Story
This passenger/freight vessel was built in 1883 by W. Cramp & Sons Co. in Philadelphia, PA.
Historical Notes
In 1907 this vessel was represented in Victoria BC by R.P. Rithet for service between Tahiti and Victoria. "She was a famous carrier, formerly of the Oceanic Steamship Co. and was known as Robert Louis Stevenson’s ship, as the author is reputed to have read the proofs of “The Wrecker" while on board the vessel on a voyage to the South Seas." On October 18, 1915 this vessel was wrecked at the entrance to Lama Pass, upper end of Fitzhugh Sound, BC Canada.
She struck a rock ledge and tore a hole in her bottom forward. This vessel was under command of Capt. C.J. O’Brien and was bound for Southeast Alaska and Cook Inlet ports with 95 passengers and a full cargo of freight. The steamer Despatch, Capt. S.B. Brunn, rescued the Mariposa’s passengers from the beach and took them to Ketchikan. The salvage steamer Salvor refloated the steamer and the Salvor and the tug William Jolliffe later towed her to Seattle for repairs. This vessel was wrecked again on Sunday November 18, 1917 after she struck a rock while southbound on Strait Island five miles west of Wrangell TA USA. The passengers and crew were taken off safely.
Owners & Masters
In 1883-1912 she was owned by the Oceanic Steamship Co. (John D. Spreckels & Brothers) San Francisco CA.
In 1912-1917 she was owned by the Alaska Steam Ship Co., Seattle WA USA.
Masters
Captain C.J. O'Brien (1915-1917);
References
- Newell, G. (1966)
- McDonald, Lucile (1984)
- The British Colonist newspaper 1907
- Merchant Vessels of the United States (1884)
- Merchant Vessels of the United States (1910)
- tile.loc.gov ↗ (website viewed 14/01/2025)
- tile.loc.gov ↗ (website viewed 14/01/2025)
- tile.loc.gov ↗ (website viewed 14/01/2025)
