USS Saranac (1875)

The USS Saranac was built as a wooden, side-wheeled, armed frigate. The vessel was a well-travelled, versatile frigate that protected the interests of the United States. Its duties took it to the Atlantic coast, Mediterranean and finally to the West Coast. It was enroute from San Francisco to Alaska on a scientific expedition to collect artifacts for the United States’ Centennial Exhibition when wrecked. The Saranac hit a sunken rock in mid channel, Seymour Narrows on June 18, 1875. It was run up onto the western shoreline and shortly afterward, slid stern first into deep water.

The Saranac settled in approximately 115 meters of water, 30 meters from shore. Due to depth and extreme current conditions in Seymour Narrows, no attempt has been made to relocate her.

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.