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Newspaper Archives

About This Archive

This is a collection based on historical newspaper archives documenting maritime accidents and casualties. Unlike traditional shipwreck databases that focus primarily on total losses, this archive captures vessels that were stranded and recovered, partial losses, and obscure incidents often missing from websites, books and historical shipwreck databases.

How to Use:

  • Search: Enter a vessel name in the console below to find specific reports.

  • Filter: Use the dropdowns to narrow results by Wreck Type (e.g., Stranding, Collision) or Incident Year.

  • Browse: Select a letter from the A-Z Index to view the catalog alphabetically.

This database is a primary source tool for researchers regarding maritime incidents.

BROWSE A-Z: ALL ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

Alaska Prince

Alaska Prince

VESSEL: Freighter
TYPE: Collision
DATE: January 11, 1960
SIZE: 756 Gross Ton
BUILT: April 1921 as Canadian Skirmisher; Hull No. 105; Official Number: 141710
BUILDER: Wallace Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Co., Ltd., North Vancouver, British Columbia
LOCATION: Entrance to Vancouver harbor, Prospect Point, British Columbia

SUMMARY:
The freighter was struck by the 2,100 ton ferry Princess Elaine at the fog bound entrance to Vancouver harbor. The Alaska Prince sustained a 40 foot slash amidships and was later grounded to prevent the vessel from sinking. No reports of injuries to the 46 passengers and 64 crewmen aboard the two vessels. The Princess Elaine sustained only a few buckled plates.

The Alaska Prince was later salvaged. The freighter reported to have foundered in Howe Sound, British Columbia in 1973.

REFERENCE:
The Bellingham Herald (Bellingham, Washington). January 12, 1960. Page 1.
Naval Marine Archive https://navalmarinearchive.com/sbh/canadayards/burrard.html

+ Structured Data
Vessel Name: Alaska Prince
Vessel Type: Freighter
Date Built: April 1921
Built Year: 1921
Builder Name: Wallace Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Co.,Ltd.
Where Built: North Vancouver, British Columbia
Former Names: Canadian Skirmisher
Hull No: 105
Vessel Registration Number: 141710
Incident Type Collision
Incident Date: 1960-01-11
Incident Year: 1960
Location – By Water: Pacific Ocean
Location – By Land: Vancouver harbor, Prospect Point, British Columbia
Lives Lost: 0 deaths
All Hands: false
Injuries: 0 injured
Photo Exist: true
Outcome: Recovered

Almeda Willey

VESSEL: Schooner
TYPE: Collision
DATE: March 25, 1903
SIZE:
BUILT: Thomaston, Maine
MASTER:
LOCATION: Entrance to Gedney’s Channel, New York Harbor

SUMMARY:
The steamer Orono was departing from New York bound for Montevideo when it was in collision with the schooner Almeda Willey at the entrance to Gedney’s channel in New York harbor. The Orono suffered considerable damage while the Almeda Willey‘s jibboom, head stays and flying jib were carried away. Both vessels returned to New York.

REFERENCE:
The Boston Globe (Boston, Massachusetts). March 25, 1903. Page 8.

+ Structured Data
Vessel Name: Almeda Willey
Vessel Type: Schooner
Country or Flag:
Wreck Type: Collision
Incident Type: Collision
Incident Date: 1903-03-25
Incident Year: 1903
Incident Month: 3
Incident Day: 25
Location – By Water: Gedney’s Channel, New York Harbor,
Location – By Land: New York, New York
Lives Lost: 0 deaths
All Hands: false
Injuries: 0 injured
Weather:
Notes: Lost jibboom, head stays and flying jib after collision with steamer Orono
Total or Recovered: Recovered
Departure Port: New York, New York
Destination Port: Brunswick, Georgia
Cargo:

Chatham

Chatham

VESSEL: Ferry
TYPE: Collision
DATE: August 29, 1960
SIZE:
BUILT: 1922
BUILDER:
LOCATION: Hudson River off lower Manhattan, New York

SUMMARY:
The ferry Chatham was struck by the rail-car carrier Seatrain Georgia in heavy morning fog on the Hudson River between Hokoken and Manhattan. The Chatham was approaching its slip at Barclay Street after completing a 7 minute voyage across the Hudson when the 503 foot long Seatrain Georgia attempted to pass in front of ferry, but struck just behind the funnel along the starboard hull. The Chatham sustained a 40 to 50 foot wide hole and 2 feet depth, but only 1 compartment flooded. When authorities first heard of the collision, a fireboat, Coast Guard helicopter and cutter, and a police launch was sent to assist. The police evacuated some of the passengers off the ferry using a lifeboat, but many chose to remain aboard. Multiple tugs arrived on site and were able to nudge the ferry to its Manhattan slip at Chamber Street. There were 13 people injured during the incident and taken to Beekman-Downtown hospital. The Chatham was later salvaged.

REFERENCE:
Gloucester County Times (Woodbury, New Jersey). August 29, 1960. Page 2.
The New York Times (New York, New York). August 30, 1960. Page 1.
The Mariners’ Museum and Park https://catalogs.marinersmuseum.org/object/ARI77975

+ Structured Data
Vessel Name: Chatham
Vessel Type: Passenger Ferry
Built Year: 1922
Incident Type Collision
Incident Date: 1960-08-29
Incident Year: 1960
Location – By Water: Hudson River
Location – By Land: Manhattan, New York
Lives Lost: 0 deaths
All Hands: false
Injuries: 13 injured
Photo Exist: true
Weather: Heavy Fog
Total or Recovered: Recovered
Wreck Type: Collision
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