The person at the center of this case
Lee Ellis Spencer
Missing Person · Open
29 years waiting · since 1996
Missing Person: Lee Ellis Spencer
Justice for Lee Ellis Spencer — the trail went cold in 1996, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
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vehicle
Lead #1What were the circumstances that caused the fishing vessel Tamra Dawn to sink?
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evidence
Lead #2Were any remains or debris from the vessel recovered that might provide clues about the sinking?
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witness
Lead #3Were there any other vessels in the area that may have witnessed the sinking or attempted rescue?
Lee Ellis Spencer, a 26-year-old commercial fisherman, went missing on November 26, 1996, when the fishing vessel Tamra Dawn sank near Clarence Strait off the coast of Ketchikan, Alaska. He is presumed to have drowned in the incident, though his body was never recovered. The case remains open as authorities continue to seek any information about the circumstances of the vessel's sinking or potential survivors.
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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 #4Was Lee Spencer wearing the dry suit mentioned in his description, and could it have aided his survival?
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Even the smallest detail could be the key to solving this case.
Official wording
Source Narrative
NamUs case MP67284. Missing person: Lee Ellis Spencer.
Last known contact: 1996-11-26 in Ketchikan, Ketchikan Gateway, AK. Circumstances: Lee is presumed to have drowned after the fishing vessel Tamra Dawn was reported to be sinking near Clarence Strait 2 mi from Pt McCarty and south of Ketchikan.
Demographics: 26 years, Male, White / Caucasian. Physical description: 6 ft 2 in, 165 lbs, hair: Brown, eyes: Blue.
Clothing and accessories: Clothing: Possibly wearing dry suit. Investigating agency: Alaska State Troopers | 960080088.
Timeline of Events
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1996-11-26
Fishing Vessel Tamra Dawn Sinks
Lee Ellis Spencer was aboard the fishing vessel Tamra Dawn when it was reported to be sinking near Clarence Strait, approximately 2 miles from Pt McCarty and south of Ketchikan, Alaska. He is presumed to have drowned.
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:November 26, 1996
Last Updated:May 21, 2026
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Phone: 9072695511
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Case Information
Incident:November 26, 1996
Last Updated:May 21, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 9072695511
You can remain anonymous