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
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evidence
Lead #1Were there any witnesses on the shrimping boat who observed the fall or circumstances leading to the disappearance?
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location
Lead #2What were the exact coordinates and conditions of the shrimping vessel when McCartan went missing?
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clue
Lead #3Has any physical evidence or remains ever been recovered from the Gulf of Mexico in the area where he disappeared?
Joseph Wayne McCartan, a 34-year-old shrimping boat worker, went missing on August 3, 2008, after reportedly falling overboard from a vessel in Texas waters. Despite being reported to the U.S. Coast Guard, no trace of McCartan has been recovered. The case remains unsolved, and anyone with information about his disappearance or potential sightings is urged to contact authorities.
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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.
👁️
witness
Lead #4Were there other vessels or maritime personnel in the vicinity who may have observed relevant details?
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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
Presumed overboard incident
Joseph Wayne McCartan last seen on shrimping boat in Texas waters; presumed to have fallen overboard.
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2008-08-03
Last known contact
Last known contact on August 3, 2008 in Plaquemines Parish, LA area.
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:August 3, 2008
Last Updated:June 18, 2026
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Phone: 5045896225
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Case Information
Incident:August 3, 2008
Last Updated:June 18, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 5045896225
You can remain anonymous