Robert Gershbein Missing Person Case

Mar 17, 2020

Jun 04, 2024

Robert

Gershbein

58

24

69 inches

160 lbs

White / Caucasian

Male

In the late spring of 1992, 24-year-old Robert M. Gershbein, a resident of Portland, Oregon, embarked on a canoeing excursion in the scenic yet formidable waters of Kachemak Bay near Homer, Alaska. He was joined by his companions, Melvin Mestre Jr., 25, and Daniel Orbik, both from California. On May 30, 1992, the three men set out from the Homer Spit in a 13-foot canoe with the intention of going fishing. This would be the last time they were seen. Concern arose when the group failed to return as expected, and they were reported overdue in the early morning hours of June 1st. Gershbein was described as a white male, 5'9" tall, weighing 160 pounds, with brown hair and a beard. At the time of his disappearance, he was believed to be wearing a blue LL Bean jacket and possibly long johns. The disappearance of Gershbein and his friends prompted an immediate and extensive search of Kachemak Bay. The U.S. Coast Guard initiated a search at first light on June 1st. Tragically, their efforts led to the discovery of the trio's overturned canoe near Gull Island, but there was no sign of the men themselves. Investigations by the Alaska State Troopers revealed a critical detail that shed light on the potential cause of the incident. A skiff operator had reportedly encountered the men as they were setting out and warned them of the inherent dangers of crossing the bay in an open canoe. The operator even offered to tow them back to the harbor, an offer they declined. Further investigation into the circumstances of their disappearance suggested that the canoe was dangerously overloaded. An Alaska State Trooper noted that the 13-foot canoe had a weight capacity of approximately 300 pounds. It is believed that the combined weight of the three men and their gear was likely double the canoe's legal limit, a factor that would have severely compromised its stability in the challenging Alaskan waters. Despite the search and rescue operations, no trace of Robert Gershbein, Melvin Mestre, or Daniel Orbik was ever found. The official investigation concluded that the men most likely drowned in the frigid waters of Kachemak Bay. The case remains a somber reminder of the unforgiving nature of the sea and the importance of heeding warnings and respecting the limitations of watercraft. The disappearance of these three young men has left a lasting void in the lives of their families and friends, a story of adventure that ended in tragedy amidst the stunning but perilous beauty of coastal Alaska.

May 31, 1992

Homer

Alaska

Kenai Peninsula Borough

No

77890

Alaska State Troopers

Anchorage

Alaska

Anchorage Borough

99507

Malia Miller

Missing Persons Clearinghouse Manager

5700 East Tudor Road, Alaska

9072695511

State

Law Enforcement

920036448

1992-06-01

Alaska State Troopers

na

Brown

Unknown

Unknown

07/16/2026