SS Northwestern

The SS Northwestern is a shipwreck in Captains Bay, Alaska, that once operated as a passenger and cargo vessel. At low tide, approximately 50 feet of the hull remains visible above water, and visitors can observe the remains from the shoreline.

The ship was built in Chester, Pennsylvania in 1889 and began service as a passenger and cargo vessel on the Alaskan coast. After being bombed by Japanese forces in 1942 while serving as worker housing, it eventually sank in 1946.

The ship served as a lifeline for isolated coastal communities, carrying mail, passengers, and minerals from distant mines to connect remote settlements. People depended on such vessels to stay connected with the outside world and receive essential goods.

The best time to visit is at low tide when the remains are most visible above water. Access is from the shoreline of Captains Bay in Dutch Harbor, so visitors should check tide times and wear appropriate footwear for uneven terrain.

The vessel was damaged during a Japanese air raid on Dutch Harbor in 1942 and later served as worker housing before sinking. The wreck today stands as evidence of this often-overlooked wartime event in the Pacific during World War II.

Location: Aleutians West Census Area

GPS coordinates: 53.83060,-166.61000

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:03