Account
Dec 11, 2012
Jun 13, 2023
Bruce
Backlund
81
61
72 inches
175 lbs
White / Caucasian
Male
On March 18, 2004, 61-year-old Bruce Edward Backlund, a retired U.S. Navy lieutenant commander, disappeared from Anacortes, Washington, under troubling and mysterious circumstances. A resident of the area since 1981, he was an experienced and active member of the local maritime community, even serving as a past commodore of the Anacortes Yacht Club. His day began like many others, taking his vessel out into the waters he knew well. However, what should have been a routine outing turned into a lasting enigma when he failed to return, leaving behind more questions than answers. The circumstances of his disappearance would point to a sudden and unforeseen event that unfolded on the water. The central piece of the puzzle in Backlund's disappearance was the discovery of his boat, a white 42-foot 1988 Pleasure Craft cabin cruiser. The vessel was found adrift in Padilla Bay with its engine still running. Adding to the ominous scene, two anchors were found trailing from the boat, suggesting a possible mishap during the process of anchoring. There was no sign of Bruce Backlund on board. The U.S. Coast Guard was alerted and promptly initiated an extensive search of the surrounding waters, hoping to find the missing mariner. Despite their thorough efforts, the search yielded no clues as to his whereabouts or what exactly had transpired on his boat. The prevailing theory held by authorities is that Bruce Backlund likely fell overboard while handling the anchor and tragically drowned. This scenario would explain the condition in which his boat was found and his sudden disappearance without any indication of foul play. He is presumed to be lost at sea. Backlund was a beloved husband and stepfather, and his disappearance left a void in the community where he was an active member of the Fidalgo Fly Fishing Club and a founding member of the Anacortes Brewing Society. Though a memorial service was held in his honor, the lack of a definitive recovery has left his case open. The official classification of his case is that of a lost or injured missing person, a somber reflection of a day that began with the simple pleasure of boating and ended in enduring mystery.
Mar 18, 2004
Anacortes
Washington
Skagit County
98221
No
12788
Skagit County Sheriff's Office
Mount Vernon
Washington
Skagit County
98273
Kay Walker
Evidence Tech
600 South 3rd Street Suite 100, Washington
3604161911
County
Law Enforcement
04-03836
2004-03-18
Skagit County Sheriff's Office
Brown
Hazel
Hazel
06/12/2026
