- Home
- Cases
- Get Involved
- Community
- Tools
- Info
-
Account
- NOT A MEMBER
Become a Member! - LOGIN
- NOT A MEMBER
- Search Cases

Mar 13, 2019
May 14, 2024
Manuel
De Estrada
81
43
66 inches
150 lbs
White / Caucasian
Male
In the vast and unforgiving wilderness of Alaska, many stories of adventure and tragedy unfold. One such story is that of Manuel De Estrada, a 43-year-old man who vanished in the waters of the Gulf of Alaska on September 4, 1987. Last seen near Cordova, his disappearance was the result of a rafting accident that occurred near the formidable Cape Yakataga. What was intended to be a journey through the scenic Alaskan landscape turned into a desperate fight for survival against the powerful forces of nature. The incident took place when the river raft De Estrada was on capsized near the mouth of the Duktoth River. While one individual, the guide Jonathan Price, managed to make it to the safety of the shore, De Estrada and another guide, Peter Zack, were not as fortunate. They were swept away by the turbulent waters, and despite search efforts, they were not found. At the time of his disappearance, De Estrada was reportedly wearing a wool shirt, wool pants, chest waders, and rain gear. He may have also been wearing a gold necklace with a cross. The search for Manuel De Estrada and Peter Zack was met with immense challenges posed by the rugged Alaskan terrain and the unpredictable waters of the Gulf. Despite the efforts of rescuers, no sign of the two men was discovered. The vastness of the search area and the harsh conditions likely hampered the operation, leaving the fate of the missing men unknown. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the inherent dangers of navigating the Alaskan wilderness. The case of Manuel De Estrada remains a poignant narrative of loss in the face of nature's power. It highlights the unforgiving and often perilous conditions that adventurers and locals alike can encounter in the remote corners of Alaska. While the exact details of his final moments may never be fully known, his story endures as a cautionary tale and a somber chapter in the history of Alaskan outdoor tragedies. The absence of a resolution leaves a lasting sense of uncertainty and underscores the profound impact of such events on the lives of those left behind.
Sep 04, 1987
Cordova
Alaska
Valdez–Cordova Census Area
No
48637
Alaska State Troopers
Anchorage
Alaska
Anchorage Borough
99507
Malia Miller
Missing Persons Clearinghouse Manager
5700 East Tudor Road, Alaska
9072695511
State
Law Enforcement
870058923
1987-09-04
Alaska State Troopers
na
Brown
Brown
Brown
07/28/2026
Read full forum posts and contribute to this case discussion.
Unlock forum access — $3.97/month