
The person at the center of this case
Tony Olan Oktoyuk
Justice for Tony Olan Oktoyuk — the trail went cold in 1996, but the truth hasn't.
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Why were only a thermos bottle and gas tank recovered? What happened to the boat and Tony?
What is the significance of Mahtkwingak Slough in relation to the hunting trip route?
The missing boat has never been located—could it provide clues to the circumstances of his disappearance?
Tony Olan Oktoyuk, a 23-year-old Alaska Native male, disappeared on October 9, 1996, when he set out alone by boat for a hunting trip from St. Mary's and never returned. Search efforts recovered his thermos bottle 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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Were there any weather conditions or mechanical issues that day that might explain the incident?
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Official wording
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.
Tony left St. Mary's alone by boat for a day hunting trip
Last seen on October 9, 1996 in St. Mary's, Kusilvak, AK
Tony failed to return and was reported missing; search efforts began
Thermos bottle with Tony's name and gas tank found floating in Mahtkwingak Slough area; boat never located
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.