The person at the center of this case
Larry Johnson
Missing Person · Open
37 years waiting · since 1989
Missing Person: Larry Johnson
Justice for Larry Johnson — the trail went cold in 1989, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
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person
Lead #1What were the circumstances that prevented both men from returning home? Was there a boating accident or other maritime emergency?
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witness
Lead #2Were there any fishermen or boaters in the area on August 4-5, 1989 who may have witnessed an incident?
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evidence
Lead #3What happened to the fishing vessel or equipment used on the trip?
Larry Johnson, a 20-year-old male, disappeared on August 4, 1989, while on a fishing trip with Morris Triplett near Carolina Beach, North Carolina. When the two men failed to return home by Saturday morning, families alerted authorities and the Carolina Beach Police Department and US Coast Guard launched extensive search operations. Despite wide-ranging efforts, no trace of Johnson has been found, and the circumstances of his disappearance remain unknown after more than three decades.
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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 #4Why did the US Coast Guard and local police search fail to locate any trace of the missing men despite wide-ranging efforts?
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Official wording
Source Narrative
NamUs case MP25605. Missing person: Larry Johnson.
Last known contact: 1989-08-04 in Carolina Beach, New Hanover, NC. Circumstances: Fishing trip with Morris Triplett, MP 23166, in which they left at around 5:30 am on Friday, August 4, 1989.
When they hadn't returned home by 9 am on Saturday, August 5, 1989, the families became concerned for their whereabouts. The Carolina Beach Police Department and US Coast Guard searched the area widely without any success.
Demographics: 20 years, Male, White / Caucasian. Physical description: 5 ft 10 in, 165 lbs, hair: Brown, eyes: Brown.
Investigating agency: United States Coast Guard Investigative Service.
Timeline of Events
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1989-08-04
05:30Fishing Trip Departure
Larry Johnson and Morris Triplett departed for a fishing trip at approximately 5:30 am on Friday, August 4, 1989, from Carolina Beach.
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1989-08-05
09:00Families Report Concern
When Johnson and Triplett had not returned home by 9:00 am on Saturday, August 5, 1989, their families became concerned and reported them missing.
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1989-08-05
Search Operations Begin
The Carolina Beach Police Department and US Coast Guard initiated extensive search operations in the area.
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:August 4, 1989 at 5:30 AM
Last Updated:June 24, 2026
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Phone: 2023723000
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Case Information
Incident:August 4, 1989 at 5:30 AM
Last Updated:June 24, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 2023723000
You can remain anonymous