To discover, recover, and preserve the most important shipwrecks in the Northwest
SS Dix
As a member of Puget Sound’s “Mosquito Fleet”, the SS Dix spent two years ferrying passengers in the ever bustling waterways of the northwest. Then, on November 18, 1906, the SS Dix collided with the SS Jeanie. The Dix quickly sank to the bottom of Elliot Bay and took with it the lives of at least 39 of its purported 77 passengers. The wreck is still the worst maritime disaster in Puget Sound’s history.
Front page of The Seattle Daily Times the day after the sinking of the SS Dix (1906, November 19). Seattle Daily Times, p. 1.
Overview
The SS Dix is another collaboration effort between Rockfish Inc. and the Northwest Shipwreck Alliance. As with the SS Pacific, the Northwest Shipwreck Alliance has adopted the task of preserving history. However, unlike with the Pacific, this means deterring salvage efforts on the main wreck. The Dix remains a grave site and so we believe the best way to protect and honor it is to tell its story and leave the wreck where it lies.
1904
The Ship
The Dix started its career like many of its “Mosquito Fleet” compatriots. Crawford and Reid out of Tacoma built the ship in 1904. Licensed to carry 150 passengers and during its service ferried passengers between Alki Beach and Downtown Seattle.
On 18 November 1906 the Dix was involved in the worst maritime disaster in Puget Sound’s history. While ferrying passengers to Port Blakely on Bainbridge Island, the Dix cut in front of the Alaskan Steamer SS Jeanie and in minutes Dix sank to the bottom of Puget Sound.
After it sank, the depth of the wreck precluded salvage efforts. As technology has progressed, a few groups began to speculate on the location. However, until now, no one has confirmed the definitive location of the SS Dix.
The definitive imagery of the Dix was taken over a decade ago, though it was not realized at the time. After testing equipment on the site dozens of times, Rockfish Inc. realized that past groups had given up too early on the site.
The Northwest Shipwreck Alliance is committed to protecting maritime history in the Pacific Northwest. It is with this in mind that we have began the process of researching various ways to preserve the site of the SS Dix indefinitely.
