We Struck a Submerged Hazard in Alaska on Our Sailboat | A Perfect Day Turned Dangerous

What started as one of the most beautiful winter cruising days we’ve ever had in Southeast Alaska nearly turned into a disaster. We were navigating near shore outside Wrangell when our steel sailboat Alaskan Gypsy struck something hard beneath the surface. No warning. No visible marker. Just a grinding impact that turned a calm cruise into a serious event. With one of our children aboard and daylight fading, we began checking bilges, tanks, through-hulls, and systems, unsure if we’d hit ice, a log, or a submerged rock. The next step meant cold water, winter conditions, and an underwater inspection of the hull. What we found surprised us. In this video, we: -Break down exactly what happened -Compare vector charts vs raster charts -Share the underwater footage of the damage -Talk honestly about risk, luck, and lessons learned -Explain why steel boats matter in moments like this -This was our first real “injury” to Gypsy and a powerful reminder that Alaska waters demand humility, redundancy, and respect. -If you boat, sail, or cruise remote waters, this story may help you avoid a close call of your own. Thanks for being aboard. – Audrey & Scott