List of shipwrecks in 1903
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
January
2 January
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Prince Arthur |  Norway |
The barque was wrecked in a storm on a reef 10 miles (16 km) south of Cape Alava and broke up. 18 were killed, 2 survivors.[1] |
3 January
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Remedios Pascual |  Spain |
During a voyage from Buenos Aires, Argentina, to New York City carrying a crew of 21 men and a cargo of animal bones destined for a fertilizer factory, the 1,605-ton schooner was wrecked in thick fog during a gale about 200 yards (183 m) off Ship Bottom, New Jersey, and about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) north of the Ship Bottom Life-Saving Station. The United States Life-Saving Service rescued her entire crew. Her wreck sank in 20 to 30 feet (6 to 9 m) of water and is known as the "Bone Wreck" and the "Surf City Wreck."[2][3][4] |
7 January
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Jas. A. Carney |  United States |
The steamer struck an obstruction at the mouth of the Mobile River in Alabama and was beached. She was refloated and repaired.[5] |
8 January
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Lucille Nowland | United States |
The steamer struck a hidden obstruction in the Arkansas River between Memphis, Tennessee and Pine Bluff, Arkansas and sank.[6] |
9 January
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Alligator | United States |
The steamer sank at dock at Palatka, Florida due to a broken pipe. Raised, repaired and returned to service.[7][8] |
| Crosby |  United Kingdom |
The steamship was wrecked at Bempton Cliffs, Flamborough Head, Yorkshire, United Kingdom.[9] |
| Otto | United States |
The laid up steamer burned at Freeport, Florida.[5] |
| Palmas | United Kingdom |
The cargo ship was sighted whilst on a voyage from Liverpool, Lancashire to Boston, Massachusetts, United States. No further trace, presumed foundered in the Atlantic Ocean with the loss of all 39 crew.[10] |
13 January
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Thomas Morgan | United States |
The tug ran aground at high tide on a steep bank in the harbor at Charleston, South Carolina. When the tide dropped she slid off and sank. One crewman killed.[11] |
16 January
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Grit | United States |
The tow steamer sank at dock in Tottenville, New York due to a damaged plank.[12] |
17 January
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Earl | United States |
The steamer capsized and sank at the mouth of the Tangipahoa River, possibly from being close to the bank edge with the river level dropping.[5] |
19 January
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Nimble | United Kingdom |
The 23-ton ketch was wrecked on Angus Rock, Strangford Lough, County Down, Ireland, UK (54°29′N 05°37′W).[13] |
21 January
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| USS Leyden |  United States Navy |
While on a return passage from Puerto Rico in heavy fog, the tug was wrecked on rocks just off Southeast Point on Block Island off the coast of Rhode Island, 0.75 nautical miles (1.39 km; 0.86 mi) west of Block Island Southeast Light. Her wreck settled in 15 feet (4.6 m) of water at 41°08.85′N 071°33.86′W.[14] |
| Nanticoke | United States |
The steamer was sunk by ice in Newark Bay. Later raised and drydocked.[15] |
| Seaboard | United States |
The steamer ran aground in high winds, heavy seas, and dense fog on Dutch Island in Narragansett Bay. Later refloated.[16] |
22 January
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Fawn | United States |
The laid up steamer sank at St. Louis, Missouri when cold weather opened up her seams. She was a total loss.[17] |
23 January
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| John T. Pratt | United States |
The tow steamer sank at dock at the foot of Van Brunt Street, Brooklyn when her seams opened up. Later raised and repaired.[16] |
25 January
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Otto |  Sweden |
The steamer was wrecked off Terschelling.[18] |
29 January
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Bay Ridge | United States |
The tow steamer sank at dock in thick fog at The Battery when she was struck by New York Central No. 6 ( United States).[16] |
30 January
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Crescent City | United States |
The steamer was wrecked on Fish Rocks near Point Arena, California, a total loss.[19] |
| Gulf Stream | United States |
The steamer was wrecked on the bar at Hereford, New Jersey in heavy seas and dense fog. Her cargo was salvaged.[16] |
February
1 February
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| James Stevens No. 12 |  Royal National Lifeboat Institution |
The Mumbles lifeboat capsized at the mouth of the River Afan with the loss of six of her fourteen crew.[20] |
| Maskelyne |  Belgium |
The steamship foundered at 41°35′N 34°40′W.[21] |
2 February
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Alert | Norway |
The steamer sprung a leak in a gale and foundered 100 miles (160 km) off Spurn Point. All nine crew were rescued by the trawler Cepheus ( United Kingdom).[22] |
4 February
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Berwick | The Newcastle steamer was wrecked on the Runnelstone. Her crew took to two lifeboats, one of which reached land and the other, with five crew members on board, was taken to Penzance in the Sennen Cove Lifeboat Station lifeboat Ann Newbon ( Royal National Lifeboat Institution).[23] | |
| Espingole |  French Navy |
The Durandal-class destroyer hit a rock and sank in Cavalaire Bay off Cavalaire-sur-Mer, France. Her wreck was sold as scrap in December 1909. |
| Marina (or Mariana) | United States |
During a voyage from Killisnoo to Hoonah, District of Alaska, with her owner, five passengers, and a cargo of camp supplies and potatoes on board, the 5-ton, 30-foot (9.1 m) sloop was wrecked on a reef in Chatham Strait in the Alexander Archipelago in Southeast Alaska, probably at Fishery Point (57°47′30″N 134°42′35″W). All on board survived the initial wreck and all of her cargo was brought ashore, but her owner and two other men who went back aboard her to await the rising tide to refloat her perished, two of them disappearing completely.[24] |
| New York Central No. 22 | United States |
The tow steamer ran aground in thick fog at Sunken Meadows, New York in the East River. Refloated on 7 February.[16] |
5 February
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Red Cloud | United States |
The steamer was sunk by ice in the Pend d'Oreille River below Newport, Oregon.[16] |
6 February
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Gladys | United States |
The steamer listed on a rising tide and sank at Pier 83 North, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Raised the next day.[16] |
7 February
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Isabel | United States |
The steamer was destroyed by fire at Stokes Wharf, Rancocas Creek, Pennsylvania.[16] |
8 February
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Brunswick | United States |
The steamer went aground at Fort Bragg, California. Later refloated and repaired.[19] |
| Southern Cross |  Canada |
The schooner capsized at Port Greville, Nova Scotia. She was later salvaged, repaired and returned to service.[25] |
| Wm. S. McGowan | United States |
The lighter sank at dock over night due to leaky seams at Boston, Massachusetts. Raised and repaired.[16] |
11 February
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Bay City | United States |
The steamer was lost to fire at West Point, Washington, between Seattle and Ballard.[26][27] |
16 February
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Decantur | United States |
The schooner was sunk in a severe squall at Newport News, Virginia. Later raised.[28] |
| Olive | United States |
The steamer foundered in what is described as a "hurricane" or "whirlwind" in the Chowan River that caused her to careen, and fill with water, she righted herself and sank between Mount Pleasant and Oliver's Wharf with only her pilothouse above water. 18 killed, her captain and 5 others were rescued from the pilothouse by Pettit ( United States). Eight others left in a lifeboat and boarded a barge, from which they were rescued by Gazelle ( United States).[11][29][28] |
