Franklin Richard Missing Person Case

Mar 17, 2020

May 13, 2024

Franklin

Richard

61

43

62 inches

165 lbs

White / Caucasian

Male

On February 23, 2006, 43-year-old Franklin Richard, a male from Federal Way, Washington, was working aboard the 50-foot crab fishing vessel, the Northern Dawn, near Unalaska Island, Alaska. He was accompanied by his fellow crewman, Scott Thomas Trible. The two men were engaged in collecting empty pots from the Baridi tanner crab fishery when the vessel disappeared west of Dutch Harbor. The circumstances surrounding what happened aboard the Northern Dawn in its final moments remain largely unknown, but it is presumed that the vessel sank near Volcano Bay. In the early morning hours, at approximately 5:31 a.m., the United States Coast Guard received a distress signal from the Northern Dawn's electronic position-indicating radio beacon (EPIRB), which is designed to activate when it comes into contact with saltwater. The signal placed the vessel about two miles off the Bering Sea side of Unalaska Island. The Coast Guard immediately issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast and dispatched a C-130 aircraft, an HH-60 helicopter, and the Coast Guard Cutter Alex Haley to the area. A nearby fishing vessel, the Pinnacle, also joined the search efforts. Searchers were able to locate the vessel's EPIRB and a life ring, and they also observed a small oily sheen on the water's surface. Despite their efforts, neither the Northern Dawn nor its two crew members were ever found. The disappearance of Franklin Richard and Scott Trible is a somber reminder of the perils faced by those who make their living on the sea. The men are presumed to have drowned when the Northern Dawn sank. The case is a difficult one, as the lack of wreckage or remains leaves many questions unanswered for their families. Franklin Richard had distinctive tattoos, including nature scenes on his left arm, birds on his right forearm, and another on his left shoulder. The investigation into the disappearance of the Northern Dawn and its crew was handled by the Alaska State Troopers.

Feb 23, 2006

Soldotna

Alaska

Kenai Peninsula Borough

No

77924

Alaska State Troopers

Anchorage

Alaska

Anchorage Borough

99507

Malia Miller

Missing Persons Clearinghouse Manager

5700 East Tudor Road, Alaska

9072695511

State

Law Enforcement

060015713

2006-02-23

Alaska State Troopers

8557

Brown

Brown

Brown

07/06/2026