James Burk Missing Person Case

Oct 03, 2023

Jan 12, 2024

James

Burk

68

67

68 inches

160 lbs

American Indian / Alaska Native

Male

On the morning of September 9, 2023, 67-year-old James Michael Burk departed from Nenana, Alaska, embarking on a journey down the Tanana River. He was operating a distinctive black Alweld skiff with neon green trim and a rear cabin. His plan was to spend the night in the Swanneck Slough area before proceeding to his fish camp located near the Kantishna River. He was expected to make his return trip to Nenana on the evening of September 10, 2023. Concern arose when Burk, a resident of Manley, did not return as scheduled. Alaska State Troopers were notified on the following Monday that he was overdue. Initial search efforts commenced promptly, with the Alaska Department of Public Safety's helicopter conducting an aerial survey of the Tanana River, while search parties from Manley and Minto scoured the river by boat. Despite these efforts, the first day of the search yielded no signs of Burk or his vessel. The following day, the search continued, and the helicopter crew made a significant discovery. Burk's boat was found completely submerged in the river. The location of the submerged boat was approximately three miles downstream from the confluence of the Tolovana and Tanana Rivers. Tragically, James Burk was not found with his boat. The vessel was recovered from the river the next day as the search for him persisted. The comprehensive search for James Burk, involving both air and water-based teams, unfortunately did not lead to his location. The discovery of his submerged boat painted a grim picture of the events that may have transpired on the Tanana River. Despite the dedicated efforts of searchers, no trace of him was found. The circumstances surrounding his disappearance center on his planned solo boat trip to his fish camp. He was last seen starting this journey, but he never reached his destination or returned home. The case remains a sorrowful mystery for his community, with the vast and powerful Alaskan wilderness holding the unanswered questions of his final moments.

Sep 09, 2023

Nenana

Alaska

Yukon–Koyukuk Census Area

No

130265

Alaska State Troopers

Anchorage

Alaska

Anchorage Borough

99507

Malia Miller

Missing Persons Clearinghouse Manager

5700 East Tudor Road, Alaska

9072695511

State

Law Enforcement

AK23097383

2023-09-11

Alaska State Troopers

1058

Gray or Partially Gray

Brown

Brown

06/26/2026