Harry Rodrick Merriam was 78 when he left the Petersburg harbor on the morning of February 11, 2005, for what should have been a 10-minute skiff ride to his log house on Kupreanof Island. He was reportedly wearing green rain gear, hip waders, a ball cap, glasses, and size 7 Extra Tuff boots. Weather that day was described as heavy snow, wind, and low visibility.

When Merriam hadn’t returned by 2 p.m. concern grew; his wife contacted authorities at 7 p.m. The Petersburg Volunteer Fire Department Search and Rescue team, Alaska State Troopers, the U.S. Forest Service, and the U.S. Coast Guard conducted an extensive search. The next day his 16-foot flat-bottom boat was found adrift near the northeast side of Sasby Island, with the motor in the upward position and a life jacket on board. Despite searches, Merriam was not located and authorities presume he is deceased, though the exact events remain unknown.

Did anyone in Petersburg or on Kupreanof Island see Merriam or his skiff that morning?