Lost at Sea: The Unresolved Disappearance of Dylan Furford Near Kodiak, Alaska

A Fateful Excursion

On July 2, 2020, 22-year-old Dylan Furford and his close friend and fellow crewmember, Cole Rutzer, embarked on a beachcombing trip to Tugidak Island, located approximately 125 miles south of Kodiak, Alaska. Both men were part of the crew aboard the F/V Pacific Dynasty, a commercial fishing vessel engaged in Dungeness crab fishing. With some downtime after setting crab pots, they took a Zodiac skiff, accompanied by Rutzer's dog, Trigger, to explore the uninhabited island. They planned to return to the vessel in time for dinner, having filed a float plan with the ship's captain, Greg Rutzer, who was also Cole's father .

The Search and Grim Discovery

When the two men failed to return as scheduled, the crew initiated a search. At first light on July 3, the U.S. Coast Guard commenced a comprehensive search operation, deploying two C-130 aircraft and three helicopters. Within an hour, searchers located the skiff on the beach of Tugidak Island, along with two survival suits inside the boat. Tragically, Cole Rutzer's body was found nearby, while Dylan Furford remained missing. Trigger, the dog, was discovered alive, running on the beach .

Theories and Speculations

Authorities believe that Rutzer and Furford successfully reached Tugidak Island but may have encountered difficulties with the surf while attempting to return to their vessel. The presence of unused survival suits in the skiff raised concerns, as wearing them could have increased their chances of survival. The search for Furford continued throughout the day but was suspended at 6:00 p.m., pending new information .

A Community in Mourning

The loss of these two young men deeply affected their hometown of Westport, Washington. Both had grown up in the tight-knit fishing community and were well-known for their adventurous spirits and love for the sea. Friends and family remembered them as energetic individuals who embraced life fully, whether through fishing, hunting, or other outdoor activities. Their absence left a significant void in the community ....Read More

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