Shipwrecks and Williwaws: Archival Investigation of Shipwrecks in Shemya and the Semichi Islands for Eareckson Air Station, Shemya Island, Alaska

This report presents the results of archival and historical research conducted on behalf of the United States Department of the Air Force into the potential for historic maritime archaeological sites, particularly shipwrecks around Shemya and the Semichi Islands, Alaska, to determine if any of the submerged shipwrecks are located in ALCAN Harbor. This evaluation aids Eareckson Air Station in managing the historic properties under its jurisdiction as required by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended. The archival research revealed information about numerous shipwrecks around these islands and at least one in ALCAN harbor, including the Lotus Island wreck (and pier), the Russian shitik Petr i Pavel, the American Steam Screw Scotia, and several possible little known wrecks only minimally revealed in primary texts and photographs. Given the potential for additional shipwrecks in the area and the potential for impacts on the Lotus Island wreck from Eareckson Air Station activities in the harbor, Argonne National Laboratory recommends that further investigation be conducted prior to any seafloor-disturbing activities around Lotus Island and in ALCAN Harbor. Investigations could include a submerged geophysical remote sensing survey, a remotely operated vehicle investigation, or employment of an archaeological diver, if such investigations can be conducted safely.