| Roger Quarles | United States |
The schooner was sunk in a severe squall at Newport News, Virginia. Later raised.[28] |
17 February
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Ida | Canada |
The barque was lost in a snowstorm off Blue Rocks, Nova Scotia.[30] |
18 February
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte | United States |
The laid up steamer was destroyed by fire at Charlotte, New York, on the Genesee River.[31] |
20 February
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| City of Clifton | United States |
The steamer was destroyed by fire in the Tennessee River at Clifton, Tennessee.[32][33][34] |
21 February
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| William Schaubel Sr. | United States |
The tow steamer sank at dock at Erie Basin, Brooklyn, New York due to a sheared rivet. Later raised.[16] |
24 February
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Commodore | United States |
The steamer foundered at Miami, Missouri.[35] |
26 February
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Ottercaps | United Kingdom |
The steamship was wrecked off Feunteun Aod, Finistère, France.[36] |
27 February
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Daisy | United Kingdom |
The steamer ran aground and was wrecked three nautical miles (5.6 km; 3.5 mi) west of Polhawn Cove in Whitsand Bay.[37] |
| Mouse | United Kingdom |
The smack got into difficulties off Cardigan. All four people on board were rescued by Lizzie & Charles Leigh Clare ( Royal National Lifeboat Institution).[38] |
28 February
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Etruria |  United Kingdom |
The ocean liner ran aground on sand and mud in the entrance to Gedney Channel while leaving New York City. She was refloated late the same day, found to be undamaged, and proceeded with her voyage. |
| Excel | United States |
The steamer struck a snag, capsized and sank at Lock No. 5 in the Little Kanawha River. Raised and repaired.[39] |
Unknown date
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Ambriz |  France |
The Cie Française Charbonnage et de la Batelage ("French Coaling & Shipping Co.") vessel was wrecked off the coast of Madagascar while serving as a coal depot ship. |
| L. H. Buhrman | United States |
The steamer was destroyed by fire either in the Ohio River near Derby, Indiana on 25 February, or at Stevenson, Kentucky on the Cumberland River in March.[40][41][42] |
| Luna | United Kingdom |
The barque was on passage from New Zealand to Liverpool when she lost part of her mast and head gear off the Pendeen Lighthouse, and drifted onto the Brisons in a northwest–by–west gale and was wrecked. All the crew were lost.[23] |
March
1 March
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Valley Queen | United States |
The steamer burned on the Mississippi River near Bruinsburg Landing, a total loss.[5][43] |
2 March
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Bassinger | United States |
The steamer burned at dock in Punta Gorda, Florida, a total loss.[44] |
| Maggie | United States |
The steamer struck a snag and sank on the Yazoo River near Simmons Landing, Mississippi, a total loss. One crewman killed.[45] |
| Trojan | United States |
The steamer burned to the waterline at Jacksonville, Florida.[46] |
4 March
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Charlie Curlin | United States |
The steamer struck a submerged obstruction in the Green River between Calhoun, Kentucky and Livermore, Kentucky and sank. Raised and repaired.[47] |
| Commodore | United States |
The laid up steamer was sunk by an ice flow at St. Louis, Missouri. Scheduled to be raised after June.[48] |
7 March
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Neptune | United States |
The ferry was wrecked when backed into by Margaret ( United States) in the Ohio River between Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Allegheny, Pennsylvania.[39] |
9 March
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Alexandra | flag unknown | .jpg) Cyclone Leonta: The cargo ship was driven ashore at Townsville, Queensland, Australia. |
| Delta | United States |
The steamer struck a snag in the Mississippi River near Mayersville, Mississippi and sank. Raised and repaired.[48] |
10 March
11 March
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| W. H. Flint | United States |
The steamer struck a submerged buoy in the Ohio River near Louisville, Kentucky and sank. Raised and repaired.[48] |
12 March
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Albion | United Kingdom |
The schooner was wrecked in West Bay, Dorset.[50] |
13 March
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Unknown car float | United States |
A car float, under tow of Lowell M. Palmer ( United States), sank in a collision in fog with the passenger steamer New Hampshire off Tenth St. in the East River. 14 rail cars on board rolled off as she sank.[51] |
15 March
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Harry No. 2 | United States |
The steamer burned at Charleroi, Pennsylvania. Later rebuilt.[39] |
19 March
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Metamora | United States |
The steamer sank up to her 2nd deck in the Ocklawaha River in 20 feet (6.1 m) of water. Two crewmen killed. Raised in April, repaired and returned to service.[7][8] |
| Varuna | United States |
The steamer burned and sank in the Sacramento River near Meriden Landing, California when an oil lamp fell off a bulkhead, a total loss.[19] |
20 March
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Pilot | United States |
The tug, while assisting steamer Winifred ( United States) in the Delaware River off Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania, was run into by Winifred causing her to careen, fill and sink. Five crewmen were killed. Two crewmen were rescued by a barge towed by Winifred and one crewman climbed Winifred's anchor chain.[52] |
23 March
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Dreadnought | United States |
The schooner was sunk in a collision with Huron ( United States) in dense fog and heavy seas. The crew were rescued by Huron's boats.[16] |
24 March
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Finland | United States |
 |
| Mary E. Morse | United States |
The schooner was sunk in a collision with Parthian ( United States) in fog off Boston, Massachusetts. The crew were rescued by Parthian.[53] |
27 March
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| William A. Kane | United States |
The tow steamer was backing out of dock at Rivington Street, New York City and was caught on a spile causing her to capsize and sink. Her captain was killed. Later raised.[16] |
31 March
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Shamrock | United Kingdom |
The steamer sprang a leak at Catherine Hill Bay, New South Wales, Australia, and sank. She was scrapped in situ after it was found she was too badly damaged to repair.[54] |
Unknown date
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Hougomont | Flag unknown | The barque ran aground at Allonby, Cumbria, England. She was refloated, repaired, and returned to service. |
| L. H. Buhrman | United States |
The steamer was destroyed by fire either in the Ohio River near Derby, Indiana on 25 February, or at Stevenson, Kentucky on the Cumberland River in March.[40][55][42] |
April
3 April
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Albion River | United States |
The steamer was wrecked in thick fog on Bodega Head, California.[56] |
| J. C. L. | United States |
The steamer burned due to an over turned lamp at Burlington, Vermont, a total loss.[57] |
| John C. Fitzpatrick | United States |
The 242-foot (73.8 m), 1,277-gross register ton schooner barge suffered an explosion and sank in 130 feet (40 m) of water in the North Atlantic Ocean south of Long Island near East Hampton, New York. Her entire crew of five perished.[58] |
| Unknown barge | United States |
A dumper barge, under tow of Franklin N. Brown ( United States), sank while being towed to sea from New York City off the Whistling Buoy. Her only crewman died.[51] |
9 April
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Victoria | United Kingdom |
Shortly after the steamer Albion River was wrecked on 3 April, another Swayne & Hoyt owned steamer ran ashore on Little Bamboo Island in the Straits of Pechili and became a total loss.[59][60] |
