The person at the center of this case
Tony Olan Oktoyuk
Missing Person · Unsolved - Presumed Deceased
29 years waiting · since 1996
Missing Person: Tony Olan Oktoyuk
Justice for Tony Olan Oktoyuk — the trail went cold in 1996, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
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evidence
Lead #1Why were only a thermos and gas tank recovered? What happened to the boat and its occupant?
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location
Lead #2What conditions existed in Mahtkwingak Slough on October 9, 1996? Could weather or water hazards have caused an accident?
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clue
Lead #3The thermos bottle with his name suggests the boat may have capsized or sunk—were there signs of mechanical failure or foul play?
Tony Olan Oktoyuk, a 23-year-old Alaska Native male, disappeared on October 9, 1996, after setting out alone by boat for a hunting trip near St. Mary's, Alaska and failing to return. Search efforts recovered a thermos bottle bearing his name and a gas tank floating in Mahtkwingak Slough, but his boat was never found. He is presumed deceased, and the case remains unsolved after nearly three decades.
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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.
⏰
timeline
Lead #4How long after departure was Tony reported missing, and what prompted the search to focus on Mahtkwingak Slough?
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Even the smallest detail could be the key to solving this case.
Official wording
Source Narrative
NamUs case MP66913. Missing person: Tony Olan Oktoyuk.
Last known contact: 1996-10-09 in St. Mary's, Kusilvak, AK.
Circumstances: Tony was last seen on 10/09/1996 when he went out alone by boat for a day hunting trip. He was reported missing when he failed to return.
Searches of the area were conducted. A thermos bottle with Tony's name and a gas tank were found floating in the area of Mahtkwingak Slough.
His boat was never located. He is presumed to be deceased.
Demographics: 23 years, Male, American Indian / Alaska Native. Physical description: 6 ft 0 in, 180 lbs, hair: Black, eyes: Brown.
Clothing and accessories: Accessories: Burgandy or red earmuffs Headband; Clothing: Tan Carhartt coveralls Grey winter jacket Green raingear; Footwear: Brown insulated Sorrel boots. Investigating agency: Alaska State Troopers | 960070771 | 1996-10-11.
Timeline of Events
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1996-10-09
Hunting Trip Departure
Tony Oktoyuk departed alone by boat for a day hunting trip from St. Mary's
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1996-10-09
Last Known Contact
Last known contact with Tony Oktoyuk on October 9, 1996
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1996-10-11
Missing Person Report Filed
Tony reported missing after failing to return from hunting trip; Alaska State Troopers investigation initiated
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1996-10-11
Items Recovered
Thermos bottle with Tony's name and gas tank found floating in Mahtkwingak Slough area; boat never located
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:October 9, 1996
Last Updated:June 22, 2026
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Phone: 9072695511
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Case Information
Incident:October 9, 1996
Last Updated:June 22, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 9072695511
You can remain anonymous