A Life at Sea: Levi McKinley’s Story

Levi McKinley, a 64-year-old Alaska Native man, was a seasoned fisherman and a familiar figure in the waters near Juneau. On July 30, 1993, he embarked on a solo voyage aboard his fishing vessel, the Sonja, a routine trip that would tragically become his last. The Sonja was later discovered adrift near Yakobi Island, eerily empty, with no sign of McKinley on board. Despite extensive search efforts, no trace of him was ever found, and he was presumed deceased. 

The Discovery of the Sonja

The unmanned Sonja was found floating in the vicinity of Yakobi Island, a remote area off the coast of Southeast Alaska. The vessel appeared intact, with no immediate signs of distress or foul play. This discovery prompted a comprehensive search operation by the Alaska State Troopers and local authorities, but despite their efforts, McKinley remained missing. ...Read More