On December 14, 2017, a day that began with the promise of a familiar pastime turned into a lasting mystery for the family of Frank Howard Urbick. A 62-year-old man from the Everett, Washington, area, Urbick was an experienced crabber who knew the waters of Puget Sound well. He set out that Thursday morning from the 10th Street boat launch in Everett, planning for a day of crabbing. An avid fisherman and crabber, he often took to the water in his boat, a place where he found great joy.
His family and friends knew him as a loving and supportive man, a devoted father to his son and daughter, who described him as their best friend. Having recently retired, he was embracing the opportunity to spend more time with his family, especially his grandson, and pursuing his passions like fishing and traveling.
As the day wore on and Frank Urbick did not return, concern grew. The U.S. Coast Guard was alerted, initiating an extensive search for the missing man. Tragically, it is believed he went overboard somewhere between the Everett Marina and Hat Island. The search efforts did lead to a heartbreaking discovery: Frank's 18-foot boat was found washed ashore on Hat Island, which is located west of Everett. Onboard the vessel were his personal belongings, including his wallet and empty crab pots, but there was no sign of Frank himself. His vehicle was also located where he had left it at the boat launch. The Coast Guard, along with local authorities, searched for 29 hours, but found no trace of the missing crabber. The water temperature at the time was noted to be around 48 degrees, a factor that would make conditions very dangerous.
Despite the comprehensive search and the painful discovery of his boat, Frank Urbick was never found. The community was left to grapple with the sudden and unexplained disappearance of a man described as caring, selfless, and full of life. His case remains a sorrowful mystery, a testament to the unpredictable nature of the sea he loved so much. His family and friends were left with cherished memories of a man who was deeply committed to them and who lived each day with a profound sense of joy. The overview of the case is one of a routine crabbing trip that ended in tragedy, leaving behind unanswered questions and a void in the lives of those who knew and loved him.Last Seen: Dec 14, 2017
