ft) following a search by the Sandefjord Museum.
Losses in the Pacific and Alaskan Waters
The rugged coastlines of Alaska and the Pacific Northwest claimed numerous vessels. The United States lost several steamers and schooners in these regions, including the Prince John in Wrangell Narrows and the Reuben L. Richardson, a 92-net ton schooner, in Clarence Strait. The steamer Spokane became a total loss at Farallon Bay off northeastern Dull Island.
Other notable Pacific losses include the Key West in Unimak Pass and the Catherine at Ugashik, Alaska. Further west, the American schooner Ariel was wrecked off the Inubōsaki Lighthouse in Japan.
Salvage and Recovery Stories
Some maritime disasters ended in successful recovery. The 252-ton brig Harriet G capsized off Cape Flattery, Washington, while transporting lumber from Puget Sound to Hawaii. It was salvaged by the halibut schooner Sumner and returned to service as the Esther, re-rigged as a three-masted schooner.
Other losses were more absolute, such as the 30-ton, 60-foot (18.3 m) twin-screw schooner Mary Sachs, which wrecked on Banks Island near Cape Kellett in Canada's Northwest Territories, and the Aurora, which vanished in the second half of 1917 while sailing from Sydney, New South Wales to Iquique, Chile.
Finally, the steamship Uma sank off the coast of Spain, though its national flag remains unknown.
Summary of Vessel Losses
| Ship Name | State/Navy | Primary Cause/Location |
|---|---|---|
| AG-13 | Imperial Russian Navy | Accidental sinking (Refloated as AG-16) |
| SM U-50 | Imperial German Navy | Mine strike, North Sea |
| Taurus | United Kingdom | Mine strike, North Sea |
| Spes & Fides | Norway | Engine malfunction/Storm, Tromsø |
| Harriet G | United States | Capsized off Cape Flattery (Salvaged as Esther) |
| Mary Sachs | United States | Wrecked on Banks Island, Canada |
| Uma | Unknown | Sank off the coast of Spain |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which vessels were successfully salvaged?
The Imperial Russian Navy's AG-13 was refloated and returned to service as AG-16, and the American brig Harriet G was salvaged and renamed the Esther.
What caused the loss of the Spes & Fides?
The Spes & Fides, a former whaler, sank off Tromsø, Norway, due to a combination of an engine malfunction and a storm.
How many crew members were lost on the Taurus?
The British coaster Taurus lost nine crew members after striking a mine in the North Sea during July or August 1917.
Where did the Mary Sachs wreck occur?
The Mary Sachs, a 30-ton twin-screw schooner, was wrecked on Banks Island near Cape Kellett off the coast of Canada's Northwest Territories.
Which vessels were lost in the Alexander Archipelago?
The steamer Prince John (in Wrangell Narrows) and the schooner Reuben L. Richardson (in Clarence Strait) were both lost in the Alexander Archipelago of Southeast Alaska.