Michael Lynn Lyda, also known as Mike Lyda and Lyda L Lyda, was 31 when he vanished from the 148-foot fishing vessel Sea Fisher on February 23, 1999. The Dillingham-based vessel was about 60 miles west of St. Paul Island in the Bering Sea when rough conditions were reported. He was last seen in either orange or green rain gear and black boots.

Reports state Lyda was struck by a crab pot and fell overboard into turbulent, frigid waters; it is presumed he drowned. The Alaska State Troopers received the official report of his disappearance on March 2, 1999. The case underscores the extreme hazards commercial fishermen face in Alaska’s waters.

If anyone has information about Michael Lyda’s last voyage or the Sea Fisher’s operations that day, please share what is known.