In December 2012 the Schmidt Ocean Institute research vessel ‘Falkor’ discovered the ‘Katmai’ which had been missing for 40 years.

The Coast Guard confirms that a wreck discovered at the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico by the BOEM is the fishing vessel Katmai. Credit: Petty Officer 3rd Class Ryan Tippets

The Coast Guard confirms that a wreck discovered at the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico by the BOEM is the fishing vessel Katmai. Credit: Petty Officer 3rd Class Ryan Tippets

After finding an unknown sonar target object, the research vessel sent a remote operating vehicle to investigate. Katmai was discovered in 8,920 feet of water approximately 200 miles offshore. After receiving data of the discovery from the Bureau of Ocean Management (BOEM), the US Coast Guard Investigations National Center of Expertise initiated a cold case investigation.

Oskar Joos, his wife, eight-year-old child and deckhand Clinton Hollevoet departed Mobile for Anchorage, Alaska on the fishing vessel Katmai on 18 February 1972. Sadly the vessel never arrived at its destination, and was presumed to have sunk in the Gulf of Mexico.

The surviving family of Hollevoet and Joos have been located and contacted to help bring closure to the loss of their family members.

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