Tom Kelly Missing Person Case

Jan 01, 1970

Jan 01, 1970

Tom

Kelly

38

White / Caucasian

Male

In the autumn of 1986, a tragic event unfolded in the waters near Juneau, Alaska, leading to the disappearance of 38-year-old Tom R. Kelly. On October 30, 1986, Kelly, along with two other men, William Scott Lewis and William "Bill" Tugman, were aboard the fishing vessel Danube. The group was on a crabbing trip in the Gastineau Channel in the vicinity of Marmion Island when they encountered a boating accident. The exact details of the accident remain unclear, but it resulted in the disappearance of all three men. Following the incident, wreckage from the F/V Danube was discovered scattered on the shores of Douglas and Admiralty Islands. This discovery prompted extensive search efforts in the surrounding areas. Despite the dedicated work of search and rescue teams, no signs of Tom Kelly, William Scott Lewis, or William Tugman were ever found. The challenging Alaskan waters and the remote location of the accident likely complicated the search operations, leaving friends, family, and the community with no answers about the men's final moments. The disappearance of Tom Kelly, William Scott Lewis, and William Tugman serves as a somber reminder of the perils faced by those who make their living on the sea, particularly in the unforgiving Alaskan environment. With the passage of time and the absence of any further evidence, the three men are now presumed to be deceased. The case remains a painful memory for the community of Juneau, a testament to the lives lost and the enduring questions that linger after such a devastating maritime incident. The lack of resolution has left a void for the families, who were never able to bring their loved ones home for a final farewell.

Oct 30, 1986

Juneau

Alaska

,

07/13/2026