Ilak Island facts for kids
Ilak Island (Aleut: Iilax̂) is a small island located in the Aleutian Islands of Alaska. It is part of the eastern Delarof Islands. This island is known for its interesting wildlife and a few important historical events.
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About Ilak Island
Ilak Island is not very big. It measures about .99 miles (1.59 km) across. The highest point on the island reaches about 190 feet (58 m) above sea level.
How Ilak Island Got Its Name
The name "Ilak" has been used for a long time. An explorer named Commodore Joseph Billings first wrote down a similar name, "Illuk." Later, a Russian Navy officer, Lt. Sarichev, published it as "Illakh." The name "Ilak" was officially adopted and published in 1946.
Wildlife Around Ilak Island
The area around Ilak Island is home to many animals.
Sea Lions and Birds
Just 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) west of Ilak is a place called Gramp Rock. This rock is a special breeding ground for adult sea lions. Many different kinds of birds also visit these islands often.
New Fish Species
Even in the 2000s, scientists were still discovering new types of fish in the cold waters around Ilak Island. This shows how much life is hidden beneath the surface.
Protecting the Wildlife
The amazing wildlife around Ilak Island faces a constant threat. Oil spills from major shipping routes can harm the animals. Ocean currents can carry crude oil right to these islands.
Historical Events on Ilak Island
Ilak Island has been the site of some important historical moments.
The 1862 Shipwreck
In 1862, a ship carrying Russian immigrants was traveling to the Alaska mainland. It hit a rock near Ilak Island. A few people survived and managed to reach Ilak Island. They found shelter in a cave.
Years later, from 1936 to 1938, the Smithsonian Institution sponsored expeditions to the Aleutian Islands. Dr. Ales Hrdlicka led these teams. They visited Ilak Island in 1937 and 1938. During their first trip, Dr. Hrdlicka's team discovered the scattered bones of the shipwreck survivors in the cave. On their second trip, they found the remains of a very large marine mammal. Scientists have never fully identified what kind of animal it was.
World War II Plane Crash
During World War II, on August 13, 1944, a U.S. Army Air Force B-24 Liberator plane had serious trouble. The plane was returning from a bombing mission over a Japanese island called Paramushir. Thick fog made it impossible to land at any nearby bases.
The plane, piloted by Corbin Terry, was running out of fuel. Two of its four engines stopped working. Lt. Terry first thought they would have to land the plane in the ocean. But then, the radar operator, T/Sgt. Oscar Gilinsky, saw the faint outline of Ilak Island. The plane was flying dangerously low, at only 200 feet (61 meters).
The crew made an emergency crash landing without the landing gear. Everyone survived! They were rescued by a ship called the USS Patton. The plane's bomb sight was removed. Later, military personnel took off its guns and electronics. The wings and tail of the plane are still on Ilak Island today. The main body of the plane was destroyed after being used for practice bombing runs.
In Popular Culture
Ilak Island is mentioned in a book called Williwaw by Gore Vidal. In the story, an army transport ship takes shelter from a storm in the island's bay.