13 April
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Margaret Ward | United States |
The schooner was sunk in a collision with El Rio in dense fog, either at the Entrance to Galveston Harbor, or 28 miles (45 km) south east of Galveston in 8+1⁄2 fathoms (51 ft; 15.5 m) of water, which ever place, it was shallow enough for the wreck to be marked with a buoy.[61][62][63] |
21 April
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Freia | Norway |
The steamer was wrecked near Scharhörn on her passage from Kristiana to Harlingen, Friesland, Netherlands.[64] |
28 April
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Maud Kilgore | United States |
The steamer foundered at the mouth of the La Anguille River. Raised and repaired.[65] |
29 April
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Belle P. Cross | United States |
The steamer was wrecked in a blizzard and gale on a reef off Gooseberry River on the north shore of Lake Superior and broke up.[48][66] |
30 April
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Clarence | United States |
The steamer was destroyed by fire at dock in Charleston, South Carolina.[11] |
May
1 May
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Fedelia | United States |
The barge sprung a leak and sank near Hen and Chickens Light.[11] |
| Unknown canal boat | United States |
A canal boat, under tow, was sunk in a collision with another towed canal boat off Sixth Street, Jersey City, New Jersey.[51] |
5 May
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Saginaw | United States |
The steamer was sunk in a collision with Hamilton ( United States) in dense fog off Hog Island, Virginia. Eight passengers and six crew were killed. 21 crew and 11 passengers were rescued by Hamilton's boats, but one stewardess died in the boat.[52][67] |
6 May
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Gloriana | United States |
The fishing schooner was wrecked off Whale Cove near White Point Ledges. Her captain and 14 crew died, 3 made it to shore.[68][69] |
9 May
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Olympia | Canada |
The schooner was wrecked off Sable Island, Nova Scotia.[70] |
12 May
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Quaker City | United States |
The 46-gross register ton screw steamer sank in the Delaware River after colliding with the steam screw tug Harry M. Wall ( United States) off Chestnut Street Wharf in Camden, New Jersey. Harry M. Wall tried to beach Quaker City, but she sank on the east side of the Ship Channel before she could be beached. All six people aboard Quaker City survived.[71][16] |
18 May
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Edward Gillen | United States |
The tug was sunk in a collision in fog with Maunaloa ( United States) at the entrance to Duluth, Minnesota-Superior, Wisconsin Harbor. One crewman killed. Raised and repaired.[72][73] |
20 May
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Pfohl | United States |
The steamer was destroyed by fire 20 miles (32 km) north west of Goderich, Ontario.[74][75] |
| Unknown schooner | United States |
A schooner sank in a collision with a barge under the tow of steamer Cuba ( United States) off Cape Cod. The crew transferred by small boat to the barge.[76] |
25 May
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Falcon | United States |
The steamer burned at dock in Satilla River.[11] |
| M. Dougherty | United States |
The steamer sprung a leak and sank at Brown's Station, Pennsylvania. Raised, repaired and returned to service.[39] |
26 May
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Huddersfield | United Kingdom |
On leaving Antwerp, the passenger-cargo ship was in collision in the River Scheldt with the steamer Uto ( Norway). All 17 members of her crew were saved but all 22 of her passengers – emigrants from Galicia on their way to Canada – drowned.[77] |
| Oakland |  Australia |
The passenger-cargo ship foundered in mountainous seas in the Tasman Sea near Cabbage Tree Island off New South Wales, Australia, with the loss of 11 lives. The steamer Bellinger (flag unknown) rescued her seven survivors. |
28 May
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Nellie Walton | United States |
The steamer capsized and sank when the coal barge she was towing grounded at "The Trap" in the Ohio River. The wreck was abandoned. Her engines and other machinery was salvaged and placed in another steamer.[78][79] |
29 May
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Nord | France |
The steamer ran aground and was wrecked on Burhou Island off Alderney Channel Islands on a voyage from Boulogne to Bayonne with general cargo.[80] |
| St. Lawrence | United Kingdom |
The bucket hopper dredger, on delivery by new owners, sailed Gibraltar for Hull, Yorkshire with fourteen on board, and was not heard from again. A subsequent inquiry determined that the vessel was overladen and had insufficient freeboard.[81] |
30 May
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Jack Rabbit | United States |
The steamer struck a snag and sank in the White River near Sibleys Island.[48] |
31 May
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Helen | United States |
The launch burned at dock in Dover Point, New Hampshire.[16] |
| Mike Bauer | United States |
The steamer broke loose from her dock at Kansas City, Kansas and was swept by a strong current in the Kaw River into bridge piers and sunk. Total loss.[48] |
| Nellie | United States |
The steamer was sunk at Wetherill's Wharf, Cohansey Creek, New Jersey when a falling tide dropped her on a stump punching a hole in her bottom.[16] |
Unknown date
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia | United States |
The steamer caught fire and sank at dock in Washington, D.C. on 10 or 13 May.[82][83] |
| Luna | United States |
The steamer was lost to fire in the Detroit River at the foot of Chase Street, Detroit on 18 or 25 May.[84][85] |
June
3 June
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Flying Eagle | United States |
The stern paddle wheel steamer, towing the excursion barge Little Gate, while passing under the Wabash Railroad Bridge at Hannibal, Missouri was turned sideways by the current striking the bridge piers with her stern and then backing into the riverbank destroying her paddle wheel, rendering her helpless. She sank in 40 feet (12 m) of water below the bridge, a total loss. Three passengers and one crewman killed, either from the ship or the barge. Survivors climbed onto the bridge or were rescued by a ferry and skiffs.[86][87] |
| Little Gate | United States |
The excursion barge struck the Wabash Railroad Bridge at Hannibal, Missouri and turned on her side after her tow steamer was wrecked, she drifted down stream and eventually drifted ashore. Three passengers and one crewman killed, either from the ship or the barge. Survivors climbed onto the bridge or were rescued by a ferry and skiffs.[86][87] |
5 June
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Empire State | United States |
The laid up steamer was destroyed by fire over night at dock at Kingston, Ontario.[5] |
7 June
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Liban | France |
The passenger steamer sank following a collision with Insulaire near the port of Marseille. Estimates of those lost varied widely as no accurate count of the passengers and crew was made before sailing. Conservative estimates put the death toll at 97 out of between 200–240 persons aboard. Some estimates of the lost were near twice that number. The vast majority of fatalities were women and children.[88] |
| Olivette | United States |
The steamer struck a rock and sank at Six Mile Island in the Allegheny River. Raised and repaired.[89] |
9 June
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Otto | United States |
The laid up steamer burned at Freeport, Florida, probably arson.[90] |
10 June
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Puritan | United States |
The canal boat sank at dock at Jersey City, New Jersey.[16] |
| Rubens | Belgium |
The steamer capsized and sank in the North Sea. Eleven crew killed, four rescued by Privo ( Norway).[91] |
12 June
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Ariel | United States |
The steamer sunk by flooding while hauled out for repairs at Lexington, Missouri. Total loss.[48] |
| Washington B. Thomas | United States |
