On March 18, 1999, a then 24-year-old man from Dillingham, Alaska, Jason Conlon, was working aboard the fishing vessel Lin J when it disappeared without a trace. The vessel, a 96-foot crabber, was navigating the treacherous waters of the Bering Sea, approximately eight miles northwest of St. Paul Island, when it is believed to have encountered severe weather conditions.
Along with Jason, four other crew members were lost: Captain Blake Kinnear, 50, Marc Shayne Hill, 45, John McKerley, 39, and Aaron Miller-Moylan. The entire crew is presumed to have perished at sea.
The prevailing theory surrounding the Lin J's disappearance is that the vessel succumbed to the perilous conditions of the Bering Sea, specifically heavy sea icing. This phenomenon occurs when freezing spray and precipitation accumulate on a vessel, adding immense weight that can compromise its stability and lead to capsizing. The Lin J was operating in an area known for its volatile weather, including 40-knot winds and ice fog, which would have exacerbated the risk of icing. It is also believed that the vessel may have struck a submerged pinnacle in the area, which could have contributed to the tragic incident. No distress call was ever received from the Lin J, suggesting the event that led to its sinking was sudden and catastrophic.
The loss of the Lin J and its crew serves as a somber reminder of the inherent dangers faced by those who make their living on the tempestuous waters of the Alaskan coast. The incident is one of many maritime tragedies that have occurred in the region, where fishermen often contend with extreme weather, icy conditions, and the unforgiving nature of the sea. The case of Jason Conlon and the rest of the Lin J crew remains a painful memory for their families and the close-knit fishing community. Without a vessel to examine or survivors to offer testimony, the exact circumstances of the Lin J's final moments remain unknown, leaving behind a legacy of unanswered questions and profound loss.Last Seen: Mar 18, 1999
