Dylan Furford, 22, vanished from near Kodiak, Alaska after a July 2, 2020 outing that began as routine shore time. Furford and a fellow crewmember, Cole Rutzer, 22, left the fishing vessel Pacific Dynasty in a Zodiac skiff to beachcomb on remote Tugidak Island, about 125 miles south of Kodiak. They were expected back for dinner and had a float plan; when they didn’t return the ship’s captain — who was Rutzer’s father — alerted authorities.

Searchers found the Zodiac on Tugidak’s beach about an hour into the Coast Guard search; Rutzer’s body was located nearby and the dog Trigger was alive and loose on the shore. Two unused survival suits remained in the skiff. The prevailing theory is that both men reached the island but encountered trouble in the surf while attempting to return to the anchored Pacific Dynasty. Despite an extensive air and helicopter search, no trace of Dylan Furford has been found.

Dylan and Cole were lifelong fishing community members from Westport, Washington, described as adventurous and experienced at sea. What details from that day might still help explain Dylan’s disappearance? If anyone knew their plans, movements on Tugidak Island, or saw the Zodiac after it left the vessel, please share information.