Carrying a cargo of coal, the 287-foot (87 m), 2,638-gross register ton five-masted schooner — which had been launched only two months earlier — dragged her anchor during a gale and was wrecked on a reef just off the east side of Stratton Island in Saco Bay off Prouts Neck, Maine, at 43°30′12.30″N 070°18′22.17″W. The captain's wife was the only fatality. The wreck settled in shallow water.[92] |
13 June
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Charles H. Davis | United States |
The steamer foundered in a severe gale and heavy seas in Lake Erie 1,500 feet (460 m) off the light for Cleveland, Ohio in 38 feet (12 m) of water, a total loss. Her master was killed, two tugs rescued the rest of the crew.[93][94] |
17 June
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| HMS Scorpion |  Royal Navy |
The decommissioned Scorpion-class ironclad turret ship foundered in the Atlantic Ocean while under tow from the United Kingdom to the United States for scrapping. |
23 June
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| O. W. Cheney | United States |
The tug was sunk in a collision with Chemung ( United States) on Lake Erie near Point Albino, Canada, or Windmill Point, Ontario. Three crewmen killed.[5][95] |
25 June
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Bolinas | United States |
The motorboat struck a snag near Isleton, California in the Sacramento River and was beached and repaired.[19] |
| Vicksburg | United States |
The steamer struck a submerged piling during a rapid drop in river level and sank at dock in the Mississippi River at Vicksburg, Mississippi.[48] |
30 June
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| James G. Swan | United States |
The 44-ton sealing schooner sank on the coast of the District of Alaska.[96] |
| M. M. Morill | United States |
The 43-ton sealing schooner sank without loss of life on the coast of the District of Alaska.[24] |
| Thomas D. Stimson | United States |
The steamer was destroyed by fire in the St. Clair River. Removal of wreck completed 13 August.[74][97][98] |
July
2 July
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Eltinge Anderson | United States |
The ferry was destroyed by fire between Athens, New York and Coxsackie, New York.[16] |
5 July
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Valetta | United Kingdom |
The 105-foot (32 m), 144-ton steam trawler was sunk in a collision in the North Sea off Harlingen, Netherlands.[99][100] |
8 July
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Lucille Nowland | United States |
The steamer struck a submerged obstruction in the Arkansas River near Fites Landing and sank. One crewman killed.[48] |
13 July
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Champion | United States |
The schooner sank in the St. Clair River near the head of Russell Island. Wreck removed by 3 September.[98] |
14 July
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Monterey | United Kingdom |
The 5,455 GRT cargo steamer on a voyage from Montreal to Bristol and Liverpool with a cargo of cattle, lumber and foodstuffs ran aground near the Plate Point Lighthouse on the island of Petite Miquelon, and was subsequently abandoned. |
17 July
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Contrivance | United States |
The sloop was sunk in a collision with Central Hudson ( United States) above Esopus Lighthouse in the Hudson River. Her captain died.[101] |
18 July
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Contrivance | United States |
The sloop was sunk in a collision with Central Hudson ( United States) off Esopus Light in the Hudson River. Her captain was killed.[16] |
19 July
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| North Pacific | United States |
_sinking_1903.jpg) |
22 July
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Gardner | United States |
The laid up tug sank at dock when struck by Eastland ( United States) at the Lake Street Bridge, Chicago, Illinois.[39] |
| Waverly | United States |
The steamer sunk in a collision on Lake Huron with Turret Court ( Canada).[39] |
23 July
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Light Guard | United States |
The wooden schooner barge was scuttled in 7 feet (2.1 m) of water in Lake Huron off the coast of Michigan at 45.05°N 83.383333°W and abandoned.[102][103] |
| Walsh | United States |
The steamer burned at Port Orchard, Washington.[16] |
24 July
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Shawmut | United States |
The fuel scow was damaged when rammed at the Lackawanna Coal dock, Buffalo, New York, by Mahoning ( United States). She drifted around the end of the dock and sank.[104] |
25 July
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Knight Templar | United States |
The wooden schooner barge was scuttled in 5 feet (1.5 m) of water in Lake Huron off the coast of Michigan at 45.05°N 83.366667°W and abandoned.[102][105] |
| V. Swain | United States |
The steamer was sunk at dock at Two Harbors, Minnesota when a bilge pump failed. Raised and beached in Howard's Bay to await repairs.[106][107] |
27 July
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Southwark | United States |
The steamer burned to the waterline at Pier 28 South, Philadelphia.[16] |
August
2 August
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Tennie and Laura | United States |
During a voyage from Muskegon, Michigan, to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with a cargo of lumber, the two-masted scow schooner capsized and sank in Lake Michigan northeast of Milwaukee and nine nautical miles (17 km) southeast of Port Washington, Wisconsin. One of her two-man crew died. Her wreck lies in 325 feet (99 m) of water at 43°41.494′N 087°33.298′W in the Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary.[108][109] |
3 August
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Amiral Gueydon | France |
The steamer caught fire on 30 July 46 miles (74 km) off Socotra Island in the Indian Ocean after an explosion of either her boiler or volatile material in her cargo in heavy seas. The crew fought the fire until the ship was wrecked on the Arabian Peninsula half way between Aden and Muscat at Ras Haseik. The Sheik of Merbat learned of the castaways and sent three small boats that picked up the crew on 15 September. They were then rescued at sea by Trouvon ( Russia) on 19 August.[110][111] |
4 August
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scow No. 23 | United States |
The scow sprung a leak and sank near Popasquash Point, Rhode Island in Narragansett Bay.[11] |
5 August
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Bradley | United States |
The barge foundered in a strong gale and heavy seas five miles (8.0 km) off Montauk Point, New York. The crew were rescued by her tow steamer Mars ( United States).[16] |
| Monarch | United States |
The barge foundered in a strong gale and heavy seas five miles (8.0 km) off Montauk Point, New York. The crew were rescued by her tow steamer Mars ( United States).[16] |
6 August
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| John E. Thropp | United States |
The steamer was sunk off Bristol, Pennsylvania when she collided with a barge towed by Eva Belle Cain ( United States). Her crew was rescued by Eva Belle Cain.[16] |
7 August
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Metropole | United States |
The steamer sprang a leak and sank in Saginaw Bay. The crew made it to shore in the ship's boat.[112] |
8 August
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Dana B. Wotkyns | United States |
The tug was destroyed by fire between Albany, New York and Troy, New York off Breaker Island.[113] |
9 August
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Volunteer | United States |
The barge sprung a leak and sank between Point Judith, Rhode Island and Beavertail Lighthouse.[11] |
11 August
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Daisy | United States |
The launch was sunk in a collision with Pokomoke ( United States), probably at Norfolk, Virginia.[11] |
| Henry | United States |
The tow steamer sprung a leak on Lake Erie off Cleveland, Ohio and was beached.[112] |
12 August
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| D. Maria Amelia | United States |
The steamer caught fire off Boston, Massachusetts and was beached where she burned to the waterline. She later floated off and sank, a total loss.[16] |
13 August
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Waiontha | United States |
