Ohio (1909)

The steamship Ohio was a barque-rigged, iron hulled steamer designed to carry passengers as well as general cargo, launched in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1873. The vessel was one of the largest ships (along with its sister ships) built in the USA at that time. It operated in many parts of the world including cross-Atlantic commerce. During the ‘golden’ age of steamships it is believed that it also operated as the first chartered cruise ship in the world. During the Yukon goldrush, it was put into semi-regular service between Seattle and St. Michael, Alaska.

SS Ohio struck an uncharted rock in Finlayson Channel off Sarah Island, BC on the morning of August 26, 1909, while on its way from Seattle to Alaska. Upon assessing the damage Captain Johnson ordered ‘full ahead’ for Carter Bay where the vessel was beached and eventually sank with the loss of 4 people.

The bow of the wreck is near the surface while its stern lies in about 24 meters. The main wreckage covers about 104 by 13 meters.

Note: British Columbia’s Heritage Conservation Act automatically protects all heritage wrecks, including the remains of all wrecked vessels and aircraft once two or more years have passed since the date of loss. It is illegal to damage, alter or remove a heritage object from a heritage wreck except under a permit issued by the Archaeology Branch.