Into the Bering Sea: The Disappearance of Samuel Shavings and the Heart of a Community

A Routine Outing Turns Tragic

On May 26, 2025, a routine subsistence seal hunting trip near Mekoryuk, Alaska, turned into a harrowing ordeal when a skiff carrying three men capsized in the Bering Sea. The 10-foot Ocean Pro boat, occupied by 72-year-old Samuel Shavings, 65-year-old Albert Williams, and Williams' 19-year-old son, encountered rough water conditions. The vessel began taking on water from the motor side, ultimately leading to its sinking . The younger man managed to swim to shore and received medical attention at a local clinic. However, Shavings and Williams remained missing .

Immediate Search and Rescue Efforts

Following the incident, local residents and authorities launched an immediate search and rescue operation. Two local boats from Mekoryuk searched overnight for the missing men between May 26 and May 27. The United States Coast Guard planned to launch an aircraft and route a vessel to the area to assist with the search on May 27 . Despite these efforts, the men were not located.

Discovery and Continued Search

On May 28, a Bethel-based National Guard helicopter with two troopers aboard responded to the area to assist in the search. The U.S. Coast Guard HC-130 was also launched out of Kodiak to assist. Authorities made contact with a group of individuals who had been searching by boat for Shavings and Williams on the east side of Nunivak Island, roughly 20 miles from Mekoryuk. Albert Williams’ remains were located with the group, but Shavings had not been located . The group of local searchers planned to transport Williams’ remains to Mekoryuk once ocean conditions allowed it.

Suspension of the Search

After extensive search efforts by boat and air, the search for Samuel Shavings was suspended . The decision was made after authorities and local searchers covered the area extensively without success. The community expressed their sorrow and support for the families affected by the tragedy....Read More

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