Shipwreck Database

Kate and Anna

The dimensions given are those on Kate and Anna's Certificate of Enrollment at the time she wrecked in Cuyler Harbor, San Miguel Island. Fortunately, registration documents have been preserved in the National Archives; they show that the vessel was essentially three different vessels during its life.

Charles Lutgens, who was also the captain, built Kate and Anna I at Yaquima Bay, Oregon, in 1879. According to the first Certificate of Enrollment, the vessel was a steam schooner, 45 feet long, with a 14.5 foot beam, and a depth of 5.9 feet. Measuring 22.57 gross tons, Kate and Anna has a billet head and a square stern.

Kate and Anna's next Certificate of Enrollment, 11 Feb 1882, states that it was rebuilt by Master Carpenter John F. Steffen, and that now it is a steam screw steamer with a sharp head and an elliptic stern. Kate and Anna II has grown to a length of 56.4 feet, a beam of 14.8 feet, and a depth of 5.7 feet. Gross tonnage is now 30.70. Lutgens is still Master and part owner. Certificates of Enrollments issued during the 1880's give a net tonnage of 16.49.

Kate and Anna III's Certificate of Enrollment of 16 Oct 1889 states that the previous Certificate of Enrollment was surrendered and "vessel changed from steam to sail" as the vessel achieved its final dimensions, with a sharp head and an elliptic stern. Lutgens remained as Master.

Throughout this period, the ship was licensed for fishing and the "coasting trade," in which enterprises it seems to have acquired an unsavory reputation for smuggling Chinese and opium. Although watched, no evidence was ever obtained. Kate and Anna was on a sealing trip to San Miguel Island when the end came.

"The sealing schooner Kate and Annie was wrecked in Cuyler's Harbor on San Miguel island, the 9th instant. The schooner had put into the harbor to get out of a bad northwest blow. The anchor chain parted, the vessel was driven onto the beach. Captain Lutjens and the crew, six men all told, reached shore in safety by swimming through the breakers, but lost everything. The Kate and Annie filled with sand and was going to pieces when the schooner Restless sailed yesterday. She was a 30 ton boat, home port San Francisco, Lutjens owner. Her loss is over $3000. The Kate and Annie was one of the best known boats in southern waters and had an interesting history"(Los Angles Times 17 Apr 1902).

The date and location are confirmed by a notation on the final Certificate of Enrollment. Morris and Lima