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Kai Smaaland Missing Person Case

Last seen in Miami, Florida on May 5, 1997

Victim Details

Sep 22, 2011

Feb 23, 2023

Kai

Smaaland

51

22

74 inches

190 lbs

White / Caucasian

Male

May 5, 1997

Miami

Florida

Miami-Dade County

No

10805

Miami-Dade Police Department

Doral

Florida

Miami-Dade County

33178

1701 NW 87th Avenue #100, Florida

3057153300

Local

Law Enforcement

http://www.miamidade.gov/police/

224510T

Jan 2, 2002

Miami-Dade Police Department

Blond/Strawberry

Blue

Blue

Oct 6, 2026


Area Last Seen:

Case Description

Any updates on this case? Let us know!
Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP12387) and 3 other sources
Kai Aslak Smaaland, a 22-year-old Norwegian man, disappeared under mysterious circumstances on May 3, 1997, while working as an electrician aboard the cruise ship *S.S. Norway*, docked in Miami, Florida. Smaaland was last seen around 12:30 a.m. aboard the vessel. When he failed to report for duty, a search of his cabin revealed his wallet, passport, and other personal belongings, but no sign of him. Despite extensive searches both on the ship and in the surrounding area, there was no trace of Smaaland, leading authorities to suspect foul play or a possible suicide, though no concrete evidence has surfaced to confirm either theory.

At the time of his disappearance, Smaaland’s former girlfriend was also aboard the ship. Although family members stated the couple had parted ways on good terms, some investigators speculated that emotional distress may have played a role in his vanishing. Smaaland had been scheduled to take a vacation from his job shortly after the ship docked, which adds another layer of complexity to the case.

Authorities, including the FBI, have considered various leads over the years, including theories of kidnapping or criminal foul play. His family remains hopeful for answers, but more than two decades later, the case remains unsolved. The Miami-Dade Police Department continues to treat Smaaland’s disappearance as an open investigation, but with little evidence, the case remains a troubling mystery.
Last Seen: May 5, 1997

Links to Additional Sources (3)

See any mistakes? Let us know!
  • Missing Person / NamUs #MP12387
  • Kai Aslak Smaaland - The Charley Project
  • 2045DMFL - Kai Aslak Smaaland - Doe Network

    • Possible Unidentified Matches (3)

    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.

    82%Moderate
    John Doe — Broward, Florida
    UP1101 • Found Sep 30, 1997
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 20–30 vs 22
    Race 100%White
    Location 94%32 mi away, same state
    TimingFound 5 months after last seen
    Height 100%6'1" vs 6'2"
    78%Possible
    John Doe — Miami, Florida
    UP6085 • Found Apr 29, 2002
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 25–35 vs 22 when missing
    Race 100%White
    Location 100%Same area, same county
    TimingFound 5 years after last seen
    Height 68%5'11" vs 6'2"
    Weight 100%182 lb vs 190 lb
    Hair 50%Brown vs Blond
    Eyes 0%Brown vs Blue
    75%Possible
    John Doe — Miami, Florida - unidentified case UP1105
    John Doe — Miami, Florida
    UP1105 • Found Apr 27, 1997
    View case
    Sex ✓Male
    Age 100%Est. 21–24 vs 22
    Race 100%White
    Location 100%Same area, same county
    TimingFound same day as last seen
    Height 20%5'8" vs 6'2"
    Hair 50%Brown vs Blond

    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.

    Latest News

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    Forum Posts (1)

    Hey everyone, I've been diving deep into Kai Aslak Smaaland's case and something that's been on my... ...Read More
    11/14/2023

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