Pomona Historic Shipwreck Project

 Indiana University worked with California State Park representatives to perform a collaborative survey of submerged cultural resources at Fort Ross State Historic Park. A particular focus of the survey was the SS Pomona shipwreck. Project goals: conducting a thorough assessment of the underwater site, preparing a map of the Pomona, and collecting underwater photos and video documentation. The field survey (under the direction of Charles Beeker, Director of the Underwater Science Program at Indiana University, and John Foster, California State Park Senior Archaeologist) ran during August 1-10, 1998.

Visit the Indiana University field investigation report.

       

          

Pomona Shipwreck Project

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Pomona Shipwreck Links

• Pomona Survey
  
  
  • Day One Log
  • Day Two Log
  • Day Three Log
  • Day Four Log
  • Day Five Log
  • Day Six Log
  • Day Seven Log
    
    
• Pomona Article
  
  
• Photo Imaging
  
  

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SS Pomona Background Information:

 Built: 1888 by Union Iron Works, San Francisco, California
 Commissioned by: Oregon Improvement Co.
 Ownership transfer: 1897, sold to PCSS Co.
 Displacement: 1264 tons
 Dimensions: 225 x 33.5 ft.
 Vessel Type: Passenger and freight carrying steamer
 Propulsion: Triple expansion steam engine, 1500 horsepower
 Sank: March 17, 1908; under Captain Charles Swansen
 Present Location: Within the Ft. Ross cove in 40-60 feet of water

Special thanks to Michael Stephenson, Bill Walton, Ashford Wood, and all the California State Park staff who have made our work possible this week.