Lost California Treasure
SHIPWRECK Protected / Restricted

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.

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Wreck of the SS Brother Jonathan
Historical documentation reference for Wreck of the SS Brother Jonathan in Off Crescent City, Del Norte County.

AI Summary & Quick Facts

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  • Target Name: Wreck of the SS Brother Jonathan
  • Registry Category: shipwreck
  • Geographic Location: Off Crescent City, Del Norte County (Coordinates: 41.76390, -124.32110)
  • Land Status: Federal Marine Sanctuary (Restricted) (Classified as Protected / Restricted)
  • Primary Historic Source: California State Lands Commission Shipwreck Database
  • Search & Usefulness Rating: Score 65/100 (Field Readiness: Advanced Fieldwork)
  • Summary Overview: 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.

Historical Overview

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.

Field Search & Recovery Tips

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

Field Action Checklist

1
Treat this as specialized maritime or technical fieldwork and verify vessel traffic, weather, and dive limits before travel.
2
Use non-invasive documentation only unless a permit or lease explicitly authorizes more.
3
Prepare emergency communication, tide/current checks, and a shore contact plan.
4
Check tides, swell, marine protected areas, and vessel traffic before any shoreline or water visit.

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Research Dossier
65
Usefulness Rating Medium Potential
Land Status Designation Protected / Restricted

Federal Marine Sanctuary (Restricted)

Field Readiness Mode Advanced Fieldwork
Research Coordinates
41.76390, -124.32110
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Legal & Permit Review

REQUIRED California State Lands Shipwreck Info Check California submerged-land and shipwreck restrictions before diving, probing, or salvage activity. ↗ RECOMMENDED California State Lands Confirm whether tidelands, submerged lands, or navigable waterways are involved. ↗ RECOMMENDED NOAA Tide Predictions Check tide windows before shoreline, surf-zone, or intertidal observation. ↗ CONTEXT NOAA ENC Direct Compare charted wreck or obstruction context against current NOAA navigation data. ↗

Recommended Outfitting

Sonar Scanner ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) Deep Diving Certificate
Reference Work Citation

California State Lands Commission Shipwreck Database

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