Eagle River Man Found Dead Weeks After Going Overboard in Alaska Waters

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — A 22-year-old Eagle River man who went overboard in Alaska waters near Egegik Bay has been found dead nearly two weeks after the initial search began, according to the Alaska State Troopers.

Authorities identified the man as Seth Whiteman, whose body was recovered on a beach near Egegik on July 11. Troopers said Whiteman’s next of kin were notified following the recovery.

The discovery brought an end to an extensive search effort that involved multiple agencies, aircraft, and marine vessels following the report that Whiteman had fallen overboard in the waters near Egegik on June 29.

Man Reported Overboard Near Egegik Bay

According to the Alaska State Troopers, the search began at approximately 4:20 p.m. on June 29 after wildlife troopers aboard the patrol vessel Stimpson received a report of a man overboard through a marine radio channel.

The vessel was located southeast of Egegik Bay when the report was received, prompting an immediate emergency response.

Troopers quickly began coordinating search operations in the area, deploying available resources in an effort to locate Whiteman.

Extensive Search Effort Conducted

Wildlife troopers launched multiple search resources, including two skiffs, a helicopter, and an airplane, to cover the waters and surrounding areas where Whiteman was believed to have gone overboard.

The U.S. Coast Guard also joined the search effort, assisting with efforts to locate the missing man.

Search crews faced challenging conditions while working through the area. Troopers reported winds around 17 mph, with gusts reaching up to 28 mph, along with five-foot seas and visibility of approximately seven miles.

The conditions created additional challenges for crews attempting to search large areas of open water.

Coast Guard Suspends Active Search

After several hours of searching, the U.S. Coast Guard suspended its active search at approximately 11:36 p.m. on June 29, pending new information.

Despite the suspension of the large-scale search operation, authorities continued to monitor the situation and investigate any information that could help determine Whiteman’s whereabouts.

Troopers later recovered Whiteman’s body on July 11, when it was found along a beach near Egegik.

Life Jacket Believed Not to Have Been Worn

Authorities said Whiteman was not believed to have been wearing a life jacket at the time he went overboard.

Marine safety officials regularly emphasize the importance of wearing personal flotation devices, especially in Alaska waters where cold temperatures, changing weather, and rough conditions can quickly become life-threatening.

Even experienced boaters and swimmers can face significant dangers when exposed to open water environments.

Investigation Continues

The Alaska State Troopers continue reviewing the circumstances surrounding Whiteman’s death. Officials have not released additional details about what caused him to go overboard or the circumstances leading up to the incident.

The recovery of Whiteman’s body allowed authorities to notify his family and begin the process of determining additional information surrounding the tragedy.

Community Mourns Loss

The death of Seth Whiteman has left family, friends, and members of the Eagle River community mourning the loss of a young life.

The recovery comes after nearly two weeks of uncertainty for those hoping he would be found safe. While the search has ended, loved ones are now left grieving and remembering Whiteman.

Authorities continue to urge anyone spending time on Alaska’s waters to take precautions, including wearing life jackets, monitoring weather conditions, and being prepared for rapidly changing marine environments.

The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.