Massacre Bay

General.    A large bay protected to some degree by the many off-shore rocky reefs. There are no diesel or repair facilities available at the Loran Station.

Reported.    July 2003 by Fine Tolerance

Charts.    NOAA 16421, NOAA 16423, large scale chart NOAA 16432.

Approach.    Out to sea there are no dangers but as you approach you need to keep a lookout for the many reefs and rocky outcrops, all of which are marked on the chart. There are no navigational beacons in this area although if there is no fog the loran tower stands out (my guess is that it is around 220mts (700ft) high. It is lit with lights at night.

Anchoring.    The NZ trawler yacht ‘Starlight’ reported anchoring overnight between the ruins of the two long jetties that lie in front of the current Loran station at  52° 49.9 N,   173° 10.1E, before re-anchoring in Casco Cove the following day. The bottom was black sand. This is suitable as a calm weather anchorage  and right in front of the Loran Station. Casco Cove and Navy Inlet are both only 10 to 15 minutes away from this spot and offer better shelter.

Points of Interest.  There is a small store for Coast Guard Personal at the Loran Station where Attu caps and tee shirts are available. It also carried chips, chocolates and various other snacks which, if they have a good supply, you may be able to purchase some of. However keep in mind that access to the store, which is for base personal, will depending on the policies of the current commander.

Looking over the northern end of Casco Cove into Massacre Bay. The Loran station, including
part of the airstrip that services it, are visible to the left of the photo.

Chichagof Harbour    Massacre Bay    Casco Cove    Navy Cove    Pyramid Cove

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