Robert Lee Vendrick, 71, of Phoenix was last seen February 15, 2008, after setting sail from Dana Point Harbor, California, aboard the 23-foot boat Odyssey with Gary A. Shawkey. Vendrick had been persuaded to come to California by Shawkey with the promise of a lucrative federal contract and had wired $60,000 toward the deal. Vendrick’s laptop, diabetes medication and other personal items were later found in his Dana Point Marina Inn hotel room and his rented car remained in the harbor parking lot.

Shawkey returned to shore on February 19, 2008, without Vendrick and said Vendrick had chosen to return to shore and not invest further. Investigators noted suspicious circumstances, including replacement of the boat’s anchor and engine, and an extensive ocean search between Dana Point and San Clemente Island found no trace of Vendrick. He remains missing and foul play is suspected.

Did anyone in the Dana Point or Phoenix area have contact with Vendrick around mid-February 2008 or see the Odyssey that week?