In the unforgiving waters of the Bering Sea, 22-year-old Justina Jenny McGlashan, a cook aboard the fishing vessel F/V Sea Hawk, faced a harrowing ordeal on March 12, 1983. Originally from Akutan, Justina was part of a six-person crew when their 68-foot vessel capsized and sank in the tumultuous Inanudak Bay, on the east side of Umnak Island. This location is approximately 80 miles southwest of the busy fishing hub of Dutch Harbor, Alaska.
At the time of her disappearance, she was believed to be wearing jeans and a t-shirt.
The incident prompted a swift response from the U.S. Coast Guard, with the Cutter Boutwell arriving on the scene. Miraculously, five of the six crew members were found and rescued from the frigid waters. The survival of her fellow crewmates offered a glimmer of hope that Justina might also be found alive. This hope spurred extensive search efforts in the immediate aftermath of the capsizing. Coast Guard crews, along with other vessels in the area, scoured the bay and surrounding coastline, battling the challenging Alaskan weather and sea conditions in their quest to find any sign of the missing cook.
Despite the comprehensive and determined searches of the area, no trace of Justina McGlashan was ever found. The vast and unpredictable nature of the Bering Sea, known for its powerful currents and icy temperatures, presented an insurmountable challenge to the search and rescue teams. The official searches were eventually suspended, leaving her loved ones and the maritime community with unanswered questions and a profound sense of loss. The case is an overview of a sudden and tragic event at sea. While five individuals were fortunate to be rescued after the F/V Sea Hawk went down, Justina McGlashan was tragically lost to the waves, her disappearance a somber reminder of the perils faced by those who make their living on the waters of Alaska.Last Seen: Mar 12, 1983
