While much of the diving in Alaska focuses on the state's natural wonders, there are plenty of intriguing wrecks to explore, all around the state. With its shipping history, first as a destination for fur traders and gold miners, then as a pivotal staging point during the second World War, as well as with its fishing tradition, the state has plenty to offer in the way of wrecks to dive. Alaska's waters might be cold, but they shelter underwater treasures that will astound you. Some can be easily explored, while others are nearly out of reach. Let’s take a peek at five mysterious Alaskan shipwrecks!
SS Aleutian
Lost on May 26 1929, after striking a pinnacle just off the coast of Kodiak, the SS Aleutian was built in 1898 and originally named the Havana. Boasting an iron hull and many luxurious appointments, this 375 foot long ship had a 50 foot beam and originally carried passengers and goods along the route between New York and Panama. The SS Aleutian was purchased by the Alaska Steamship Company in 1927, and was tasked with carrying freight, passengers, and mail from Seattle to the awakening Alaskan frontier. When she struck the pinnacle that cold morning, she was making 14 knots and was carrying 115 tons of freight, along with a crew of 111 men and five passengers. Though the accident happened suddenly, most were able to make it to lifeboats before the sinking, and the rest were rescued immediately afterward.
The SS Aleutian lay forgotten beneath the waters of Kodiak's Uyak Bay for more than 73 years before she was rediscovered, with the aid of side scan sonar, in August of 2002. Today, technical divers can access this incredible wreck, which lies at a depth of 220 feet. She is upright, with her masts accessible at a depth of 110 feet and her superstructure at 165 feet. Home to black rockfish and gigantic Lingcod, the Aleutian is blanketed in white metridium anemones and though she is slowly yielding to the ravages of time, she is filled with artifacts ranging from china to light fixtures.
SS Saratoga
Lost after running aground in 1908, the iron hulled Saratoga was built in 1878 in Pennsylvania. Nearly 300 feet long and used by the Northwestern Steamship Company to carry passengers and freight from Seattle to points north, the ship has been the subject of intensive research in recent years. Thought to be resting in Prince William Sound beneath 200-400 feet of water, she has yet to be located. Keep your fingers crossed though - shipwreck researchers are making new discoveries all the time.
SS Farallon
After running aground in January of 1910, the steamship Farallon was abandoned in Alaska's lower Cook Inlet; the survivors nearly froze to death after a month of waiting for rescue with very little in the way of either clothing or provisions. A group of six men set out in a 12 foot lifeboat and were finally rescued after two months at sea; those who remained on land were rescued by the steamship Victoria. The ship's mail clerk took over 50 photos that remain today, and though the wreck is a shallow one, located within sight of the Point Wilson lighthouse in Iliamna Bay, it is an intriguing one - particularly when the history is known.
SS Yukon
Lost in 1946, the SS Yukon is located very close to the beach, in Johnstone Bay, about a two hour boat ride from Seward. 11 lives were lost in the grounding and subsequent sinking. Today, this shallow wreck is still in fairly good condition - a ghostly ship filled with marine life including Lingcod and Wolf eels. A favorite with Alaskan divers, the Yukon is more than 300 feet long and is good for at least two to three dives.
Torrent
A 641 ton wooden sailing bark that was lost in July of 1868 near the Kennedy entrance to lower Cook Inlet, the Torrent is one of the most historically important shipwrecks Alaska has to offer. There were 125 soldiers, 4 women, 11 children, 2 servants, and a handful of officers, under the command of Captain Richard Carleton, on board when she sank - fortunately, all were rescued and made it to Kodiak, where they spent the winter. The Torrent, along with the cargo and supplies she carried, was missing for more than a century before being rediscovered. Although her decks and rigging have long since washed away, tantalizing archaeological elements including copper deck spikes and other fittings remain. This is an active archaeological site and recreational diving is not currently possible.
In all, researchers are aware of more than 200 missing ships around the more than 30,000 miles of Alaska's coastline. Whether you get the opportunity to dive some of them now, or if you visit new wrecks discovered in the future, the experience is certain to be an unforgettable one.