The person at the center of this case
Shima Funakoshi
Missing Person · Unsolved
22 years waiting · since 2003
Missing Person: Shima Funakoshi
Justice for Shima Funakoshi — the trail went cold in 2003, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
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vehicle
Lead #1What was the condition and location of the 406 Caravan aircraft (N6591L)? Was the wreckage ever recovered or examined?
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evidence
Lead #2What caused the aircraft to crash? Were there mechanical failures, weather conditions, or pilot error involved?
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witness
Lead #3Were there any witnesses to the crash or the aircraft's final moments before impact?
On August 17, 2003, Shima Funakoshi and her mother Yoshiko boarded a 406 Caravan aircraft departing Barrow, Alaska for Wainwright when the plane crashed over the ocean. Debris and an oil slick were discovered 10 miles northeast of Wainwright in waters approximately 75 feet deep, but neither passenger was ever located despite extensive search efforts. The circumstances of the crash and the fate of both passengers remain unknown, making continued information from anyone familiar with the flight or wreckage critical to resolving this case.
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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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person
Lead #4Why were Shima and her mother traveling from Barrow to Wainwright on this date?
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Official wording
Source Narrative
NamUs case MP98456. Missing person: Shima Funakoshi.
Last known contact: 2003-08-17 in Barrow, North Slope, AK. Circumstances: Shima and her mother, Yoshiko Funakoshi MP #98457, were aboard a 406 Caravan airplane with tail number N6591L that left Barrow heading for Wainwright when it crashed.
Debris and oil slick were found 10 miles northeast of Wainwright in an area of the ocean with a depth of 75 feet. Searches of the area were unsuccessful in locating them.
Demographics: 30 years, Female, Asian. Physical description: 5 ft 4 in, 125 lbs, hair: Black, eyes: Brown.
Investigating agency: North Slope Borough Police Department | 030000765 | 2003-08-17.
Timeline of Events
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2003-08-17
Aircraft Departure and Crash
Shima Funakoshi and her mother Yoshiko departed Barrow aboard 406 Caravan aircraft (tail number N6591L) headed for Wainwright. The aircraft crashed in the ocean approximately 10 miles northeast of Wainwright in waters 75 feet deep.
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2003-08-17
Debris and Oil Slick Found
Debris and an oil slick from the aircraft were located in the crash area, but searches of the region were unsuccessful in locating either passenger.
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:August 17, 2003
Last Updated:May 26, 2026
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Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 9078526111
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Case Information
Incident:August 17, 2003
Last Updated:May 26, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 9078526111
You can remain anonymous