The steamer was destroyed by fire below Shears Shoal in the Connecticut River.[16] |
17 August
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Huan T'ai |  Imperial Chinese Navy |
The Kai Chi-class unprotected cruiser sank off Hong Kong after colliding with the passenger ship Empress of India ( United Kingdom).[114] |
| Mary | United States |
The steamer sank at dock at the foot of Dubois Street, Detroit, Michigan. Later scheduled to be raised.[39] |
18 August
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| John J. White | United States |
The laid up tow steamer sank at dock at the foot of Essex Street, Jersey City, New Jersey for unknown reasons. Raised and repaired.[16] |
20 August
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Massina | United States |
The steamer was destroyed by fire over night at dock in Ogdensburg, New York.[5] |
| Queen of the West | United States |
The steamer sprung a leak in heavy seas on Lake Erie off Fairport, Ohio and sank, a total loss. Crew rescued by Cordorus ( United States), one crewman reportedly died while abandoning ship.[5][115] |
| Sea King | United Kingdom |
Hit and sunk by the steam hopper Frome whilst at anchor at Kingroad near what is now Portbury Dock. One crew member drowned. [116] |
21 August
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Oslyabya |  Imperial Russian Navy |
The Peresvet-class battleship ran aground in the Strait of Gibraltar. She was refloated and repaired and she returned to active service in late November. |
23 August
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Narara | Australia |
The screw steamer burned to the waterline and was scuttled at her moorings at Sackville, New South Wales, Australia. Her crew survived. She was refloated, repaired, and returned to service. |
25 August
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Myrtle | United States |
The steamer was destroyed by fire at Thousand Island Park in the St. Lawrence River due to an exploding lamp.[5] |
26 August
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| John Booth | United States |
The schooner was cut in half and sunk in a collision with H. M. Whitney ten miles (16 km) east of Stratford Shoal. Five crewmen and a friend of the captain were killed.[117] |
| Oneida | United States |
The tug sank at dock in Tonawanda, New York over night for unknown reasons. Later raised with no damage found.[5] |
Unknown date
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Cyclone | United States |
The steamer, being used as a launch tender, was lost at Baron Koff Bay, Kamchatka, Siberia.[118] |
| Enterprise | Canada |
The steamship sank in August 1903 while docking at Barrie, Ontario, following a major mechanical failure. She was later refloated and scuttled in deeper waters. No lives were lost.[119] |
| George W. Kelley | United States |
1903 Jamaica hurricane: The steamer sank in the Hurricane between Central America and New Orleans after leaving Bluefields, Nicaragua on 9 August. Lost with everyone on board, all 18 crewmen and 1 passenger.[5][120] |
| Vigilant | United States |
Operating on the Ketchikan mail route, the steam tug was wrecked when her helmsman fell asleep at her wheel and she ran onto rocks at full speed on Fox Island in northeastern Dixon Entrance off Cape Fox, District of Alaska. One crewman was injured.[121] |
September
2 September
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Clipper | United States |
The steamer burned at Walton's Coal Works on the Monongahela River, a total loss.[122] |
4 September
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Abbie M. Deering | United States |
The 101-gross register ton, 90.5-foot (27.6 m) schooner was wrecked on a reef off Baby Island (53.9974°N 166.0616°W) in the northwestern part of Akutan Pass (54°00′N 166°10′W) in the Aleutian Islands and was deemed a total loss. Leaving her first mate in charge of the wreck, the revenue cutter USRC Manning (.png){kind=small} United States Revenue Cutter Service) took off 38 passengers and eight crew members.[123][124] |
| Pittsburg | United States |
The dredge sprung a leak and sank in the Allegheny River below 43rd Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Raised and repaired.[39] |
5 September
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Jennie R. Dubois |  United States |
Carrying a cargo of coal, the 249-foot (76 m), 2,227-gross register ton five-masted schooner sank in 90 feet (27 m) of water in the Atlantic Ocean off Rhode Island 5 nautical miles (9.3 km) southeast of Southeast Light on Block Island within five minutes of colliding with the cargo steamer Schonfels ( Germany). Schonfels rescued her entire crew of 11 men.[125] |
7 September
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| J. P. Gage | United States |
The steamer struck an obstruction at St. Charles, Missouri and sank. Total loss.[65] |
| R. Kanters | United States |
The schooner was wrecked in a storm south of Manistee, Michigan. Total loss. Wreck discovered 19 April 2020.[126] |
9 September
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| W. T. Scovell | United States |
The steamer struck an obstruction and sank between New Orleans and Shreveport, Louisiana. Raised on 11 September.[5] |
| Wa Wa | United States |
The pleasure steamer burned at Burlington, Vermont, a total loss.[57] |
10 September
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Glenfeadon | United Kingdom |
The schooner was driven ashore at The Mumbles, Glamorgan. She was refloated the next day.[20] |
| Ierne | United Kingdom |
The ship foundered in the Bristol Channel with the loss of all hands. She was on a voyage from Newport, Monmouthshire to Dublin.[20] |
| J. K. Allport | United Kingdom |
The ship foundered in the Bristol Channel.[20] |
11 September
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Inchulva | United States |
The steamer sank in Delray Beach, Florida opposite the beach in what was later termed the Delray Wreck. Nine crewman died.[127] |
12 September
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Park Bluff | United States |
The steamer sank in the St. Croix River opposite Stillwater, Minnesota. One crewman killed.[65] |
14 September
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Eunola | United States |
The steamer burned at dock in Chattahoochee, Florida, a total loss.[44] |
15 September
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Champion | United States |
The steamer burned at anchor in Put-In-Bay, Ohio.[5] |
| Howard B. Peck | United States |
In the evening of 15 September 1903, while between Cape Poge and Cross Rip Shoal in hazy weather, schooner Howard B. Peck, on her way from Norfolk for Calais with cargo of coal was struck on her port bow by steamer Kiowa, on passage from Boston to Charleston. The schooner had her bowsprit and flying jibboom carried away together with all sails and rigging, and had a 20-foot (6.1 m)-wide gap opened in her hull. The schooner was towed by Kiowa into Vineyard Haven on the same day and after undergoing repairs worth about US$2,500, returned to service. Kiowa suffered little damage and was able to continue on her voyage. |
16 September
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Alma | United States |
The steamer burned and sank at a wharf, probably at Norfolk, Virginia.[11] |
| Ceres | United States |
The yacht sank in a storm at the New Haven Yacht Club, New Haven, Connecticut. Her hull was a total loss, her machinery was scheduled to be salvaged.[11] |
| Gilberton | United States |
1903 New Jersey hurricane: The 841-gross register ton schooner barge sank on Brown Shoal off the coast of Delaware. All three people on board survived.[128] |
| John R. Williams | United States |
The tug was destroyed by fire between Albany, New York and Athens, New York off Castleton-on-Hudson, New York.[16] |
| S. E. Spring | United States |
The passenger steamer went ashore in a severe storm at Woods Point, Indian Harbor, New York on Long Island.[16] |
| Spartan | United States |
1903 New Jersey hurricane: The tug sank in a hurricane in Delaware Bay below Brow Shoal. Two crewmen killed.[16] |
| Welcome | United States |
The steamer was wrecked two miles (3.2 km) west of Charlevoix Bay.[39] |
17 September
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Narragansett | United States |
The barge sank in a severe storm, probably off New York.[16] |
19 September
