Wreck of the SS Brother Jonathan

The SS Brother Jonathan was a luxurious paddle steamer carrying passengers and a cargo of gold coins from San Francisco to Portland. In July 1865, it struck an uncharted rock (now called Jonathan Rock) off Crescent City in a severe storm and sank, claiming 225 lives. In 1993, the wreck was located, and in 1996 a deep-water salvage operation recovered 1,207 gold coins. However, a significant portion of the gold, including a payroll for the Union Army and personal wealth of wealthy passengers, remains on the ocean floor.

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Record typeshipwreck

LocationOff Crescent City, Del Norte County

Probability indexHigh

Land statusFederal Marine Sanctuary (Restricted)

Research coordinates41.7639, -124.3211

SourceCalifornia State Lands Commission Shipwreck Database

Field Research Notes

The wreck is in extremely deep, cold water (275 feet) and experiences severe currents. It is protected under California State Lands Commission rules.

Recommended Gear

Sonar Scanner, ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle), Deep Diving Certificate

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