
The person at the center of this case
Patrick Kim McDermott
Justice for Patrick Kim McDermott — the trail went cold in 2005, but the truth hasn't.
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Were there other passengers or crew members on the fishing vessel who can account for Patrick's movements and final hours?
Did Patrick ever return to shore, or did he go missing at sea? No body or remains have been recovered.
What records exist from the charter fishing company regarding passenger manifests, safety procedures, and the vessel's exact route?
Patrick Kim McDermott, a 48-year-old man, disappeared on July 1, 2005, while on an overnight charter fishing trip approximately 20 miles south of Los Angeles near San Pedro. The vessel returned to port that same day, but Patrick was not aboard, leaving unclear whether he went missing at sea or returned to land undetected. Despite investigation by the U.S. Coast Guard, his fate remains unknown and authorities continue to seek information about his disappearance.
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Beyond the top three above — each detail below could be the thread that pulls this case open.
Why is there uncertainty about whether Patrick disappeared at sea or on land despite the vessel returning to port?
Even the smallest detail could be the key to solving this case.
Official wording
NamUs case MP1285. Missing person: Patrick Kim McDermott.
Last known contact: 2005-07-01 in San Pedro, Los Angeles, CA. Circumstances: Patrick had signed into a charter fishing vessel on June 30, 2005 to go on an overnight fishing trip.
He was last seen on July 1, 2005 four kilometers from shore on the fishing boat, 20 miles south of Los Angeles, CA. The boat returned to port on July 1, 2005.
It is unknown if Patrick went missing at sea or on land. Demographics: 48 years, Male, White / Caucasian.
Physical description: 5 ft 9 in, 140 lbs, hair: Gray or Partially Gray, eyes: Brown. Investigating agency: United States Coast Guard Investigative Service | 0085-06GHQ.
Patrick Kim McDermott signed into a charter fishing vessel for an overnight fishing trip.
Patrick was last seen on the fishing boat approximately 4 kilometers from shore, 20 miles south of Los Angeles, CA.
The charter fishing boat returned to port on July 1, 2005. Patrick was not aboard.
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.