
The person at the center of this case
Michael Wayne Wheeler
Justice for Michael Wayne Wheeler — the trail went cold in 1989, but the truth hasn't.
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What were the exact circumstances of the Ocean Hope II boating accident in Shelikof Strait?
Were there any survivors or witnesses to the incident who could provide details about what happened?
Has any wreckage or remains from the Ocean Hope II ever been recovered or investigated?
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 by Alaska State Troopers, the exact circumstances of the accident and the fates of the four men remain unclear, and the case continues to seek information from anyone with knowledge of that day.
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Why has the investigation remained open for over three decades with no resolution?
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Official wording
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.
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.
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.