Roderick A. Shade, known as Rod, was 44 when he disappeared from Lake Ontario on September 12, 2005. He was boating near Port Bay, close to the town of Sterling, when he is believed to have fallen overboard. Details of how he went into the water are unclear.

An immediate search involved the New York State Police, local marine patrols and volunteer teams who scoured the surface and depths. The effort shifted from rescue to recovery as hours passed without a sign of Rod; authorities officially believe he drowned and the incident is treated as an accidental loss on open water. Investigators have kept the case open and periodically review the circumstances.

If anyone was on Lake Ontario near Port Bay that day or has information about boat traffic, weather or sightings on September 12, 2005, please come forward.