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 accident in Shelikof Strait? Was there a distress call or any wreckage recovered?
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person
Lead #2Were the bodies of Michael Wheeler, Dennis Frye, Daniel Tullar, and Jack White ever recovered, or is this based solely on presumption?
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evidence
Lead #3What investigation was conducted into the accident, and what evidence exists regarding the vessel's condition and the crew's fate?
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 fates of all four men remain unknown, making this a significant maritime mystery in Alaska's fishing 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 or witnesses in the area who observed the accident or could provide details about what happened?
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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 on Ocean Hope II
Michael Wayne Wheeler and three other crew members went missing when the fishing vessel Ocean Hope II encountered an accident in Shelikof Strait near Kodiak, Alaska. All four are presumed deceased.
Key Locations
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Case Information
Incident:March 3, 1989
Last Updated:June 17, 2026
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Case Information
Incident:March 3, 1989
Last Updated:June 17, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 9072695511
You can remain anonymous