Mark Lindsey Bachelder, age 17, was last seen on September 22, 1974, surfing off Bryan Beach in Freeport, Texas. He was camping with a group of teenagers from Houston when he and his friend, David Hesterlee, went surfing around 6:00 a.m. that morning. The two boys, both using surfboards tethered to their ankles, did not return by 11:00 p.m., prompting the beach patrol to be notified.
Despite an extensive search that lasted for several days, neither Mark, David, nor their surfboards were ever located. The pair is presumed to have been lost at sea. Mark was last seen with a bright yellow surfboard that had distinct markings, including the word "Sunshine" written on the deck and the image of an Indian on a horse on the bottom. His disappearance remains classified as a lost/injured missing person case.
Mark is described as being 5'8", weighing 125 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. He had previously suffered a back fracture. Despite decades of searching and multiple investigations, no further evidence has surfaced regarding the fate of Mark or David.
If anyone has information, they are encouraged to contact the Brazoria County Sheriff's Department.Last Seen: Sep 22, 1974
