Vongsa Keoboualapha Missing Person Case

Mar 17, 2020

May 08, 2024

Vongsa

Keoboualapha

69

43

62 inches

120 lbs

Asian

Male

In the harsh and unforgiving environment of the Bering Sea, a then 44-year-old fisherman named Vongsa Keoboualapha disappeared on January 24, 1999. He was working aboard the fishing vessel 'Westpoint' when he reportedly fell overboard into the frigid waters approximately 30 miles southeast of St. George Island, Alaska. At the time of the incident, Keoboualapha was dressed in orange rain gear, a green rain coat and pants, a red top, and black boots. Notably, he was not wearing a personal flotation device or a survival suit, which significantly reduced his chances of survival in the icy sea. His disappearance prompted immediate search efforts, but the vast and turbulent waters offered no trace of the missing crewman. Vongsa, who also went by the names Kong Vinxay and Vong Sa Keoboualapha, was an Asian male with black hair and brown eyes. He had distinct tattoos on his upper left and right arms, as well as on his chest. These identifying marks, along with the clothing he was last seen in, were crucial details in the initial search and the ongoing investigation into his disappearance. The Alaska State Troopers in Anchorage were assigned to the case, and a report was filed the day after he was last seen. Despite the inherent dangers of commercial fishing in Alaska, the sudden loss of a crew member sent ripples of concern through the tight-knit maritime community. The circumstances surrounding Vongsa Keoboualapha's fall overboard remain unclear, and despite the passage of time, his case is still considered unresolved. The official report states that despite search efforts, he was never located. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the perils faced by those who make their living on the tempestuous waters of the Bering Sea. With no new leads or evidence emerging over the years, the case has grown cold, leaving his family and friends without answers. The overview of the case underscores the tragic reality of a man lost to the sea, his ultimate fate unknown, and his body never recovered from the vast expanse of the ocean.

Jan 24, 1999

St. George Island

Alaska

Dillingham Census Area

No

77209

Alaska State Troopers

Anchorage

Alaska

Anchorage Borough

99507

Malia Miller

Missing Persons Clearinghouse Manager

5700 East Tudor Road, Alaska

9072695511

State

Law Enforcement

990012135

1999-01-25

Alaska State Troopers

na

Black

Brown

Brown

07/03/2026