National Marine Sanctuaries

Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary

Shipwreck Database

Vessel
*Not A Total Loss

Howard Olson

  
Name (former)
 Texada, El Cicuta, Lake Dunmore
Official Number
 215815
Propulsion
 Steam
Nationality
 US
Masts
Age
 39
Decks
 1
Value
  
Type
 Steam Schooner
Call Sign
 KDIY
Use
 Cargo
Home Port
 CA. San Francisco
Tonnage (gross)
 2477
Built When
 1917
Tonnage (net)
 1440
Built Where
 MI, Ecorse
Tonnage
Built by
 Great Lakes Engine Works
Displacement
  
Hull Material
 Steel
Length (ft)
 253'0"
Cargo
  
Beam
 43.6
Owner
 Oliver J. Olson & Co.
Depth of Hold
 23' 2.5"
 
CASUALTY
   
Latitude
36°18N
Longitude
121°54W
WHERE
Point Sur, 2.5 miles off
STATE
CA
YEAR
1956
LAST PORT
MONTH
05
DESTINATION
DAY
14
People on Board
29
TIME
0241
FATALITIES
4
CAUSE
Collision
NATURE OF CASUALTY

The Howard Olson was rammed by the Marine Leopard, cutting it into two separate pieces. The stern section of the Olson sunk within three minutes of the collision. The bow section remained floating for several hours, before it finally sank. The Leopard stood by taking on survivors from the Olson, as well as notifying the Coast Guard.