The person at the center of this case
Michael Gerard Ritter
Missing Person · Open
29 years waiting · since 1996
Missing Person: Michael Gerard Ritter
Justice for Michael Gerard Ritter — 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 was the condition of the sailboat 'Wind Song' when found, and were there signs of struggle or foul play aboard?
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evidence
Lead #2Were Michael's personal items (gold watch, wedding ring, brown shirt, gray sweatpants, hiking boots) found on or near the vessel?
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location
Lead #3Why was the sailboat aground in Deep Bay, and what does the location suggest about the circumstances of disappearance?
Michael Gerard Ritter, a 38-year-old man, went missing on October 5, 1996, from his sailboat 'Wind Song' which was found aground on a beach inside the mouth of Deep Bay near Cordova, Alaska. Despite an extensive search effort, Michael was never located and the circumstances of his disappearance remain unknown. The case remains open, and investigators continue to seek information about what happened to him that day.
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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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witness
Lead #4Were there any witnesses in the area who saw the sailboat or Michael on October 5, 1996?
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clue
Lead #5What was the purpose of Michael's voyage, and was he experienced with sailing in Alaska waters?
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Official wording
Source Narrative
NamUs case MP56349. Missing person: Michael Gerard Ritter.
Last known contact: 1996-10-05 in Cordova, Chugach, AK. Circumstances: Missing from sailboat 'Wind Song' that was found aground on a beach just inside the mouth of Deep Bay.
Despite an extensive search, Michael was never located. Demographics: 38 years, Male, White / Caucasian.
Physical description: 5 ft 7 in, 150 lbs, hair: Brown, eyes: Brown. Clothing and accessories: Clothing: Brown shirt Gray sweatpants; Footwear: Brown hiking boots; Jewelry: Gold 'Ducks Unlimited' watch\ Gold wedding ring.
Investigating agency: Alaska State Troopers | 960070158 | 1996-10-07.
Timeline of Events
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1996-10-05
Michael Ritter goes missing
Michael Gerard Ritter last known contact on October 5, 1996, in Cordova, Alaska. He was aboard the sailboat 'Wind Song'.
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1996-10-05
Sailboat found aground
The sailboat 'Wind Song' was discovered aground on a beach just inside the mouth of Deep Bay.
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1996-10-07
Investigation begins
Alaska State Troopers initiated investigation (case MP56349) following the discovery of the abandoned sailboat.
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:October 5, 1996
Last Updated:July 22, 2026
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Phone: 9072695511
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Case Information
Incident:October 5, 1996
Last Updated:July 22, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 9072695511
You can remain anonymous