Account
Jan 28, 2026
Jan 28, 2026
Ronald
James Tarabochia
40
40
5'10 inches
155 lbs
Native American
Male
On the evening of November 29, 1997, 40-year-old Ronald James Tarabochia was engaged in crab fishing off the coast of Westport, Washington. He was aboard his vessel, the "Jolly Roger," when a catastrophic event occurred. At approximately 7:30 p.m., the boat collapsed and sank into the cold waters of the Pacific. In the chaos that followed, a rescue effort was launched, but the vastness of the sea made the search for survivors a desperate race against time. Among those on the "Jolly Roger" were Ronald's wife of three years, Marilyn Forsyth Tarabochia, and her son, who was a member of the crew. Both were pulled from the water by rescuers. Tragically, despite being rescued, Marilyn was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital. Her son, however, survived after receiving treatment for hypothermia. Ronald, a member of the Chinook Tribe with brown hair and blue eyes, vanished in the aftermath of the sinking. Despite extensive searches, he was never seen again. The official investigation into Ronald's disappearance concluded with the presumption that he had drowned when his vessel went down. However, without the recovery of his body, a definitive answer to what happened in those final moments remains elusive. The case is classified as a lost/injured missing person, a testament to the unforgiving nature of the sea. The incident left a lasting impact on the surviving family members and the local maritime community, serving as a somber reminder of the perils faced by those who make their living on the water. The overview of the case is one of a sudden and tragic maritime accident that led to the loss of two lives and the enduring mystery of a man lost to the sea, leaving his loved ones without the closure of a final farewell.
Nov 29, 1997
Westport
Washington
Westport
Grays Harbor County Sheriff's Office
06/04/2026
