Alex Ireland Missing Person Case

Dec 05, 2024

Dec 05, 2024

Alex

Ireland

29

28

66 inches

158 lbs

White / Caucasian

Male

In the early hours of December 1, 2024, 28-year-old Alex Michael Ireland, along with four other crew members, found himself in a dire situation off the coast of Point Couverden, Alaska. The 50-foot fishing vessel they were on, the F/V Wind Walker, capsized in the treacherous waters of the Icy Strait. A Mayday call was made at approximately 12:10 a.m., with a distressed voice reporting that the vessel was overturning and two people were in the water before communication was lost. The crew faced harrowing conditions, including heavy snow, 60 mph winds, and six-foot seas. Alex, who also went by the names Alex Michael Zamantakis and Aledx Michael Ireland, was lost at sea along with his fellow crew members: Emilio Celaya-Talamantez, Michael Brown, Travis Kapp, and Jacob Hannah. The United States Coast Guard launched an extensive search and rescue operation immediately following the distress call and the activation of the vessel's emergency beacon. The search, which covered over 108 square nautical miles, involved an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter, a 45-foot response boat, and the Coast Guard cutters HEALY and DOUGLAS DENMAN. Despite their exhaustive efforts over nearly 24 hours, no signs of the crew were found. Search teams did recover seven empty survival suits, some of which were confirmed to belong to the Wind Walker, as well as the vessel's GPS beacon and strobe lights. The daunting conditions, with water temperatures around 45°F, presented a significant challenge to the rescue teams. Ultimately, with no new information, the Coast Guard made the difficult decision to suspend the active search. In the days that followed, the tragic outcome of the capsizing became clearer. On December 9, 2024, two bodies were discovered in Spasski Bay, near Hoonah, amongst debris from the Wind Walker. The remains were sent to the State Medical Examiner's Office for identification. This discovery prompted a renewed search of the shoreline, involving Alaska Wildlife Troopers, NOAA law enforcement, and a K9 team, but no other victims were found. The tight-knit fishing community was left to mourn the loss of the five men. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the incident, which the Coast Guard has declared a major marine casualty. The case of Alex Ireland and the rest of the Wind Walker's crew serves as a somber reminder of the perils faced by those who make their living on the sea.

Dec 01, 2024

Point Couverden

Alaska

Haines Borough

Point Couverden

No

159287

Alaska State Troopers

Anchorage

Alaska

Anchorage Borough

99507

Malia Miller

Missing Persons Clearinghouse Manager

5700 East Tudor Road, Alaska

9072695511

State

Law Enforcement

AK24121323

2024-12-01

Alaska State Troopers

2504

Brown

Green

Green

07/15/2026