Sayer Tuzon Missing Person Case

Jan 17, 2024

Apr 22, 2024

Sayer

Tuzon

18

18

70 inches

160 lbs

Uncertain

Male

In early January 2024, the community of Sitka, Alaska, was struck by a profound loss when 18-year-old Sayer Tuzon, a male with black hair and blue eyes, disappeared into the frigid waters of the North Pacific. He was one of five people aboard a 26-foot vessel returning from a hunting trip on Chichagof Island, about 40 miles northwest of Sitka. The boat capsized in rough seas in the Khaz Point area, plunging its occupants into a life-threatening situation. While three individuals were rescued, Sayer and his friend, 18-year-old Darren Borbridge, were tragically lost to the waves. The hours and days that followed the capsizing were filled with a desperate search and rescue operation. A helicopter from Air Station Sitka was the first to arrive at the scene of the overturned vessel. A rescue swimmer was lowered into the turbulent water to assist in hoisting the three survivors from the hull of the semi-submerged boat. The following day, a remote-operated vehicle deployed by the Sitka Dive Rescue team located the bodies of Sayer and Darren inside the submerged cabin of the boat. However, the perilous conditions, including high seas, strong winds, and freezing spray, made it impossible for divers to safely recover them. The Coast Guard attached a transponder to the vessel to track its location, but worsening weather forced their cutter to seek safe harbor. When they returned, the boat, along with the two young men, had vanished. An extensive search covering nearly 500 square miles of ocean was conducted by multiple aircraft and cutters, but they were unable to relocate the vessel. The loss of Sayer Tuzon and Darren Borbridge sent ripples of grief throughout the tight-knit community of Sitka. Sayer was a high school senior who was known for his love of the Alaskan outdoors. In the wake of the tragedy, memorial funds were established to support the families of both young men. In March 2024, a jury made a finding of presumptive death for both Sayer and Darren, providing a legal conclusion to their disappearance. The investigation into the incident later revealed that the operator of the boat was allegedly intoxicated at the time of the capsizing, leading to charges of manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide. The case stands as a heartbreaking reminder of the unforgiving nature of the sea and the devastating impact of loss on a community.

Jan 09, 2024

Sitka

Alaska

Sitka Borough

No

134103

Alaska State Troopers

Anchorage

Alaska

Anchorage Borough

99507

Malia Miller

Missing Persons Clearinghouse Manager

5700 East Tudor Road, Alaska

9072695511

State

Law Enforcement

AK24003783

2024-01-09

Alaska State Troopers

825

Black

Blue

Blue

07/02/2026