Edward Cantrell Missing Person Case

Mar 17, 2020

May 13, 2024

Edward

Cantrell

52

26

76 inches

220 lbs

White / Caucasian

Male

On a cold day in February 1999, 26-year-old Edward "Ed" Cantrell, a male from Seward, Alaska, was working as the captain of the F/V Northern Aurora. The 30-foot wooden longline cod fishing vessel was navigating the waters of Resurrection Bay when it encountered treacherous conditions. An accumulation of severe icing on the vessel made it dangerously unstable. The weight of the ice ultimately caused the Northern Aurora to capsize and wash ashore on Fox Island. While one crewman, Neil Marolt, was rescued from the frigid waters, Cantrell was tragically lost to the sea. At the time of his disappearance, he was wearing a survival suit. The unforgiving Alaskan weather played a pivotal role in the events that led to the disappearance of Edward Cantrell. Heavy icing is a known peril for mariners in the region, capable of quickly compromising a vessel's stability and leading to catastrophic consequences. The remote location where the F/V Northern Aurora washed up, Fox Island in the middle of Resurrection Bay, underscores the isolation and inherent dangers faced by those who make their living on the Alaskan seas. The survival of one crew member offers a testament to the unpredictable nature of such maritime incidents, where outcomes can differ drastically for those on board. The case of Edward Cantrell is a somber reminder of the risks associated with commercial fishing in Alaska. Despite the passage of time, the exact circumstances of his final moments remain unknown. The official report from the Alaska State Troopers documents that he was last seen when the fishing vessel he was piloting capsized due to the hazardous icing conditions. This overview of the case highlights the perilous nature of his occupation and the swiftness with which a routine fishing trip can turn into a tragedy. The incident stands as a painful loss for his family and the close-knit community of Seward, and his case remains a part of Alaska's long and often harsh maritime history.

Feb 03, 1999

Seward

Alaska

Kenai Peninsula Borough

No

77779

Alaska State Troopers

Anchorage

Alaska

Anchorage Borough

99507

Malia Miller

Missing Persons Clearinghouse Manager

5700 East Tudor Road, Alaska

9072695511

State

Law Enforcement

99-8463

Alaska State Troopers

na

Brown

Brown

Brown

07/05/2026