Norman Kassahn, 63, and his wife Melody lived a subsistence life at Big Point near Cordova, Alaska. The couple was last in contact with family on March 8, 2008; relatives could not reach Norman on his birthday, March 23, and a visit to the house found no smoke in the chimney and the couple’s skiff missing. Their dog and cat were left at home hungry.

Family members found the skiff on a mud flat in Hartney Bay about half a mile from shore; it appeared to have rolled over. A subsequent state troopers search, including helicopter sweeps of Hartney Bay and Hawkins Island’s southern shoreline, did not locate Norman or Melody. Life jackets, survival gear, Melody’s purse and a backpack with their mail were later found in Canoe Passage near the northern end of Hawkins Island. Strong winds were reported the day they left Cordova at high tide and the couple are presumed drowned, but no bodies have been recovered.

Anyone who knew Norman or his routines around Cordova or who was on the water that March 2008 and saw anything unusual is asked to come forward with information.