Michael Robert Diverty, 51, left Sitka harbor on October 23, 2009 aboard his 32-foot fishing vessel Miss Dee Dee and was not seen again. That evening another vessel’s crew found the Miss Dee Dee run aground on an island in Schultz Cove, about 20 miles north of Sitka, with its engine running and lights on. Diverty was absent and there were no immediate signs of a struggle; the lifeboat and other life-saving gear remained on board.

The Brant’s crew checked a nearby cabin before reporting the empty boat, which prompted a multi-agency search. The U.S. Coast Guard sent an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter and the Cutter Naushon, while Alaska State Troopers and Sitka Mountain Rescue with a search dog combed shoreline and waters across an area roughly six miles wide and 15 miles long. No trace of Diverty was found and the official search was later suspended. Authorities believe he may have fallen overboard and he is presumed deceased.

If anyone knew Michael’s routines, who might have seen the Miss Dee Dee that day, or has information about the vessel’s movements on October 23, 2009, please come forward.