Emilio Javier Celaya-Talamantez, 34, disappeared from the F/V Wind Walker during a capsizing in the Icy Strait on December 1, 2024. The 50-foot commercial fishing vessel issued a mayday shortly after midnight amid heavy snow, 60 mph winds and six-foot seas near Point Couverden; an emergency beacon transmission followed and then silence. Emilio was one of five crew reported lost: Michael Brown, Alex Ireland, Travis Kapp and Jacob Hannah.

A large search covered more than 108 square nautical miles and included the U.S. Coast Guard, the Alaska state ferry Hubbard and good Samaritans. Searchers recovered seven empty survival suits, two strobe lights and the ship’s GPS beacon, but after nearly 24 hours the active search was suspended. Debris and two bodies were later found on a Spasski Bay beach near Hoonah on December 9, 2024; no additional bodies were located. An underwater survey in spring 2025 located the likely wreck site. The official investigation into the capsizing remains ongoing.

If anyone knew Emilio, his habits at sea, or saw the Wind Walker on or after December 1, 2024, please share what is known.