In the coastal community of Ketchikan, Alaska, 64-year-old John William Anderson was a man whose life was closely tied to the sea. He lived a quiet existence on his 40-foot houseboat, the Diver III, which he kept anchored near Pennock Island in the Tongass Narrows. His life was one of solitude, governed by the rhythm of the tides. On March 12, 2014, this peaceful life was abruptly disturbed.
A storm had passed through the area the night before, and on this morning, Anderson's houseboat was found adrift. It was discovered near the breakwater in front of a local Safeway, perilously close to the rocks. The circumstances of Anderson's disappearance from his vessel remain a mystery.
When authorities boarded the Diver III, they found an unsettling scene. The wood stove was still warm with coals, a meal had been prepared but was left uneaten, and Anderson's dog was on the boat, unharmed but alone. There was no sign of John Anderson. The U.S. Coast Guard, along with the Ketchikan Volunteer Rescue Squad, launched an extensive search of the Tongass Narrows. They used 47-foot motor lifeboats to scour the waters, but their efforts were in vain. No trace of Anderson was ever found. Investigators from the Alaska State Troopers were left to piece together what might have happened.
The prevailing theory is that Anderson may have fallen into the frigid Alaskan waters. It is believed that he might have gone on deck during the storm on the night of March 11 to check on his anchor or secure his boat against the strong winds and turbulent waters when the accident occurred. He is now presumed to have drowned in the Tongass Narrows. Despite the passage of time, the case officially remains open. The memory of the seasoned mariner who vanished from his floating home serves as a somber reminder of the unforgiving nature of the sea. The investigation into his disappearance has not yielded any further clues, leaving his friends and the community with unanswered questions about his final moments.Last Seen: Mar 12, 2014
