Piotr Piela, a 29-year-old Polish sailor, disappeared from the ship BBC Ecuador on August 14, 2008, while the vessel was anchored about 70 yards off shore in Galveston Bay, Texas. Piela had asked for permission to go ashore and was denied; shortly afterward he jumped overboard into the water and was never recovered.

Investigators initially leaned toward suicide, but the family disputed that finding. They say Piela was an excellent swimmer, had no history of suicidal behavior, and loved life. His mother, Asia Piela, traveled to the United States twice seeking leads but found none. Piotr is described as white, brown hair, blue eyes, with a surgical chest scar, a partially removed chest tattoo, and one missing tooth. He remains classified as an endangered missing person and has never been located.

If anyone knew Piotr, saw him in Galveston Bay on August 14, 2008, or has information about his whereabouts, please come forward.