Dylan Furford Missing Person Case

Jul 06, 2020

Oct 30, 2023

Dylan

Furford

28

22

72 inches

160 lbs

White / Caucasian

Male

On July 2, 2020, 22-year-old Dylan Furford, a male crewmember on the fishing vessel Pacific Dynasty, disappeared in the waters near Kodiak, Alaska. He and a fellow crewmember, Cole Rutzer, also 22, had taken a Zodiac skiff from the main vessel to go beachcombing on the remote and uninhabited Tugidak Island, about 125 miles south of Kodiak. The two friends, who grew up together in the fishing community of Westport, Washington, were accompanied by Rutzer's dog, Trigger. They had a float plan and were expected to return to the Pacific Dynasty, which was anchored a half-mile offshore, in time for dinner. When they failed to return as scheduled, the ship's captain, who was also Rutzer's father, knew something was wrong after giving them some extra time. A search was launched at first light the following day, around 5:30 a.m., involving the U.S. Coast Guard with two C-130 aircraft and three helicopters. An hour into the search, the Zodiac skiff was discovered on the beach of Tugidak Island. Tragically, Rutzer's body was found nearby. The dog, Trigger, was found alive, running on the beach. Inside the boat were two unused survival suits, which, had they been worn, could have significantly increased their chances of survival. The extensive search for Furford continued throughout the day, covering a wide area with aircraft and helicopter crews, but was suspended in the evening pending any new information. The prevailing theory among authorities is that Furford and Rutzer made it to the island safely but encountered trouble in the surf when they attempted to return to their vessel. The loss deeply impacted their tight-knit hometown, where both were remembered as adventurous and energetic young men who loved the sea. They had been working on fishing boats since they were teenagers and were described as living every moment to the fullest. The case remains an unresolved and heartbreaking mystery, highlighting the inherent dangers of the sea, even for experienced fishermen. Despite the search efforts, no trace of Dylan Furford has ever been found, and his disappearance is a profound loss for his friends and family.

Jul 02, 2020

Kodiak

Alaska

Kodiak Island Borough

No

86553

Alaska State Troopers

Anchorage

Alaska

Anchorage Borough

99507

Malia Miller

Missing Persons Clearinghouse Manager

5700 East Tudor Road, Alaska

9072695511

State

Law Enforcement

AK20045106

2020-07-03

Alaska State Troopers

7355

Brown

Brown

Brown

No

07/17/2026