The person at the center of this case
Michael Wayne Wheeler
Missing Person · Unsolved
37 years waiting · since 1989
Missing Person: Michael Wayne Wheeler
Justice for Michael Wayne Wheeler — the trail went cold in 1989, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
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vehicle
Lead #1What were the exact circumstances of the Ocean Hope II boating accident in Shelikof Strait?
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evidence
Lead #2Were any remains or wreckage from the vessel ever recovered?
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person
Lead #3Why are all four crew members presumed deceased rather than missing?
Michael Wayne Wheeler, a 27-year-old fisherman, went missing on March 3, 1989, when the fishing vessel Ocean Hope II encountered a boating accident in Shelikof Strait near Kodiak, Alaska. Three other crew members—Dennis Frye, Daniel Tullar, and Jack White—also disappeared in the same incident and are presumed deceased. Despite decades of investigation, the exact circumstances of the accident and the fate of all four men remain unclear, making this case a significant maritime mystery in Alaska's history.
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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 other vessels in the area that witnessed the incident?
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Official wording
Source Narrative
NamUs case MP66643. Missing person: Michael Wayne Wheeler.
Last known contact: 1989-03-03 in Kodiak, Kodiak Island, AK. Circumstances: Michael is presumed to be deceased from a boating accident in Shekikof Strait on fishing vessel Ocean Hope II.
Also missing is Dennis Frye, Daniel Tullar and Jack White. Demographics: 27 years, Male, White / Caucasian.
Physical description: 5 ft 8 in, 145 lbs, hair: Brown, eyes: Blue. Investigating agency: Alaska State Troopers | 890011207 | 1989-03-03.
Timeline of Events
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1989-03-03
Boating Accident
Michael Wayne Wheeler and three crew members (Dennis Frye, Daniel Tullar, Jack White) went missing when fishing vessel Ocean Hope II encountered an accident in Shelikof Strait
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:March 3, 1989
Last Updated:June 13, 2026
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Case Information
Incident:March 3, 1989
Last Updated:June 13, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 9072695511
You can remain anonymous