Leslie Carstensen Missing Person Case

Mar 17, 2020

Jul 18, 2024

Leslie

Carstensen

73

46

70 inches

200 lbs

White / Caucasian

Male

In the vast and often unforgiving waters of Alaska, the story of Leslie Carstensen unfolded on August 13, 1997. At 47 years old, he was aboard the tugboat Gail S, navigating the challenging seas approximately 130 miles north of Cold Bay. The events of that day would leave a lasting impact on those who knew him and the maritime community. The powerful forces of the northern Pacific Ocean showed their might as the Gail S succumbed to the waves and sank, casting its crew into the frigid waters. In the chaos that ensued, a fellow crew member spotted Leslie in the tumultuous eight-foot seas. Tragically, Leslie was already deceased. The crew member, battling the severe conditions and the immense grief of the moment, was unable to hold onto him. Leslie was last seen adrift, wearing an unzipped Imperial survival suit, a poignant detail in the narrative of his final moments. The vastness of the ocean that had been a part of his life's work ultimately became his final resting place. An extensive search and rescue operation was launched in the wake of the sinking. Teams scoured the area, hoping to bring Leslie home to his loved ones. Despite their exhaustive efforts, the search proved unsuccessful. The challenging conditions and the sheer scale of the search area made the task of locating him an impossibility. The case of Leslie Carstensen serves as a somber reminder of the perils faced by those who make their living on the open water and the profound sense of loss that accompanies a person's disappearance into the sea. His memory is honored by those who understand the unforgiving nature of the ocean and the courage of the individuals who navigate its depths.

Aug 13, 1997

Dillingham

Alaska

Dillingham Census Area

No

77722

Alaska State Troopers

Anchorage

Alaska

Anchorage Borough

99507

Malia Miller

Missing Persons Clearinghouse Manager

5700 East Tudor Road, Alaska

9072695511

State

Law Enforcement

970055005

1997-08-13

Alaska State Troopers

Gray or Partially Gray

Blue

Blue

No

06/26/2026