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| A. A. Parker | United States |
The steamer sprang a leak and foundered in 120 feet (37 m) of water in a gale 4 miles (6.4 km) off Grand Marais, Minnesota. The crew were rescued by the United States Life Saving Service.[39][129][130] |
21 September
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Charles S. Parnell | United States |
The tug capsized while towing a steamer near Little Island in Tonawanda Harbor.[5] |
26 September
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Harold | United States |
The barge sank off Staten Island, New York. She was carrying jewels belonging to the Guggenheim family. |
27 September
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Meriden | United States |
The steamer burned at dock in Toledo, Ohio, possibly due to an exploding lamp, a total loss.[57] |
29 September
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Bida | United Kingdom |
The Elder Dempster 1,477 GRT cargo ship caught fire in the North Sea during a voyage from Lagos, Southern Nigeria Protectorate, to Hamburg, Germany, with a cargo of palm kernels and was abandoned 45 nautical miles (83 km) south by east of the Maas lightship ( Belgium).[131] |
30 September
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Sara | United States |
The steamer struck rocks at "Chain of Rocks" in the Yukon River and sank in 5+1⁄2 feet (1.7 m) of water.[16] |
Unknown date
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Enterprise | United Kingdom |
The ship lost her sails and was wrecked in hurricane-force winds off St Ives, Cornwall, England. The three crew were rescued by lifeboat.[132] |
| Joe | United States |
The steamer was wrecked one mile (1.6 km) south of Holland, Michigan on 26 September, or near Grand Haven, Michigan on 29 November.[84][133] |
| Moonlight | United States |
The schooner sank in Lake Superior off Michigan Island, Wisconsin. |
| William Clark | United States |
The 37-gross register ton schooner was stranded at Bay Ridge, New York. All three people aboard survived.[134] |
October
1 October
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Celtic | United States |
The steamer foundered one-half mile (0.80 km) south west of Saybrook, Connecticut. Her machinery was salvaged.[11] |
| Oregon | United States |
The steamer was destroyed by fire over night at dock at Fisherworks Wharf, Black Point, Connecticut.[16] |
3 October
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Erie L. Hackley | United States |
The steamer foundered in heavy squall an hour out of Egg Harbor, Wisconsin in Green Bay. Her captain, two crewmen and eight passengers were killed. Eight survivors were rescued the next day by a passing ship.[135][136][137][138] |
4 October
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Benjamin Sewall | United States |
The schooner was heavily damaged by a typhoon and abandoned off Formosa. The survivors sailed to Botel Tobago Island, off Formosa, on 5 October in a lifeboat. Six of the survivors drowned when their lifeboat overturned after it was damaged in an attack by natives. The natives rescued one Japanese woman.[139] |
7 October
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Adventure | United States |
The steamer was destroyed by fire at the Kelly Island Lime and Transport Co. dock in Kelleys Island, Ohio.[5][140] |
| Mary McLane | United States |
The steamer was destroyed by fire at Sour Spring Grove Dock in the Niagara River.[5] |
| Rover | United States |
The freighter grounded on West Way causing a leak and was beached.[141] |
8 October
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| General Rivera |  National Navy of Uruguay |
The General Rivera-class gunboat sank after an internal explosion.[142] |
9 October
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Admiral | United States |
The motorboat capsized in a squall in San Francisco Bay. One passenger and one crewman killed.[56] |
| J. R. Sharp | United States |
The steamer sprang a leak at dock at Jones Landing, Georgia on the Flint River and sank.[5] |
| John N. Glidden | United States |
The steamer was sunk in a collision with the barge Magna in the St. Clair Flats Ship Canal, a total loss. The wreck was removed over a period of months ending in May 1904.[143][144] |
10 October
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Louisa | United States |
The steamer struck a snag in the Santee River and sank.[11] |
| Mermaid | United States |
The 9-gross register ton motor vessel burned at Mukilteo, Washington. The only person on board survived.[145] |
| Nellie | United States |
The steamer struck a snag near the head of Willamette Slough, Oregon damaging a plank and she was beached in shallow water.[16] |
| Sunshine | United States |
The steamer struck a submerged obstruction in the Ohio River at Marshalls Landing, Kentucky and sank. Raised and repaired.[48] |
11 October
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Itasca | United States |
The steamer sank in the Rainy River when cargo shifted. Later raised undamaged.[48] |
| John L. Day | United States |
The steamer sank at Ocmulgee Depot in the Ocmulgee River.[11] |
12 October
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| John J. Healy | United States |
The river steamer was lost at St. Michael, District of Alaska.[96] |
| Unidentified canal boat | United States |
The canal boat, under tow of Empire ( United States), sank in a collision with the steamer Leonidus in the East River.[146] |
15 October
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Gerald C. | United States |
The boat struck the Nestucca Bar, Nestucca Bay and went ashore. Refloated on 3 November.[147] |
| Marquette | United States |
The lake freighter sank in Lake Superior about five nautical miles (9.3 km; 5.8 mi) east of Michigan Island.[48][148] |
| Spy | United States |
The fishing steamer was destroyed by fire at dock in Tiverton, Rhode Island.[11] |
17 October
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Carnsew | United Kingdom |
The coastal steamer collided with the steamer Everest (flag unknown) and sank off Bull Point, North Devon, United Kingdom. All the crew survived.[149] |
| Champion No. 2 | United States |
The ferry was holed in the hull and sank at Gallipolis, Ohio. Raised and repaired.[39] |
| Frida Horn | Germany |
The cargo vessel was wrecked on Sommers Island, or Lille Sommarö Island in the Gulf of Finland.[150][151] |
19 October
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| South Portland | United States |
The steamer struck a rock in thick fog off Cape Blanco, Oregon and sank in 45 minutes. Eight passengers, two stowaways, and nine crewmen died, five of those from exposure on life rafts.[19] |
23 October
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Florence Marmet | United States |
The steamer struck a submerged obstruction in the Ohio River near the mouth of the Little Miami River and sank. Raised and repaired.[39] |
25 October
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Emma Maria | Russia |
The schooner was driven ashore and wrecked at Chesil Beach, Dorset, United Kingdom.[50] |
| Rainier | United States |
The 179-gross register ton, 81.4-foot (24.8 m) fishing steamer was wrecked on an uncharted rock in Icy Strait in the Alexander Archipelago in Southeast Alaska, 1.5 nautical miles (2.8 km; 1.7 mi) roughly west-northwest of "Spasskaia Island," now called Spasski Island (58°06′15″N 135°17′20″W). All 25 members of her crew survived.[152] |
26 October
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia | United States |
The steamer sprang a leak and was beached in Saginaw Bay.[112][130] |
| Manhattan | United States |
The steamer's steering gear failed causing her to ground on Grand Island, Michigan. She then burned to the waterline, a total loss. Her machinery was salvaged. The wreck was dynamited later.[39] |
| Patria | Norway |
The barque was driven ashore and wrecked at Chesil Beach, Dorset, United Kingdom.[50] |
| Silver Spray | United States |
The fishing tug burned to the keel in drydock at Buffalo, New York. Repaired and returned to service.[153] |
| William F. Sauber | United States |
The steamer foundered in heavy seas on Lake Superior off Whitefish Point. Her captain and one crewman killed. Survivors were rescued by Yale ( United States).[136][154] |
29 October
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Lotus Sims | United States |
