Vanished on the Yukon: The Unresolved Disappearance of Stanton Shelton

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A Tragic Evening on the Yukon River

On the evening of September 23, 2013, a routine boat trip turned tragic for four men navigating the Yukon River in Alaska. Among them was 24-year-old Stanton Shelton from Alakanuk. The group was returning to Nunam Iqua from Emmonak in an 18-foot Lund skiff when they noticed a crack in the hull. In an attempt to prevent the boat from sinking, they tried to bail out water and even removed the drain plug to expedite the process. However, the outboard motor lacked sufficient power to bring the skiff to planing speed, causing it to swamp and capsize around 6 p.m.

The Sole Survivor's Account

John Chikigak, 21, managed to survive the ordeal. He recounted that after the boat capsized, he removed most of his clothing and swam to shore. Chikigak remained on the riverbank until searchers found him around noon the following day. He was treated at the Nunam Iqua clinic and subsequently released.

The Missing and the Deceased

The bodies of 29-year-old Daniel Noble and 50-year-old Cyril Murphy were recovered following the incident. However, Stanton Shelton was never found and is presumed deceased. Despite search efforts, his body remains missing, leaving his family and community without closure.

Community Impact and Ongoing Remembrance

The disappearance of Stanton Shelton has had a lasting impact on the communities of Alakanuk and Nunam Iqua. Such tragedies underscore the dangers faced by those who rely on river travel in remote regions of Alaska. The memory of Stanton and the events of that fateful evening continue to resonate with residents, serving as a somber reminder of the river's potential peril.

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