Tragedy in Aialik Bay: The Disappearance of Melanie Porter and Companions

A Routine Fishing Trip Turns Tragic

On May 21, 2024, a group of four individuals embarked on a fishing expedition from Seward, Alaska, aboard a 22-foot Hewescraft vessel. The party included 60-year-old Melanie Porter of Seward, Joshua Green (60) also from Seward, his son Caleb Green (29) from Anchorage, and their relative Hayden Green (29) from Soldotna. Their plan was to enjoy a day of fishing in the scenic waters of Aialik Bay, approximately 35 miles southwest of Seward. However, unforeseen severe weather conditions prevented their return, forcing them to seek shelter overnight in a protected cove within the bay.

Distress Call and Search Efforts

In the early hours of May 22, the situation worsened as the vessel began taking on water amidst deteriorating sea conditions. At approximately 5:30 a.m., the crew managed to transmit a distress call to the U.S. Coast Guard, indicating their dire circumstances. The Coast Guard promptly initiated a response, deploying an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from Kodiak to the scene. Upon arrival around 9:50 a.m., rescuers discovered the capsized vessel near the mouth of Aialik Bay. A nearby good Samaritan vessel, the Skana, operated by Major Marine Tours, recovered the unresponsive body of Hayden Green. Despite extensive search efforts covering approximately 95 square miles over nine hours, no trace of Melanie Porter, Joshua Green, or Caleb Green was found. Consequently, the active search was suspended on May 23, 2024....Read More

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