A Historic Shipwreck is Found

On October 10, a team of scuba divers discovered the wreckage of an old American ship that sank near Alaskan coast 139 years ago. The Torrent sank when powerful currents pushed it into a reef south of the Kenai Peninsula. The Torrent is the oldest American shipwreck ever to be found in Alaskan waters.

Less than a year after the United States purchased Alaska from Russia for $7.2 million, in 1868 the Torrent sank. At the time of the wreck, the Torrent was carrying more than 150 men, women and children and more than 100 United States soldiers. The soldiers were on their way to establish the first military fort in Alaska. Aboard the Torrent was all the equipment, supplies, provisions, tools, and arms needed to accomplish the mission—all to be lost in the icy waters. when the Torrent sank. Everyone aboard the Torrent was able to escape the wrecked ship in small boats. With the assistance of natives from a nearby village, the sailors and soldiers camped for 18 days until they were rescued by a vessel passing by.

The wreckage was discovered in July, but was kept a secret to avoid looters. Experts say the Torrent discovery is significant because it happened during the transition from Russian to American power. "It's the very beginning of (the U.S.) presence in Alaska and the establishment of order," explained Judy Bittner, an officer in Alaska's State Historic Preservation Office.

The Torrent is being considered for listing in the National Registry of Historic Places. If enough funding can be raised, archaeologists hope to continue studying the wreck.