In the spring of 1976, 26-year-old Cordelia McMinn and her husband, John, were preparing for an ambitious journey. The experienced sailors planned to depart from Hanalei, Hawaii, and navigate their 25-foot trimaran, named the 'DRUM,' across the Pacific Ocean to Washington State. They informed their family of their intentions to leave in May of that year. The couple was last seen in Hanalei, Kauai County, as they boarded their sailboat for the long voyage ahead.
They were never seen or heard from again, leaving behind a mystery that has endured for decades.
The vessel they sailed, the DRUM, was a distinctive, homemade brown trimaran with white hulls and gold trim. Its main sail was marked with the number 188. In addition to the main sail, it carried a working jib, a Genoa jib, and a multi-colored drifter sail. The name 'Drum' was painted in green script on the port and starboard quarter of the aft outriggers. The main cabin featured two round portholes on the port side, none on the starboard, and oval windows at the front and back. The boat was also equipped with an 8-foot plastic dinghy and a self-steering vane. Its Hawaiian registry number, HA4674C, was displayed on both sides of the main hull's bow.
Despite extensive investigations over the years, no trace of Cordelia, John, or their sailboat has ever been found. The circumstances surrounding their disappearance remain unknown. It has been theorized that they may have encountered severe weather or other dangers at sea, but without any evidence, this remains speculation. Their case is one of many perplexing maritime disappearances. Over the years, their files have been cross-referenced with various unidentified remains, but no matches have ever been made. The case, which is being handled by the Lake Oswego Police Department in Oregon, remains an unsolved and poignant mystery.Last Seen: May 12, 1976
