Troy Smart Missing Person Case

Mar 17, 2020

May 13, 2024

Troy

Smart

53

45

74 inches

220 lbs

American Indian / Alaska Native

Male

On February 12, 2017, a journey across the water in southeastern Alaska turned into an enduring mystery for the families of two men. Troy Steven Smart, a 45-year-old male from Metlakatla, and his companion, 38-year-old Timothy Staples, departed from the Mountain Point boat launch near Ketchikan in a 16-foot skiff. Their intended destination was Cowboys Camp on Annette Island, a trip that should have been relatively short. However, when the men failed to arrive as expected, the fiancée of one of the men grew concerned and alerted the Coast Guard, triggering a search and rescue operation. The search for the two missing men was extensive, involving multiple agencies and assets. The Coast Guard deployed helicopter crews from Air Station Sitka and boat crews from Station Ketchikan to scour the waters. They saturated a search area of approximately 200 miles, which included Nichols Passage and Tongass Narrows. The Ketchikan Volunteer Rescue Squad conducted searches along the shoreline, and the Coast Guard Cutter Maple was also brought in to assist in the efforts. The search yielded a grim discovery when the men's skiff was located capsized and unoccupied. The overturned vessel was found in Blank Inlet, about 100 yards north of Blank Island, near the southern end of Gravina Island. Debris, including a life jacket and an oar, was found scattered in the same area, pointing to a harrowing event on the water. Despite the comprehensive search and the recovery of the skiff, neither Troy Smart nor Timothy Staples were ever found. The Alaska State Troopers opened missing persons cases for both men. The circumstances surrounding what caused their skiff to capsize remain unknown. The case is a somber reminder of the perils of the sea and has left a void in the lives of their loved ones. The disappearance of Troy Smart and Timothy Staples remains an unresolved and sorrowful event in the community of Metlakatla and the surrounding Ketchikan area.

Feb 12, 2017

Ketchikan

Alaska

Ketchikan Gateway Borough

No

77774

Alaska State Troopers

Anchorage

Alaska

Anchorage Borough

99507

Malia Miller

Missing Persons Clearinghouse Manager

5700 East Tudor Road, Alaska

9072695511

State

Law Enforcement

AK17010013

2017-02-12

Alaska State Troopers

8326

Brown

Blue

Blue

No

07/06/2026