The steamer was destroyed by fire at St. Louis, Missouri, a total loss.[48] |
| Unidentified sailing vessel |  Japan |
During a voyage from Awa Province to Manazuru, the sailing vessel was wrecked during a storm 24 miles (39 km) from Izu Ōshima, Japan. The cruiser Bugeaud ( French Navy) rescued her seven survivors under difficult conditions and delivered them to Yokohama on 30 October.[155] |
30 October
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| City of St. Louis | United States |
The steamer was destroyed by fire at St. Louis, Missouri and sank. One crewman missing. Total loss.[48] |
31 October
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Saveland | United States |
The schooner broke loose from her tow in a snowstorm and went ashore one mile (1.6 km) east of Grand Marais, Minnesota, a total loss. The crew were saved by the United States Life Saving Service.[130] |
November
1 November
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Discovery |  United States |
The 209-gross register ton, 90-foot (27.4 m) steamer departed Yakutat, District of Alaska, with an estimated 30 people – about 14 passengers and a crew of about 16 – aboard and was never heard from again. In 1904, authorities received a credible report by an Alaskan Native chief that he had seen Discovery sink in a storm just outside Lituya Bay in Southeast Alaska on 3 November 1903 with no survivors.[156] |
2 November
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Petroleum #1 | United States |
Carrying a cargo of three tons of miscellaneous merchandise and under tow by a motor launch from Katalla, District of Alaska, to Kayak Island off Southcentral Alaska, the 18-net register ton scow sank in a gale in the Gulf of Alaska off Kayak Island after her tow line parted.[157] |
3 November
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Peerless | United States |
The steamer caught fire at sea after being stolen by 4 boys from her dock at Eureka, California. The tug Ranger caught up with the steamer, rescued the boys and beached the steamer in Humboldt Bay, a total loss.[19] |
4 November
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Walter L. Frost | United States |
The steamer ran aground in fog on south end of South Manitou Island, in Lake Michigan. She was scuttled to prevent further damage, refloated on the 6th but rescuttled for unknown reasons. She broke in two on 10 November and was abandoned on 14 November. Completely went to pieces over the winter.[158][159] |
7 November
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | United States |
The 99-gross register ton schooner sank off Chatham, Massachusetts. Both people on board survived.[160] |
9 November
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Imnaha | United States |
The steamer snagged a mooring line causing her to drift in to the Mountain Sheep Rapids on the Snake River and was wrecked.[16] |
11 November
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Ruth | United States |
The steamer broke a mooring line at Bihlers Point Landing, California allowing her to be damaged on a rock. She drifted ashore, a total loss.[19] |
12 November
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| S. C. Baldwin | United States |
The steamer was sunk by ice 7+1⁄2 miles (12.1 km) north east of Long Tail Point.[39] |
13 November
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Cassie | United States |
The sloop was sunk in a collision with Albemarle ( United States), apparently in Virginia. One man drowned.[11] |
14 November
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Pioneer | United States |
The motor vessel struck a submerged object and sank in Chesapeake Bay. Her crew was saved.[11] |
15 November
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Avarana | United States |
The pleasure steamer was destroyed by fire at dock in Ogdensburg, New York. Fire reported as caused by embers from a passing locomotive.[161] |
17 November
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | United States |
The steamer burned in the St. Clair River and sank 1,500–2,000 feet (460–610 m) off the Grande Pointe Hotel pier of Grande Pointe, Michigan. Wreck removal was underway at end of year.[112][98] |
| Return | United States |
The steamer struck a hidden obstruction and sank in the Allegheny River, probably near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.[39] |
18 November
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Nellie | United States |
The steamer was destroyed by fire at dock at Grants Ferry, Washington on the Columbia River.[16] |
19 November
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| May Flower | United States |
The steamer sank when ice gouged the caulking out of her seams between Warsaw, Illinois and Burlington, Iowa.[48] |
20 November
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Anna Catherine | United States |
The 8-gross register ton, 30-foot (9.1 m) sloop was wrecked in Tongass Narrows in Southeast Alaska 0.5 nautical miles (0.9 km; 0.6 mi) south of Hollis, District of Alaska, during a storm.[123] |
| Gladstone | United States |
The steamer was sunk in a collision with Sacramento ( United States) near the Detroit River Light in Lake Erie.[161] |
21 November
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Araby Maid | Norway |
The bark was sunk in a collision with Denver 30 miles (48 km) north of the Dry Tortugas, Florida. The crew transferred to Denver. Two crewmen who were ill with a fever before the collision died shortly after coming aboard Denver.[162][76] |
22 November
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Saugerties | United States |
The steamer burned to the waterline at dock in Saugerties, New York, a total loss. Some fittings salvaged. Refloated and scuttled in a cove north of the Saugerties Lighthouse. One crewman was killed trying to retrieve clothing after being ordered to abandon ship.[16][163] |
26 November
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| S. C. Baldwin | United States |
During a voyage from Green Bay, Wisconsin, to Buffalo, New York, with a cargo of lumber, the 160-foot (49 m), 356-gross register ton steam barge struck ice and sank off Wisconsin in Green Bay near Long Tail Point, 10 nautical miles (19 km; 12 mi) north of the entrance to the Fox River. By the beginning of April 1904, she had been refloated. She subsequently was converted into an unpowered barge and placed back in service.[164][165] |
27 November
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Alwina |  Netherlands |
The steamship passed Pointe Saint-Mathieu, Finistère, France, bound for Rotterdam, the Netherlands, then disappeared without trace.[166] |
| Hustler | United States |
The steamer was sunk in a collision with USS Yankton ( United States Navy) at Norfolk, Virginia.[11] |
28 November
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Coal City | United States |
The steamer struck a snag in the Ohio River near Vanceburg, Kentucky and sank. Raised and repaired.[39] |
| Petriana | United Kingdom |
The oil tanker struck a reef east of Point Nepean, Victoria, Australia, at the entrance to Port Phillip Bay. Two days later its cargo of 1,300 tonnes of crude oil was released into the ocean, causing one of the first major maritime oil spills.[167] |
29 November
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| George W. Moredock | United States |
The steamer was destroyed by fire in the Ohio River at Neil's Landing, Pennsylvania.[39] |
| Ishpeming | United States |
Carrying a cargo of coal, the wooden schooner was driven ashore off the coast of Michigan on Black River Island in Lake Huron, where she broke up. Her wreck lies in 12 feet (3.7 m) of water at 44.809817°N 83.2775°W.[168][169] |
30 November
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Frank | United States |
The tug sank at dock at New Berlin, Florida. Promptly raised.[11] |
Unknown date
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Joe | United States |
The steamer was wrecked one mile (1.6 km) south of Holland, Michigan on 26 September, or near Grand Haven, Michigan on 29 November.[84][133] |
December
1 December
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Idlewild | United States |
The tow steamer was sunk in a collision with Hercules ( United States) in New York Bay. Three crewmen were killed, one injured.[16] |
4 December
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Embury | United States |
