A Life Lost at Sea

On April 2, 1980, 23-year-old Kim Donald Hanlin vanished in the frigid waters off Alaska’s Sutwick Island. Aboard the 60-foot fishing vessel Cloverleaf, Hanlin was en route from Kodiak to Chignik when the boat capsized and sank. The tragedy claimed the lives of Hanlin and fellow crew member Wink Cissell, while Captain Rick Laws survived the ordeal. Despite extensive search efforts, Hanlin’s body was never recovered, and he remains listed as a missing person by the Alaska State Troopers.

The Perils of Alaska's Fishing Industry

Alaska's commercial fishing industry is fraught with danger, particularly in the treacherous waters surrounding Kodiak Island. In 1980 alone, numerous fishing vessels met tragic ends, resulting in the loss of many lives. The Cloverleaf incident was among several maritime disasters that year, underscoring the inherent risks faced by those who work at sea....Read More