James Metlicka Missing Person Case

Mar 17, 2020

Feb 15, 2024

James

Metlicka

51

30

70 inches

175 lbs

White / Caucasian

Male

In the late autumn of 2004, a sense of profound loss settled over the community of Juneau, Alaska. James "Jim" Metlicka, a 30-year-old man from Eagle River, vanished into the vast and unforgiving Alaskan wilderness. On November 20th, he and his lifelong friend, 30-year-old Nicholas "Nick" Mayer of Hoonah, set out from Juneau in Metlicka's 26-foot cabin cruiser, the "Julie K". Their plans were for a day of crabbing and deer hunting, a common pastime for those who call the rugged landscape of Alaska their home. The two men, who had been best friends since they were 11 years old, were experienced on the water, with Metlicka having been around boats since he was a young boy. The last known location for the two friends was near Horse and Colt Islands, an area roughly 12 miles west of Juneau. The alarm was raised later that day when the "Julie K" was discovered capsized near Horse Island. The U.S. Coast Guard initiated a search, but the initial findings were grim. Inside the overturned cabin of the boat, they found the two men's dogs, both deceased. Also recovered were a float coat, an immersion suit, and multiple personal flotation devices, leading family members to believe the men did not have any survival gear with them when the boat overturned. The sister of James Metlicka speculated that the boat may have overturned quickly in choppy waters while they were pulling up a crab pot. The Coast Guard's search was extensive, utilizing a helicopter with night-vision gear and a boat, while search-and-rescue dogs combed the shores of the nearby islands. Despite the intensive official and private efforts, the search for James Metlicka and Nicholas Mayer yielded no signs of the two men. The Alaska State Troopers reported finding no evidence that either man had made it to shore. After days of searching, the U.S. Coast Guard made the difficult decision to suspend their efforts, stating that the chance of survival was unlikely. The families and friends, however, refused to give up hope and continued the search with private planes and dozens of boats, and even brought in divers. A specialized team from Idaho with underwater search equipment was also brought in to aid in the search, but unfortunately, their efforts were also unsuccessful. The case serves as a heartbreaking overview of how a routine excursion in the Alaskan wilderness can turn into a lasting mystery. The two best friends are presumed to have drowned in a boating accident, but without the recovery of their bodies, their families are left with unanswered questions and the enduring pain of their loss.

Nov 20, 2004

Juneau

Alaska

Juneau Borough

No

77539

Alaska State Troopers

Anchorage

Alaska

Anchorage Borough

99507

Malia Miller

Missing Persons Clearinghouse Manager

5700 East Tudor Road, Alaska

9072695511

State

Law Enforcement

040090741

2004-11-21

Alaska State Troopers

8588

Brown

Brown

Brown

07/15/2026