Justino O. Opoll, 39, was among 15 crew aboard the fishing vessel Arctic Rose when the trawler vanished in the Bering Sea on April 2, 2001. The vessel was last located about 205 miles northwest of St. Paul Island, Alaska, in severe weather with winds around 45 knots and waves up to 24 feet. No mayday was sent; the emergency position-indicating radio beacon alerted authorities.

Searchers found a debris field, an oil sheen and an empty life raft, and recovered only the captain’s body. Wreckage later examined with a remotely operated vehicle showed a watertight door on the processing deck open. Investigators found unauthorized structural changes, a history of mechanical problems, and that many crew members lacked adequate safety training. The inquiry concluded that waves likely entered through the open door, rapidly flooding the vessel.

The Arctic Rose disaster left the families of the 14 other crew members, including Opoll, without closure and prompted calls for stronger safety oversight. If anyone knew Justino Opoll or has information about the crew or the voyage, please share what is known.