Theodore Lynch, known as Ted, was reported missing after going overboard from the commercial shrimp vessel Darlin’ Michelle on October 23, 2012, in Taiya Inlet between Haines and Skagway, Alaska. A deckhand on board alerted the Coast Guard and an immediate search followed. Agencies and local vessels joined the effort: a Coast Guard Jayhawk helicopter and a C-130 scanned from the air, an Alaska State Troopers boat and several fishing vessels combed the inlet, and even a local air tour company and a scheduled flight assisted.

Search teams covered about 20 square miles in clear, sunny conditions complicated by strong winds up to 35 miles per hour and two-foot seas; after that effort the official search was suspended. Lynch was 61 at the time and a lifelong fisherman from Wrangell who had worked across Alaska’s fisheries and even tuna fisheries in Hawaii. The investigation into his disappearance remains open.

If anyone on the water that day or who knew Ted’s routines can help, please share information with the authorities handling the case.