Matthew Schneider Missing Person Case

Jan 01, 1970

Jan 01, 1970

Matthew

Schneider

22

White / Caucasian

Male

On March 22, 1990, a then 22-year-old Matthew Jay Schneider was working aboard the 162-foot fishing trawler, the Aleutian Enterprise, in the Bering Sea. The vessel, operated by Arctic Alaska Fisheries, was located approximately 60 miles south of Saint Paul Island when tragedy struck. In what was described as a breezy, dark night, the crew was in the process of hauling a large net of fish, known as a cod end, up the stern ramp. It was during this operation that the vessel capsized and sank, leading to the disappearance of Matthew and eight other crew members. Despite the swift response from multiple nearby vessels, which resulted in the rescue of 22 crew members from the frigid waters and life rafts, Matthew and his fellow crewmen could not be located. Investigations that followed the sinking of the Aleutian Enterprise revealed a series of safety failures and procedural missteps that contributed to the disaster. The National Transportation Safety Board determined that a probable cause of the capsizing was the failure of Arctic Alaska Fisheries Corporation to provide adequate crew training, operating procedures, and safety oversight. A critical moment occurred when the fishing net being hauled aboard snapped, spilling a massive volume of fish onto the deck and causing the vessel to list severely to one side. This shift in weight, combined with pre-existing stability issues and poorly maintained watertight closures on the processing deck, led to rapid flooding and the vessel's capsizing within minutes. The Coast Guard investigation also faulted the captain for not issuing a timely order to abandon the ship. It was noted that the general alarm bell was not functional at the time of the incident. The official search for the nine missing men, which included Matthew Schneider, was suspended by the Coast Guard after it was determined that there was no longer a reasonable expectation of survival in the harsh conditions of the Bering Sea. The others who were lost in the sinking were Nelo Marciel, Joseph Alaimo, Jeffrey Houston, Javier Valenzuela, David Jefferies, John Dieterich, Robert McCord, and Robert Davis Jr. The case of Matthew Schneider is a somber reminder of the inherent dangers faced by those who work in the commercial fishing industry. The sinking of the Aleutian Enterprise was a significant maritime tragedy that led to scrutiny of safety practices within the industry and highlighted the devastating human cost of such incidents. The loss of nine lives, including that of a young Matthew Schneider, left a lasting impact on their families and the maritime community.

Mar 22, 1990

Dutch Harbor

Alaska

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07/20/2026