Land Sea Air Aviation Dog Mushing Ships and Boats Trails and Rails People of the North Community Life Industry Government   Search Litsite Alaska Home  >  Digital Archives  >  Land Sea Air  >  Ships and Boats With 33,904 miles of shoreline and 3,000 rivers (10 of which are longer than 300 miles), Alaska has historically relied on its waterways to fuel the economy, transport passengers, and haul freight. A wide variety of vessels—from whaling ships and kayaks to fishing boats and floating medical ships—has plied Alaska’s waters. Bristol Bay Sailboats (2 pages) Beginning in about 1930, the Alaska Packers Association began building the fleet of sleek, double-ender sprit-rig sailboats for gillnetting salmon. The Sinking of the Princess Sophia (2 pages) Over the last century, many ships have fallen prey to Alaska's harsh, unpredictable seas. Alaska Maritime Disasters (SLIDESHOW) View images of Alaska maritime disasters in this gallery. The Burnside (SLIDESHOW) The US Army transport ship Burnside was instrumental in laying submarine cable for the pioneering communications line. Capt. Michael Healy and the Revenue Cutter Bear (2 pages) Among the great sea captains to sail the waters of Alaska, Captain Michael Healy bore the nickname "Hell Roaring Mike," an appropriate moniker.
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