0 Vanished in the Bering Mist: The Story of Captain Lawrence Tousignant and the F/V Tonquin
- Missing Persons
- by CSC Blog
- 05/13/2025
A Life Anchored in the Sea
Born on April 12, 1951, in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, Lawrence John "Larry" Tousignant found his calling amidst the rugged coastlines and icy waters of Alaska. By the early 1990s, he had become a seasoned fisherman and the captain of the F/V Tonquin, an 86-foot halibut longliner operating out of Kodiak Island. His dedication to the sea was emblematic of many who braved the treacherous Alaskan waters in pursuit of their livelihood.
The Fateful Voyage
On October 13, 1991, the F/V Tonquin embarked on what would be its final journey. Approximately 30 miles east of Sitkalidak Island, near Two Headed Island at the southern end of Kodiak Island, the vessel encountered perilous conditions. Details surrounding the incident remain sparse, but records indicate that the Tonquin overturned in the tumultuous waters. While four crew members were rescued, Captain Tousignant was last seen on deck and did not survive the sinking. His body was never recovered, and he is presumed deceased. ...Read More