Tragedy in Icy Strait: The Disappearance of Emilio Celaya-Talamantez and the Crew of the Wind Walker

Introduction

In the early hours of December 1, 2024, the fishing community was shaken by the tragic capsizing of the 52-foot Sitka-based fishing vessel, the Wind Walker, near Point Couverden, Alaska. Among the five missing crew members was 34-year-old Emilio "EJ" Celaya-Talamantez, a former firefighter from Las Vegas. This incident has left families and communities mourning the loss of their loved ones and searching for answers.

The Fateful Voyage

The Wind Walker had recently delivered a load of halibut and black cod in Juneau on November 30, 2024. After restocking with ice and bait, the vessel departed at approximately 7:45 p.m., embarking on what was intended to be one final fishing trip before the season's closure. Despite forecasts of gale-force winds, freezing spray, and snow, the crew proceeded into the challenging waters of Icy Strait. At 12:07 a.m. on December 1, the crew issued a mayday call, reporting that the vessel was overturning. A nearby state ferry observed the Wind Walker's radar signal vanish just over ten minutes later. The harsh conditions at the time included 50-knot winds, driving snow, and 6- to 8-foot waves. ...Read More

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