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 of the Tamra Dawn sinking? Was there a distress call or witnesses?
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evidence
Lead #2Were any remains or debris recovered from the vessel or surrounding waters?
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clue
Lead #3Were there other crew members aboard the Tamra Dawn, and what accounts did they provide?
Lee Ellis Spencer, a 26-year-old fisherman, went missing on November 26, 1996, when the fishing vessel Tamra Dawn reportedly began sinking near Clarence Strait, approximately 2 miles from Point McCarty south of Ketchikan, Alaska. He is presumed to have drowned in the incident, though his body was never recovered. The case remains unsolved, and anyone with information about the vessel, the sinking, or circumstances surrounding that day is urged to contact the Alaska State Troopers.
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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
Vessel Tamra Dawn sinking reported
Fishing vessel Tamra Dawn reported sinking near Clarence Strait, 2 miles from Point McCarty, south of Ketchikan. Lee Ellis Spencer 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