Daniel Schmiedt Missing Person Case

Mar 17, 2020

Jun 27, 2024

Daniel

Schmiedt

45

24

69 inches

185 lbs

White / Caucasian

Male

In the vast and often unforgiving waters of the Bering Sea, a young fisherman’s life was tragically cut short. On October 22, 2002, Daniel David Schmiedt, a 24-year-old man, was working aboard the fishing vessel Clipper Express. The vessel was navigating the challenging seas approximately 90 miles south of St. Paul Island, Alaska, a remote and sparsely populated area known for its harsh weather and demanding maritime conditions. Daniel, a resident of Arlington, Washington, was part of the crew on the Seattle-based fishing vessel, engaged in the difficult and dangerous work that defines the Alaskan fishing industry. At some point during his duties, he fell overboard into the frigid waters. The circumstances surrounding Daniel's disappearance are a stark reminder of the perils faced by those who make their living on the sea. It was reported that at the time he went into the water, Daniel was not wearing a personal flotation device. In the cold and turbulent waters of the Bering Sea, the absence of such life-saving equipment would have made survival nearly impossible. He was last seen wearing black rain gear, which would have offered little protection against the elements. The incident was reported to the Alaska State Troopers the following day, officially documenting the loss of the young crewman. Following the event, Daniel was presumed to have drowned, a conclusion drawn from the formidable conditions and the lack of a flotation device. His disappearance cast a somber shadow over his family, friends, and the tight-knit community of commercial fishermen. The case is a poignant illustration of the inherent risks of the profession and the suddenness with which a life can be lost to the power of the sea. The official investigation was handled by the Alaska State Troopers, but given the circumstances, the search was a grim and likely brief affair in such a remote and unforgiving environment. The overview of this case is one of a sudden and tragic accident at sea, a young man lost to the depths while working far from home.

Oct 22, 2002

Dillingham

Alaska

Dillingham Census Area

No

77623

Alaska State Troopers

Anchorage

Alaska

Anchorage Borough

99507

Malia Miller

Missing Persons Clearinghouse Manager

5700 East Tudor Road, Alaska

9072695511

State

Law Enforcement

020076363

2002-10-23

Alaska State Troopers

8685

Brown

Brown

Brown

07/06/2026