The person at the center of this case
John Atherton Dieterich
Missing Person · Open
36 years waiting · since 1990
Missing Person: John Atherton Dieterich
Justice for John Atherton Dieterich — the trail went cold in 1990, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
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evidence
Lead #1What caused the Aleutian Enterprise to capsize in the Bering Sea?
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person
Lead #2Were any remains or wreckage from the vessel ever recovered?
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witness
Lead #3Did any other vessels in the area witness the capsizing or provide rescue information?
John Atherton Dieterich, a 31-year-old crew member, went missing on March 22, 1990, when the 162-foot fishing trawler Aleutian Enterprise capsized and sank in the Bering Sea near Dutch Harbor, Alaska. Eight crew members disappeared in the incident, including Dieterich, and their fates remain unknown despite decades of investigation. The case highlights the dangers of commercial fishing in one of the world's most treacherous waters and continues to seek any information about the vessel or crew.
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More leads to consider
Beyond the top three above — each detail below could be the thread that pulls this case open.
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clue
Lead #4What were the sea conditions and weather on March 22, 1990, that may have contributed to the disaster?
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Official wording
Source Narrative
NamUs case MP67278. Missing person: John Atherton Dieterich.
Last known contact: 1990-03-22 in Dutch Harbor, Aleutians West, AK. Circumstances: John was last seen on 03/22/1990 when the 162 foot fishing trawler, Aleutian Enterprise, capsized and sank in the Bering Sea with the crewmen aboard.
He is missing with Nelo Marciel (MP #67109), Joseph Alaimo (MP #66746), Matthew Schneider (MP #66931), Jeffrey Houston (MP #66905), Javier Valenzuela (MP #66739), David Jefferies (MP #66724), Robert McCord (MP #66701), and Robert Davis Jr (MP #67158). Demographics: 31 years, Male, American Indian / Alaska Native.
Physical description: 6 ft 0 in, 165 lbs, hair: Brown, eyes: Blue. Investigating agency: Alaska State Troopers | 900020277 | 1990-03-22.
Timeline of Events
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1990-03-22
Aleutian Enterprise capsizes and sinks
The 162-foot fishing trawler Aleutian Enterprise capsized and sank in the Bering Sea with eight crew members aboard, including John Atherton Dieterich.
Key Locations
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Case Information
Incident:March 22, 1990
Last Updated:September 27, 2026
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Phone: 9072695511
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Case Information
Incident:March 22, 1990
Last Updated:September 27, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 9072695511
You can remain anonymous