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Benson Nguyen Missing Person Case

Last seen in Pescadero, California on Feb 21, 2009

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Victim Details

Apr 2, 2018

Jan 12, 2024

Benson

Nguyen

64

47

68 inches

160 lbs

Other

Male

Feb 21, 2009

Pescadero

California

San Mateo County

32156

San Mateo County Sheriff's Office

Redwood City

California

San Mateo County

94063

400 County Center, California

6505991536

County

Law Enforcement

www.smcsheriff.com/contact-us

09-00896

Feb 21, 2009

San Mateo County Sheriff's Office

10389

Black

Brown

Brown

Oct 17, 2026


Area Last Seen:

Case Description

Any updates on this case? Let us know!
Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP42908) and 2 other sources
Benson Van Nguyen, a 47-year-old commercial fisherman, went missing on February 21, 2009, off the coast of San Mateo County, California. He and two friends were crab fishing about five miles from the shore near Año Nuevo State Beach when a rogue wave overturned their 36-foot boat, the *Della C*. While his friends managed to get to a life raft and threw a crab pot to try to pull Benson to safety, he disappeared into the water. Despite an extensive search, Benson’s body was never recovered, and he is presumed to have drowned.

Benson, who was wearing a yellow/orange rain jacket and pants at the time of the incident, left behind a wife and three children. His case remains classified as a lost or injured missing person. Authorities and family members continue to hope for closure, although no further evidence of his whereabouts has surfaced since the tragic accident.

Last Seen: Feb 21, 2009

Links to Additional Sources (2)

See any mistakes? Let us know!
  • Missing Person / NamUs #MP42908
  • Benson Van Nguyen - The Charley Project

    • Possible Unidentified Matches (5)

    Unidentified remains cases whose details are consistent with this person, ranked by how closely they compare. Fields that are unknown in either case are left out of the score.

    78%Possible
    John Doe — Santa Clara, California - unidentified case UP129838
    John Doe — Santa Clara, California
    UP129838 • Found Sep 14, 2021
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 58–72 vs 47 when missing
    Location 96%23 mi away, same state
    TimingFound 13 years after last seen
    Height 100%5'6"–5'7" vs 5'8"
    Weight 98%140–142 lb vs 160 lb
    Hair 100%Black vs Black
    Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
    76%Possible
    John Doe — Sausalito, California - unidentified case UP72097
    John Doe — Sausalito, California
    UP72097 • Found Jul 23, 2020
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 50–60 vs 47 when missing
    Location 91%42 mi away, same state
    TimingFound 11 years after last seen
    Height 100%5'7" vs 5'8"
    Weight 100%160–170 lb vs 160 lb
    Hair 70%Gray vs Black
    Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
    75%Possible
    John Doe — San Francisco, California
    UP91361 • Found Feb 5, 2022
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 60–70 vs 47 when missing
    Location 93%37 mi away, same state
    TimingFound 13 years after last seen
    Height 100%5'9" vs 5'8"
    Weight 81%191 lb vs 160 lb
    Hair 70%Gray vs Black
    Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
    75%Possible
    John Doe — Vallejo, California
    UP142534 • Found Jul 31, 2024
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 60–70 vs 47 when missing
    Location 87%59 mi away, same state
    TimingFound 15 years after last seen
    Height 100%5'3"–5'7" vs 5'8"
    Weight 89%135 lb vs 160 lb
    Hair 100%Black vs Black
    Eyes 100%Brown vs Brown
    75%Possible
    John Doe — San Francisco, California - unidentified case UP146018
    John Doe — San Francisco, California
    UP146018 • Found Jan 18, 2014
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 48–62 vs 47 when missing
    Location 93%35 mi away, same state
    TimingFound 5 years after last seen
    Height 100%5'8" vs 5'8"
    Weight 88%186 lb vs 160 lb
    Hair 40%Gray vs Black

    These comparisons are generated automatically from public NamUs case data and are not confirmed identifications. Only DNA, dental or fingerprint comparison by investigators can confirm an identity. If you believe two cases are connected, contact the agency handling the unidentified case.

    Unidentified photos are blurred because many are post-mortem. Tap a photo to reveal it.

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    Forum Posts (1)

    Benson Van Nguyen was a 47-year-old commercial fisherman who went missing on February 21, 2009... ...Read More
    08/04/2023

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