In the late evening of July 26, 2017, 56-year-old Fredrick 'Rick' Ewald Bock, a lifelong resident of Ninilchik, Alaska, was working as a commercial fisherman in Bristol Bay. He was aboard the F/V Lady Kolean, fishing in the Ugashik area, approximately one mile offshore from Pilot Point. At around 10:40 p.m., while the crew was tendering to unload their catch, Rick fell into the unforgiving waters of the bay.
He was not wearing a personal flotation device at the time, and tragically, he was unable to swim.
The alarm was raised, and a comprehensive search was immediately launched. The U.S. Coast Guard, fellow fishermen, and local townspeople all joined in the effort to find Rick, battling unfavorable weather conditions in their desperate search. Despite their extensive efforts, there was no sign of him. The search of the area was ultimately unsuccessful in locating him, and he is presumed to have been lost at sea. At the time of his disappearance, he was wearing dark green rain gear and Xtratuf fishing boots.
Fredrick Ewald Bock, known to his loved ones as Rick, was born in Homer and spent his entire life in Ninilchik, deeply connected to the Alaskan waters. His life was a testament to the rugged spirit of an Alaskan fisherman, having spent his years fishing for salmon, crab, and halibut from Ninilchik to the treacherous Bering Sea. The official classification of his case is 'Lost/Injured Missing,' a stark reminder of the perils faced by those who make their living on the water. His disappearance remains a profound loss to his family and the close-knit fishing community of Alaska. The case serves as a somber overview of the inherent dangers of the profession and the unforgiving nature of the sea.Last Seen: Jul 26, 2017
