On April 2, 1980, a 23-year-old man named Kim Donald Hanlin was working aboard the fishing vessel, Cloverleaf, near Kodiak, Alaska. The boat was navigating the waters near Sutwick Island when a sudden and tragic accident occurred. The vessel capsized and sank, plunging its crew into the cold Alaskan waters. At the time of his disappearance, Kim had brown hair and green eyes. It is believed he may have been wearing a survival suit.
The incident happened as the Cloverleaf was making its way from Kodiak to Chignik.
The unforgiving sea claimed the lives of Kim and another crew member, while the captain was the sole survivor of the devastating event. Despite the inherent dangers of the profession, the loss was a profound shock to the community. Commercial fishing in Alaska is known to be a perilous occupation, and the sinking of the Cloverleaf was one of several maritime tragedies that highlighted the risks faced by those who make their living on the water. An extensive search was launched in the aftermath of the accident, but tragically, Kim's body was never recovered from the frigid depths.
Decades have passed since the Cloverleaf went down, yet Kim Hanlin remains officially listed as a missing person by the Alaska State Troopers. He is presumed to have drowned in the accident. The case serves as a somber reminder of the power of the sea and the many souls lost to its depths in the demanding Alaskan fishing industry. The lack of a recovery has left a lasting sense of uncertainty for his loved ones, a story without a final chapter common to many who have vanished into the vast and often treacherous waters surrounding Alaska.Last Seen: Apr 2, 1980
