The person at the center of this case
Ted Haywood Wall
Missing Person · Open
45 years waiting · since 1980
Missing Person: Ted Haywood Wall
Justice for Ted Haywood Wall — the trail went cold in 1980, 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 seaworthiness of the 23' Sea Ox fiberglass boat, and could the freeze plug engine problem have caused it to sink or become disabled?
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person
Lead #2What were the full circumstances and details provided by Harold Jeffrey Mays regarding the incident and the last moments aboard the vessel?
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evidence
Lead #3Why has no debris, wreckage, or remains been discovered across the Gulf Stream and Atlantic waters despite decades of potential drift and discovery?
Ted Haywood Wall, a 22-year-old, disappeared on November 13, 1980, while fishing aboard a 23-foot Sea Ox boat approximately 16 miles southeast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, when the vessel experienced engine problems. His companion, Harold Jeffrey Mays, was also aboard during the incident in the Gulf Stream. Despite an extensive U.S. Coast Guard search covering 104,000 square miles with 47 aircraft sorties and 10 surface units, no trace of the boat, crew, or debris has ever been found in over four decades, leaving the circumstances—whether accident or foul play—undetermined.
Case
#2432
United States Coast Guard Investigative Service, District 5
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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.
💡
clue
Lead #4Could the disappearance be related to foul play involving the two occupants, or was it purely a maritime accident?
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Official wording
Source Narrative
NamUs case MP14851. Missing person: Ted Haywood Wall.
Last known contact: 1980-11-13 in Cape Hatteras, Dare, NC. Circumstances: Missing at sea aboard a 23' Sea Ox fiberglass boat.
Was last known/seen alive on his friends boat during a fishing trip in or near the Gulf Stream in the Atlantic Ocean out 16 miles southeast from the inlet off the coast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina on 11-13-80 at 1:30 PM. Allegedly experienced outboard engine problems with the engine "freeze plug".
Ted Wall, aged 22 was in the company of another young man named Harold Jeffrey Mays, age 21. Possibly a boating accident or may be related to foul play.
US Coast Guard coordinated efforts of search of 104,000 square miles of ocean involving 47 aircraft sorties and 10 surface units. No trace of vessel, crew or debris found during search or in subsequent 3+ decades.
Companion case to NamUs MP14742. Demographics: 21 years, Male, White / Caucasian.
Physical description: 6 ft 1 in, 180 lbs, hair: Sandy, eyes: Hazel. Investigating agency: United States Coast Guard Investigative Service | District 5 Case 0093 - 13 | 1980-11-13.
Timeline of Events
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1980-11-13
13:30Last known contact
Ted Haywood Wall and Harold Jeffrey Mays last seen alive aboard 23' Sea Ox fiberglass boat during fishing trip in Gulf Stream, approximately 16 miles southeast of Cape Hatteras inlet. Vessel experienced outboard engine problems with freeze plug.
🕵️
1980-11-13
Coast Guard search initiated
U.S. Coast Guard coordinated extensive search effort covering 104,000 square miles involving 47 aircraft sorties and 10 surface units. No trace of vessel, crew, or debris found.
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:November 13, 1980 at 1:30 PM
Last Updated:June 18, 2026
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Phone: 2023723000
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Case Information
Incident:November 13, 1980 at 1:30 PM
Last Updated:June 18, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 2023723000
You can remain anonymous