The person at the center of this case
Michael Gerard Ritter
Missing Person · Open
30 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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location
Lead #1Why was the sailboat 'Wind Song' found aground in Deep Bay and what caused it to beach?
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evidence
Lead #2What physical evidence was found on or near the sailboat that might explain Michael's disappearance?
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clue
Lead #3Were there any witnesses in the area who saw the sailboat or Michael before it was discovered?
Michael Gerard Ritter, a 38-year-old man, disappeared 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 operation, Michael was never located and the circumstances of his disappearance remain unknown. The case remains open with the Alaska State Troopers, and anyone with information about his fate is urged to come forward.
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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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timeline
Lead #4What was the exact timeline between Michael's last contact on October 5 and the discovery of the sailboat?
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Even the smallest detail could be the key to solving this case.
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
Last known contact
Michael Gerard Ritter last known contact in Cordova, Chugach, AK
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1996-10-07
Sailboat found
Sailboat 'Wind Song' discovered aground on beach inside the mouth of Deep Bay; extensive search conducted but Michael was never located
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:October 5, 1996
Last Updated:September 29, 2026
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Phone: 9072695511
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Case Information
Incident:October 5, 1996
Last Updated:September 29, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 9072695511
You can remain anonymous