Missing Angoon fisherman found dead after communitywide search - Juneau Independent

Community Search Ends in Tragedy as Missing Angoon Boater Found Dead

“We worked closely with our partner agencies in the maritime community, and we’re grateful for their support and help in search efforts,” Rylan Singleton, a U.S. Coast Guard public affairs specialist in Kodiak, said during an interview Wednesday afternoon. An Angoon man who went missing following a Tuesday morning fishing trip was found dead on the shore Wednesday afternoon, according to the Alaska State Troopers.

The 35-year-old resident, Roger Williams Jr., was reported as an overdue boater around 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday after failing to return from a cockle fishing excursion, the Juneau Independent reported. Williams was last seen at approximately 8:30 a.m. that morning, having taken a 16-foot Lund skiff from the local boat harbor toward the ferry terminal.

A Broad Maritime Search Across Admiralty Island Waters

Following the initial report, emergency responders launched an extensive coordinated effort across Admiralty Island waters. Weather conditions during Tuesday’s operations presented severe maritime challenges, with temperatures reaching a high of 49 degrees alongside rolling five-foot seas, according to Coast Guard and trooper accounts.

The U.S. Coast Guard deployed the cutter Reef Shark alongside a helicopter dispatched from Air Station Sitka to scour the area. Around 8 p.m. Tuesday, the air crew spotted an unoccupied 16-foot Lund skiff matching the description of Williams’ vessel near the shoreline between Killisnoo Island and Angoon, as detailed in an Alaska State Troopers advisory. The multi-agency response eventually spanned 170 square miles over a duration exceeding 14 hours, incorporating assistance from Wrangell search and rescue teams.

Discovery Near Danger Reef Point

The search concluded on Wednesday at 12:44 p.m. when the Angoon Search and Rescue Team located Williams deceased on the shore near Danger Reef Point, situated about a mile northwest of Angoon, according to public safety updates. A Village Public Safety Officer responded to the scene and found no signs of foul play.

Angoon, located on Admiralty Island in Southeast Alaska, as photographed in October 2024. (Marc Lester / ADN Archive) — Photo: adn.com

Next of kin have been notified of the tragedy. Justin Freeman, a spokesperson for the Department of Public Safety, confirmed that Williams’ remains are currently being transported to the State Medical Examiner’s Office.

“And while the outcome is heartbreaking, we’re grateful for the coordinated efforts of every responder involved, and of course our thoughts and condolences remain with the family and loved ones and anyone affected by this tragedy,” Singleton said.

Further details regarding the incident are available through the official Department of Public Safety statement.