On July 11, 2023, at 10:25 AM, Alaska State Troopers received a report of an unoccupied skiff going in circles on the Nushagak River, just downstream from the village of Ekwok. AST investigation revealed that two adult occupants had been using the skiff for sport fishing and were said to have left Ekwok on July 10th around 1:00 PM. Troopers from Dillingham and King Salmon searched the area by air and by skiff but were unable to locate either of the occupants. At 10:15 PM on July 11th, one of the occupants showed up in the village of Ekwok. Search efforts continued for the other occupant on July 12, with a ground search team, a vessel search team, and Alaska Wildlife Troopers searching by air. The second occupant has not been located and search efforts are continuing.

On July 29, 2023, Alaska State Troopers were notified that the body of the missing occupant had been found floating in the Nushagak River several miles downstream of where they went missing. Dillingham AST, assisted by Alaska Wildlife Troopers, responded and recovered the body. The remains were transported to the Medical Examiner's office and next of kin were notified.


Investigation has revealed that this incident is nonreportable. Foul play was involved.

Nushagak River
Ekwok                         