On April 11, 1986, a 40-year-old man from Kodiak, Alaska, named Ted Dorsey, went to work and never returned. Known also by the nickname "Red E Dorsey," he was last seen in the challenging waters of the North Pacific, about six miles northwest of St. George Island. On that day, Ted was involved in a serious boating accident. He was reportedly wearing durable work attire, including jeans, a sweatshirt, hip boots, and bright, fluorescent orange rain gear, a common sight for those who make their living on the tempestuous Alaskan seas. Despite his practical clothing, the unforgiving environment proved overwhelming, and he was tragically lost to the waves.
The specific details of the boating incident have become obscured over the decades, a frequent occurrence for events in such isolated and wild parts of the world. What is known is that an accident occurred, resulting in Ted entering the water. In the wake of the event, search and rescue efforts would have faced the immense challenge of the vast, cold, and unpredictable Pacific Ocean. The Alaska State Troopers, the primary investigating agency for the case, were left with a grim conclusion. With no sign of Ted, he was officially presumed to have perished at sea.
The story of Ted Dorsey's disappearance is a heartbreaking reflection of the inherent dangers that accompany life and work in Alaska's maritime industries. His case is not one of unknown circumstances or foul play, but a solemn reminder of nature's power. For his family and friends, the lack of a definitive recovery leaves a painful void, a common sorrow for those who lose loved ones to the sea. The official record classifies him as presumed deceased, a designation that provides a legal conclusion but little emotional solace. The overview of Ted Dorsey's case is one of a sudden and tragic loss of life due to a known maritime accident, a narrative that resonates deeply within Alaska's coastal communities, where the profound beauty and immense danger of the ocean are a part of daily existence.
Last Seen: Apr 11, 1986
