Explore the Edith Shipwreck

A detailed account of the Edith shipwreck written by Steve Lloyd was published in the Sea Chest, the journal of the Puget Sound Maritime Historical Society. Click the page on the right to open a PDF of Steve's article in a new window.

A marine court of inquiry exonerated Captain McMullen, and ruled that improper loading of the cargo was responsible for the Edith's loss.

As a result of this accident, the mine operator at Latouche changed the method with which its bulk ore was dried and loaded.

Several modern accounts of the accident make reference to the ship eventualy drifting ashore and breaking up. However, I have never located a reliable contemporary account confirming it.

S.S. Edith, Lost 1915, Gulf of Alaska

Outbound from Latouche, Alaska for Tacoma, Washington with 2,746 tons of high-grade copper ore. Cargo shifted and vessel developed a list, which worsened as efforts to restack canvas sacks filled with ore failed, and the holds began taking on water.

Crew abandoned ship while driftig 48 miles east of Cape St. Elias, and were later picked up by the Mariposa (Captain O'Brien. Efforts to take the Edith in tow were unsuccessful, and the ship was abandoned