News Release

Man missing in Katmai National Park after raft flips on American Creek

Date: June 21, 2018
Contact: Peter Christian

KING SALMON, Alaska—On 6/20/18, Katmai National Park was notified of a person missing after a rafting incident on American Creek. The individual, a 72-year old man, was last seen floating on the creek on the afternoon of 6/19 when the raft he was in flipped over. Three people were in the raft when it flipped. Two of them made it to opposite shores and were able to hike, on their respective sides of the creek, downstream to guided camp. The people at the camp used a satellite telephone to contact a nearby lodge and report the incident.
 
An extensive search of the area was performed by a rafting crew, helicopters, and fixed wing aircraft. NPS Rangers received assistance from Rainbow River Lodge, the US Coast Guard, and the Alaska State Troopers.
 
As of 6/22, no signs of the missing man have been found. Formal search efforts are suspended until any new evidence of the missing man’s location is discovered. However, pilots that operate frequently in the area have been notified of the incident and are planning to continue searching.
 
The name of the missing man, out of Sacramento California, is being held pending notification of family. The man had extensive experience rafting on Alaskan rivers. He was not wearing a PFD at the time of the incident.