On March 31, 1981, a young man named Richard Charles Bartee, just 24 years old, was working aboard the fishing vessel 'Discovery' in the challenging waters of the Bering Sea, off the coast of Kodiak, Alaska. The day took a tragic turn when a boating accident resulted in Richard being swept overboard into the frigid sea. At the time he was lost to the waves, he was wearing an orange rain jacket, green rain pants, and Goodyear type rubber boots. Richard, known to some as Dick Bartee, was a white male with brown hair and brown eyes, standing approximately five feet five inches tall and weighing around 130 pounds.
The events of that late March day unfolded quickly, leaving little chance for a rescue in the notoriously unforgiving Bering Sea. The accident that led to Richard being swept from the 'Discovery' marked the last time he was ever seen. Search and rescue efforts were unfortunately unable to locate him in the vast and turbulent waters. The Alaska State Troopers in Kodiak were involved in the case, documenting the heartbreaking incident that occurred in the Kodiak Island Borough.
The disappearance of Richard Bartee is a somber reminder of the dangers faced by those who make their living on the sea, particularly in the demanding environment of Alaskan waters. Despite the passage of many years, his case remains a painful memory. Richard was lost to a sudden and tragic accident at sea, and due to the circumstances of his disappearance, he is presumed to be deceased. The official record, managed by agencies including the Alaska State Troopers, serves as a lasting account of a young life cut short by the formidable power of the ocean.
Last Seen: Mar 31, 1981