The steamer was destroyed by fire at the Eldorado Dock, Grand Island, New York in the Niagara River.[57][170] |
| Jessie Russell | United States |
The tow steamer was sunk in a collision with a scow in the North River.[12] |
5 December
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| J. Emory Owen | United States |
The steamer caught fire four miles (6.4 km) off Manitowoc, Wisconsin. She was towed by three steamers to the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal where the fire was extinguished, but she sank in 18 feet (5.5 m) of water. She was raised, rebuilt and returned to service as F. A. Meyer.[74][171] |
6 December
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Warrington | United Kingdom |
The passenger-cargo ship was wrecked on the sands near Happisburgh on the coast of Norfolk, England.[172] |
7 December
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Ann & Betsey | United Kingdom |
The smack got into difficulties off Cardigan. Her crew were rescued by Lizzie & Charles Leigh Clare ( Royal National Lifeboat Institution). They later returned to the smack and took her in to Cardigan.[38] |
| Ella | United States |
The passenger steamer was sunk by ice at dock in Athens, New York.[16] |
9 December
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Coptic | United Kingdom |
The 107-foot (32.6 m) trawler was sunk in a collision in the North Sea, without loss of life.[173] |
| Fordyce | United States |
The steamer struck rocks in a snow storm and sank in the Mississippi River two miles (3.2 km) above Thebes, Illinois. Total loss.[48] |
| Lucretia | United States |
The motor vessel burned at Atlantic Wharf, Baltimore, Maryland.[174] |
12 December
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Al Martin | United States |
The tow steamer struck a submerged obstruction in the Kentucky River near Sand Ripple and sank, a total loss.[48] |
15 December
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Mattie M. | United States |
The steamer struck a hidden obstruction on the Mississippi River six miles (9.7 km) above Natchez, Mississippi and sank. Six crewmen killed.[5] |
16 December
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Alice M. Jacobs | United States |
The steamer was wrecked in a gale and snowstorm at Duram Island off Newfoundland, a total loss.[175] |
| Columbia | United States |
The steam lighter was sunk in a collision with the ferry Kingston in the North River.[12] |
18 December
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Mary Buhne | United States |
The schooner was sunk in a collision with Del Norte ( United States) off Humboldt Bay, California. Everyone on board was rescued by boats from Del Norte, but one crewman from Del Norte died in the rescue.[19] |
20 December
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Ada V. | United States |
The laid up steamer sank at dock when her bitts pulled out causing leaks at Newport, Kentucky. Raised and repaired.[39] |
21 December
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Champion | United Kingdom |
The barque was wrecked at Outer Parajos, near Coquimbo.[176] |
| Brugia | Belgium |
The steamship was wrecked near Beadnell, United Kingdom.[177] |
| Sophia | United States |
The tug struck burned at Eagle Harbor, Washington.[16] |
24 December
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Erastus Corning | United States |
The steamer struck a submerged object west south west of Stratford Point Light and was beached.[11] |
25 December
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Clarence S. Bement | United States |
The sailing ship caught fire on 22 December and was abandoned on 24 or 25 December in Fox Bay, Falkland Islands, a total loss. The crew went to shore in her boats.[178][179][180] |
| Mahngotaysee | none | The unfinished and unregistered steamer was totally destroyed by arson at dock at Boyd's Shipyard, Palatka, Florida.[181] |
26 December
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Kiowa | United States |
While anchored off Hull, Massachusetts, about two nautical miles (3.7 km; 2.3 mi) south of Boston Light in a heavy snowstorm, the 2,953-gross register ton cargo ship was struck on her port side by the outgoing steamer Admiral Dewey ( United States) at 11:20 a.m. The crew was saved by the nearby towboat Cormorant ( United States), and Kiowa sank a few hours later 1 nautical mile (1.9 km; 1.2 mi) southeast of Boston Light at 42°19′19″N 070°51′52″W. After all attempts to raise the vessel failed, her wreck finally was blown up by 19 September 1904.[182][183][184] |
27 December
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Alert | United States |
The steamer burned at Chase's Wharf, Baltimore, Maryland.[11] |
| W. H. Grapevine | United States |
The steamer was sunk by ice at dock at the foot of Vine Street, Cincinnati, Ohio.[39] |
28 December
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Pomona | United States |
The steamer struck a snag near Careys Bend, Oregon on the Willamette River and sank.[16] |
30 December
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Peerless | United States |
The steamer was sunk in six feet (1.8 m) of water by ice at St. Charles, Missouri. Scheduled to be raised in 1904.[48] |
| Polar Wave | United States |
The steamer was destroyed by fire over night at dock at Helena, Arkansas. Total loss.[185] |
31 December
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Burnside | United States |
The steamer burned in the Cumberland River. One crewman killed.[186] |
| El Sueno | United States |
The 23-ton steamer sank off Nome, District of Alaska. She was declared a total loss.[187] |
| USS Quiros | United States |
The gunboat was reported to have gone aground on the Pearl Banks in the Sulu Sea off Borneo.[188][189] She was reported on 15 January 1904 to have been refloated with minimal damage.[190] |
Unknown date
| Ship | State | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Aristides | United Kingdom |
The clipper ship left Caleta Buena, Chile, for San Francisco on 28 May and was never seen again.[191] |
| Delphine | United States |
The launch was lost at Karluk, District of Alaska.[156] |
| Edith | Germany |
The full-rigged ship sprang a leak and was beached in the Solomon Islands, where she was wrecked. Her crew survived.[192] |
| Fannie Kerr | United Kingdom |
The barque was abandoned on 29 May 1902 after her cargo of coal caught fire near the Territory of Hawaii (20°00′N 169°00′W). She drifted ashore and was wrecked on South Cape, Formosa sometime in March–August, 1903.[193][194] |
| Helen Brewer | United States |
The sailing ship went missing after leaving Surabaya, Netherlands East Indies for Philadelphia on March 7.[195] |
| Jane A. Falkenberg | United States |
Abandoned at sea during a storm in 1899 and again during a later voyage while under tow in 1900, and recovered both times after suffering serious damage, the wrecked 310.63-gross register ton, 131-foot (39.9 m) barkentine was filled with stones and sand and scuttled in 6 feet (1.8 m) of water to form a breakwater at St. Michael, District of Alaska, sometime prior to 26 October.[96] |
| Jennie | Unknown | The cannery steamer sank after running aground on Denman Island in the Gulf Islands in British Columbia.[96] |
| Loch Bredan | United Kingdom |
The barque disappeared without trace after departing Adelaide, South Australia, in September 1903. |
| Nor'West | United States |
While laid up for the winter, the 8-gross register ton, 35.4-foot (10.8 m) schooner dragged her anchor during either the winter of 1901–1902 or the winter of 1902–1903 and was blown so far inland at the head of "Wrangell Bay" in the District of Alaska – probably Wrangell Bay (57°01′N 156°31′W) on Kodiak Island but possibly the harbor at Wrangell in Southeast Alaska – that she could not be relaunched. She was declared a total loss and was stripped and abandoned.[196] |
| Samuel N. Lapsley | The Presbyterian missionary riverboat, built by William R. Trigg Co., Richmond, Virginia in 1901 and assembled in the Congo, capsized in the Congo River during a supply run between Leopoldville and Luebo Station with loss of twenty-four people. The vessel was replaced by Samuel N. Lapsley II in 1906.[197][198] | |
| Thomas | United States |
The 167-gross register ton barge sank off Velasco, Texas. Both people on board survived.[199] |
| Vega | United Kingdom |
The barque sank in Melville Bay, Greenland |