Douglas Sheldon, Sr., 69, and his companion Raymond Brown left Kotzebue, Alaska on the morning of May 20, 1999 for a seal hunting trip by snow machine across Kotzebue Sound. The two did not return as planned and were reported overdue on May 22, 1999. An extensive search by Alaska State Troopers and community members followed.

Searchers found snow machine tracks that led to an open lead of water, suggesting the machines may have broken through ice. Despite exhaustive efforts, neither man was ever located and the official search was eventually suspended. The circumstances point to a tragic accident on the sound, but no conclusive recovery has been reported.

Does anyone have information about that trip or remember search activity in Kotzebue in May 1999?