Authorities in Alaska faced a tragic situation when a crew of five went missing after their boat capsized earlier this month. The identities of the deceased have yet to be made public, leaving their families in a state of uncertainty and grief.

The Heartbreaking Search for Five in Alaska's Waters

Initial Incident and Time

The incident took a tragic turn around 12:10 a.m. on Dec. 1. The five crew members were reportedly caught in rough waters in southeast Alaska. This sudden and unexpected event set off a chain of events that would have a profound impact on their families and the community.The F/V Wind Walker, their vessel, was left in ruins on the beach in Hoonah, with debris scattered around. The sight was a stark reminder of the danger and chaos that had unfolded.

Identities of the Missing Men

The missing men were Travis Kapp, Michael Brown, Emilio “E.J.” Celaya-Talamantez, Jacob Hannah, and Alex Ireland, who also went by Alex Zamantakis. Each of these individuals had a life and a family waiting for their return.Carol Hannah, Jacob's mother, expressed a mix of emotions. "I was happy and sad at the same time because I was happy that at least two of our boys have been found and sad because of the outcome," she told KTUU on Dec. 9. Her words echoed the pain and hope that filled the hearts of the families.

Recovery and Autopsies

The two recovered bodies were transported to the state medical examiner’s office in Juneau via helicopter by the Alaska National Guard. This was done to perform autopsies and positive identification. The process was a difficult one for the families, as they awaited news of their loved ones.Malisa Celaya-Crisman, Celaya-Talamantez's mother, left her home in Las Vegas to search for answers in Alaska. She had high hopes that the authorities would do everything possible to find her son and his crew mates. However, her return to Nevada after a short stay showed the challenges and uncertainties they faced.

Family Reactions and Grieving

Carol Hannah mourned the loss of her son and the others whose families were also still waiting to find out. "I’ll know that my boy is on the other side and is at peace now, but I’m still going to have that hurt in my heart wondering, where are the other ones?" she said. Her words spoke of the deep pain that comes with losing a loved one.Celaya-Crisman doesn't think she will "ever have closure," and still wants to know what happened to her son. This longing for answers is a common theme among the families, as they try to make sense of the tragedy.Each family member is dealing with their grief in their own way, but the pain is palpable. The search for closure and the hope for justice continue to drive them forward.