Bonifacio Cantu, Jr Missing Person Case

Jan 01, 1970

Jan 01, 1970

Bonifacio

Cantu, Jr

38

Male

In the vast and often unforgiving expanse of the Bering Sea, the story of Bonifacio "Ben" Cantu, Jr.'s disappearance is a somber reminder of the perils faced by those who make their living from the ocean. On May 20, 1985, the 38-year-old fisherman was aboard the vessel Kimberly, navigating the waters approximately 80 miles northwest of Dutch Harbor, Alaska. The exact circumstances leading to the events of that day remain somewhat vague in the public record, but what is known is that the Kimberly tragically sank. While four of his crewmates were rescued from the frigid waters, Cantu was not among them and was reported as lost. Details regarding the specific cause of the Kimberly's sinking are not readily available in online sources. The waters of the Bering Sea are notoriously treacherous, known for their potential for sudden and violent storms, which could have been a contributing factor. Following the vessel's sinking, a search was initiated to find the missing fisherman. Accounts from the time indicate that these efforts were eventually called off, as referenced in a "Daily Sitka Sentinel" article from May 22, 1985, titled "Search Called Off". Despite the search, Bonifacio Cantu, Jr. was never found, and the sea became his final resting place. The case of Bonifacio Cantu, Jr. is a poignant example of the dangers inherent in the Alaskan fishing industry. The narrative of his disappearance is pieced together from maritime loss records and brief mentions in public documents. While his crewmates survived the sinking of the Kimberly, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of the sea. The lack of extensive public information on the cause of the sinking and the specifics of the search efforts leaves a void in the full story of that day. Ultimately, the disappearance of Bonifacio "Ben" Cantu, Jr. is a story of a life lost to the formidable power of the Alaskan waters, leaving behind a legacy of unanswered questions and the enduring grief of a family who lost a loved one to the depths of the ocean.

May 20, 1985

Dillingham

Alaska

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07/24/2026