Vanished at Sea: The Unsolved Disappearance of Michael Diverty and the Enigma of the Miss Dee Dee

A Routine Departure Turns Mysterious

On October 23, 2009, 51-year-old Sitka fisherman Michael Diverty set out from the harbor aboard his 32-foot fishing vessel, the Miss Dee Dee. Known for his experience and familiarity with the local waters, Diverty's departure was unremarkable, a routine start to what was expected to be another day at sea. However, the day's events would soon unfold into one of Sitka's most perplexing maritime mysteries.

Discovery of an Abandoned Vessel

Later that evening, the crew of the fishing vessel Brant encountered a troubling scene in Fish Bay, approximately 20 miles north of Sitka. They found the Miss Dee Dee aground, its engine still running, lights on, but with no sign of Diverty. The vessel's life raft remained onboard, and there were no indications of distress or struggle. The Brant's crew conducted a search of the surrounding area, including a nearby cabin, but found no trace of the missing fisherman.

Immediate Search Efforts

Upon receiving the report, the U.S. Coast Guard initiated a search operation. An MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter was dispatched from Air Station Sitka, and the Coast Guard Cutter Naushon was deployed from Ketchikan to assist in the search. Despite these efforts, which included multiple aerial searches and surface patrols, no evidence of Diverty's whereabouts was uncovered.

Environmental Conditions and Challenges

At the time of the incident, weather conditions in the area were reported as having 30 mph winds, five miles of visibility, and water temperatures around 45 degrees Fahrenheit. While not extreme, these conditions posed significant risks for anyone who might have fallen overboard, especially without immediate rescue. ...Read More

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