The person at the center of this case
Joseph Wayne McCartan
Missing Person · Open
17 years waiting · since 2008
Missing Person: Joseph Wayne McCartan
Justice for Joseph Wayne McCartan — the trail went cold in 2008, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
🔍
evidence
Lead #1What were the exact circumstances and weather conditions on the shrimping boat when McCartan disappeared?
👁️
witness
Lead #2What accounts did crew members provide about the incident and McCartan's final moments?
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location
Lead #3Were systematic search and recovery operations conducted in the area where he went overboard?
Joseph Wayne McCartan, a 34-year-old from Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana, went missing on August 3, 2008, while working on a shrimping boat in Texas waters. He is presumed to have fallen overboard, and the U.S. Coast Guard has been investigating. Despite extensive search efforts, his fate remains unknown, and anyone with information about his disappearance is urged to come forward.
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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.
💡
clue
Lead #4Has any physical evidence or remains been recovered that could confirm his fate?
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Even the smallest detail could be the key to solving this case.
Official wording
Source Narrative
NamUs case MP4163. Missing person: Joseph Wayne McCartan.
Last known contact: 2008-08-03 in N/A, Plaquemines, LA. Circumstances: Last seen on shrimping boat in Texas, presumed to have fallen overboard.
Was from Plaquemines Parish, LA. Reported missing with the U.S.
Coast Guard. Demographics: 34 years, Male, White / Caucasian.
Physical description: 5 ft 8 in, 180 lbs, hair: Black, eyes: Blue. Clothing and accessories: Clothing: usually wears white t-shirts, jeans, tennis shoes, and hat.
Investigating agency: United States Coast Guard District 8 | MISLE 328-91-40.
Timeline of Events
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2008-08-03
Last known contact and presumed overboard incident
Joseph Wayne McCartan was last seen on a shrimping boat in Texas waters and is presumed to have fallen overboard.
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:August 3, 2008
Last Updated:June 24, 2026
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Phone: 5045896225
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Case Information
Incident:August 3, 2008
Last Updated:June 24, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 5045896225
You can remain anonymous