Manu Lagai, 33, was working aboard the 134-foot crab vessel F/V Sultan on January 15, 2005, when he was reportedly struck by a crab pot and knocked overboard about 150 miles northwest of St. Paul Island in the Bering Sea. He was wearing orange rain gear but was not wearing any personal flotation device. A crewmember donned a survival suit and attempted a rescue but could not hold onto Lagai as he slipped from their grasp and was lost from sight.

An Urgent Marine Information Broadcast prompted a multi-vessel and aircraft search that included Icy Bay, Sandra 5, Southern Wind, and Fierce Contender; the search continued through the night but did not recover him. A memorial service for Lagai was held later that month. Does anyone have information about Lagai’s final watch or the rescue attempts that could add clarity to what happened that day?