In May of 1976, a young couple, John and Cordelia McMinn, embarked on what should have been a remarkable journey, but instead became an enduring mystery. Both aged 26, the experienced sailors made preparations to leave Hanalei, Hawaii, aboard their 25-foot trimaran, the 'DRUM'. Their intended destination was Washington State, a voyage they had successfully completed before, but this time, they would vanish without a trace. Family members were aware of their plans to depart that month, and the last known sighting of John and Cordelia was as they boarded their distinctive, homemade vessel. After that moment, neither the couple nor their boat were ever seen or heard from again, leaving behind a void of information and the beginning of a decades-long search for answers.
The 'DRUM' was not an ordinary sailboat; it was a homemade brown trimaran with white hulls and gold trim, making it quite recognizable. The main sail was marked with the number 188, and it carried three other white sails, along with a multi-colored, lightweight drifter sail. The name 'Drum' was painted in green script on the port and starboard quarter of the outriggers. The vessel was approximately 25 feet long and 16 feet wide, with Hawaiian registry number HA4674C displayed on both sides of the main hull's bow. The couple was well-prepared for their journey, and their disappearance under what is presumed to be open seas has led to much speculation. Theories have ranged from encountering severe weather to other maritime perils, but a lack of any wreckage or communication has prevented any single theory from being confirmed.
The investigation into the disappearance of John and Cordelia McMinn has remained open over the years, a testament to the enduring hope of their families and the dedication of law enforcement. The case, logged under NamUs missing person number MP19254 for John, was formally reported to the Lake Oswego Police Department in Oregon years later, highlighting the lasting impact of their disappearance. Over time, their case has been cross-referenced with various unidentified remains, but none have been a match. The circumstances surrounding their vanishing are vague, with no concrete evidence ever surfacing to explain what happened to the couple and their vessel. The disappearance of John and Cordelia McMinn is a somber reminder of the vastness of the ocean and the mysteries it can hold, leaving their loved ones with unanswered questions.
Last Seen: May 12, 1976
