In the summer of 2024, a 37-year-old woman from Homer, Alaska, Lauren LeFree, vanished into the waters of Icy Strait, west of Juneau. On August 10th, while working aboard the 36-foot fishing troller F/V Faithful, she was reported to have fallen overboard. The vessel was navigating between Gull Cove and Mud Bay in the area of Idaho Inlet near Elfin Cove at the time of the incident. It was reported that LeFree was not wearing a life jacket when she entered the water.
Her disappearance prompted an immediate and extensive search of the surrounding area.
The United States Coast Guard quickly launched a significant search and rescue operation. The effort involved two cutters, the USCG Pike and the USCG Liberty, as well as an MH-60 helicopter from Air Station Sitka. In a testament to the close-knit maritime community, more than ten good Samaritan vessels also joined the search, scouring the waters for any sign of LeFree. Over a period of more than 24 hours, the combined efforts covered an area of approximately 233 square miles near Chichagof Island. Despite the intensive and wide-ranging search, crews were unable to locate her.
The challenging conditions and the vastness of the Alaskan waters ultimately led to the difficult decision to suspend the official search. The U.S. Coast Guard announced the suspension on the evening of Sunday, August 11, 2024. In the wake of her disappearance, Lauren LeFree's mother, Deborah LeFree-Rogers, publicly identified her daughter and expressed gratitude for the community's support. A GoFundMe campaign was established to support Lauren's son, Lincoln. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the inherent dangers faced by those who make their living on the waters of Alaska. The case remains a heartbreaking loss for her family and the Homer community, who continue to hope for closure.Last Seen: Aug 10, 2024
