On May 6, 1978, a somber day in the history of Prince of Wales, Alaska, 27-year-old Glenn Edward Cook, a Caucasian male, was last seen. He, along with four companions, Verne Edenshaw Jr., Victor Burgess, Delbert Kelley, and William Hamilton Jr., embarked on a boating trip from Hydaburg to Craig. The group was last sighted at the Waterfall Resort, a location approximately 15 miles from their destination of Craig.
The journey was intended to be a routine trip across the Alaskan waters, but it tragically turned into a mystery that has endured for decades. The five men were well-known in the close-knit community, and their sudden disappearance sent ripples of concern and sorrow throughout the region.
The circumstances surrounding their disappearance point to a tragic accident at sea. It is presumed that the men drowned during their journey. This theory is supported by the discovery of their two skiffs. One of the small boats was found submerged near Cruz Island in San Alberto Bay, a clear indication of the perilous conditions they may have encountered. The second skiff was discovered tied to a rock in Canoe Pass, a finding that adds a layer of mystery to the incident, leaving investigators and family members to piece together the final moments of the five men. The vast and often treacherous waters of Alaska can be unforgiving, and it is believed that the men were caught in a situation that overwhelmed their vessels and their ability to survive. The search and rescue efforts that followed were extensive, but ultimately, the men were never found.
The case of Glenn Cook and his companions is a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers that can accompany life in the Alaskan wilderness. The incident is officially documented by the Alaska State Troopers, with the agency case number A78-1439. Despite the passage of time, the case remains a painful memory for the families and the community. The official narrative from the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System concludes that the men are presumed to have drowned. The discovery of their skiffs provided a grim glimpse into their fate, but without the recovery of their remains, a true sense of closure remains elusive for their loved ones. The disappearance of these five men serves as an overview of the unpredictable and often harsh realities of maritime travel in the region.Last Seen: May 6, 1978
