Haida (1930) — Discussion: Questions, Comments and Coordination

[ggordon]

September 23:

9:40 Deck Court of which Lieut. Comdr. L.E. Wells is sole member convened to try the case of Oliver Hall, Q.M. 1c.

No record of the results, maybe on a later date?
https://catalog.archives.gov/OpaAPI/med ... 9-0030.JPG

[Michael]

They might be kept in a different book.

[ggordon]

The location wizard could not be used for September 25 because the 8PM Latitude minutes were recorded as "78". I recorded the entry using the event wizard and added a transcriber event explaining why.
https://catalog.archives.gov/OpaAPI/med ... 9-0033.JPG

[Michael]

[ggordon]

September is complete. After spending the summer mostly in Unalaska/Dutch Harbor with a couple of trips to St. George/St. Paul, the Haida was entering Puget Sound the end of September.

The tracking spreadsheet says to skip October (while at Puget Sound?), so I have reserved November.

[Randi]

There are a few days at the beginning and a few days at the end of October to transcribe

[ggordon]

I see that they were leaving Puget Sound the end of October and it is not marked to skip, so I reserved the few pages in October that are not marked for skipping too.

[Michael]

[ggordon]

October is complete. Onward to November.

[Randi]

[Michael]

[ggordon]

A sudden squall caused the ship to do some damage on November 4:

10:15 AM

Sudden wind and rain squall set in from southwest reaching gale force. Vessel driven broadside onto wharf, the surging therefrom damaging two piles and a stringer piece to probable extent of $500.00.

https://catalog.archives.gov/OpaAPI/med ... 1-0009.JPG

[Randi]

Ouch!

[Michael]

[ggordon]

Some excitement after a rather quiet summer.

November 8:

1:40 Sighted halibut boat flying a blanket & hove to.
2:00 Observed vessel to be the MARMOT of Ketchican in distress with a disabled rudder and requesting assistance. Made preparations for towing and getting line to vessel.
2:40 Line placed aboard Marmot.
3:05 Line secure. Ahead 1/3 speed.
3:10 Standard speed 60 R.P.M. with MARMOT in tow.

https://catalog.archives.gov/OpaAPI/med ... 1-0014.JPG

November 9:

3:56 Sudden parting of starboard towline bindle caused towline to whip across deck, throwing Fred L. Shelton Sea 2c, overboard. Commanding Officer took charge of vessel. Sounded alarm. Sounded whistle. Dropped Franklin buoy. Towed vessel cut towline. Lowered port surf boat, picking up man in six minutes after alarm; man found clinging to buoy thrown over by towed vessel.
4:15 Hoisted surf boat.
4:25 Replaced towline aboard MARMOT
4:33 Got underway at 40 r.p.m. on course 20 degrees p.s.c. with MARMOT in tow.
7:45 Secured 'MARMOT' alongside on starboard quarter.

8PM to Mid

Engineers force engaged attempting repairs to rudder of MARMOT.

https://catalog.archives.gov/OpaAPI/med ... 1-0015.JPG

Presumably the rudder was repaired. Haida got underway the next day with no further entries concerning the Marmot.

[Michael]

Exciting times! All those man overboard drills paid off!

[ggordon]

Early morning November 11 approaching Cordova, Alaska.

2:55 Lookout reported that he had seen what appeared to be a green rocket bearing two points abaft starboard beam.
Changed course to 270 degrees true to head in general direction of reported rocket and increased speed to 80 r.p.m.
Cruised area of possible distress signal throughout remainder of watch.
4:15 No trace of any vessel found in area - light believed to be falling meteorite.

https://catalog.archives.gov/OpaAPI/med ... 1-0020.JPG

[ggordon]

Severe weather was recorded the morning of November 18.

12:51AM

Whole gale blowing with heavy snow.

4AM to 8AM

Whole gale with snow and heavy sea.
Barometer falling throughout watch, wind diminishing slowly in intensity, sea mountainous as watch ends.

8AM to Meridian

Strong NE gale with mountainous sea. Barometer falling slowly. Vessel rolling & pitching heavily, shipping considerable water.

https://catalog.archives.gov/OpaAPI/med ... 1-0026.JPG

[Randi]

Let's hope that eases up before their Thanksgiving

[ggordon]

Haida 1930 is complete.