Patrick Flanery Missing Person Case

Mar 17, 2020

Jan 12, 2024

Patrick

Flanery

71

36

72 inches

190 lbs

White / Caucasian

Male

In the remote and unforgiving waters of the Alaskan Aleutian Islands, the story of Patrick "Pat" Flanery's disappearance began on a fateful day, June 26, 1991. At 36 years old, the Sitka-based skipper was at the helm of the 37-foot fishing vessel, the Betty B, navigating the treacherous Atka Pass. Along with his two crew members, James Weber and Todd Burns, Flanery was engaged in the demanding work of fishing for black cod. The vast and unpredictable nature of the Bering Sea was a familiar backdrop for these seasoned fishermen, but on this particular day, their experience would not be enough to overcome the perils that awaited them. The Betty B, a vessel that had recently lost another crewman in a separate incident, was about to face its final and tragic voyage. The sequence of events that led to the disappearance of Patrick Flanery and James Weber unfolded with sudden and terrifying speed. The Betty B struck a rock in Atka Pass, causing the vessel to capsize and sink. In the chaos that ensued, all three men were thrown into the frigid waters. While Todd Burns was the sole survivor of the incident, both Patrick Flanery and James Weber were lost to the sea. Despite the inherent dangers of their profession, the loss of two lives in a single incident sent a shockwave through the tight-knit fishing community. The U.S. Coast Guard launched a search and rescue operation in a desperate attempt to locate the missing men, but their efforts were ultimately in vain. The vastness of the ocean and the challenging conditions of the remote location hampered the search, leaving the fate of Flanery and Weber unknown. The disappearance of Patrick Flanery and James Weber remains an unresolved case, a stark reminder of the unforgiving nature of the sea and the risks faced by those who make their living on its waters. The official investigation concluded that the two men were lost at sea following the capsizing of their vessel. Their bodies were never recovered, leaving their families with no closure and a lifetime of unanswered questions. The incident serves as a somber testament to the perils of the Alaskan fishing industry, a profession that demands immense skill and courage but can exact the ultimate price in an instant. The case is a poignant narrative of loss, highlighting the profound impact that such tragedies have on families and communities, and the enduring mystery that surrounds those who are claimed by the vast and powerful ocean.

Jun 26, 1991

Dutch Harbor

Alaska

Aleutians West Census Area

No

77673

Alaska State Troopers

Anchorage

Alaska

Anchorage Borough

99507

Malia Miller

Missing Persons Clearinghouse Manager

5700 East Tudor Road, Alaska

9072695511

State

Law Enforcement

910041790

1991-06-26

Alaska State Troopers

8917

Brown

Blue

Blue

07/19/2026