Roger Williams Jr., a 35-year-old resident of Angoon, was found dead on Wednesday afternoon following a communitywide search after he failed to return from a Tuesday morning fishing trip, the Juneau Independent reported.
Authorities were notified that Williams was overdue at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, following his departure from the boat harbor in a 16-foot Lund skiff headed toward the ferry terminal for cockle fishing. At 12:44 p.m. on Wednesday, the Angoon Search and Rescue Team found him on the shore near Danger Reef Point, the Alaska State Troopers reported.
The Search Effort Across Admiralty Island Waters
The response mobilized marine and aerial resources across Southeast Alaska. The U.S. Coast Guard deployed the cutter Reef Shark and a helicopter from Air Station Sitka to search the area, with additional assistance from Wrangell search and rescue teams. According to U.S. Coast Guard public affairs specialist Rylan Singleton in Kodiak, the search spanned 170 square miles for a duration of over 14 hours.
We worked closely with our partner agencies in the maritime community, and we’re grateful for their support and help in search efforts,
Singleton said during an interview Wednesday afternoon. And while the outcome is heartbreaking, we’re grateful for the coordinated efforts of every responder involved, and of course our thoughts and condolences remain with the family and loved ones and anyone affected by this tragedy.
On Tuesday at 8 p.m., a Coast Guard helicopter crew observed an unoccupied 16-foot Lund boat near the shoreline between Killisnoo Island and Angoon, matching the description of Williams’ skiff, according to troopers. Weather conditions in Angoon on Tuesday reached a high of 49 degrees with five-foot seas, alongside high winds reported by local residents in the area.
State Troopers Find No Signs of Foul Play
After the local search team discovered Williams deceased on the shore near the reef—located about a mile northwest of Angoon—a Village Public Safety Officer responded to the site. According to the Alaska State Troopers, no signs of foul play were found.
Next of kin have been notified. Williams’ remains are being transported to the State Medical Examiner’s Office.
