According to the Alaska Department of Public Safety, the Manard family from Waco, Texas—who went missing during a boating trip in Alaska in August 2024—has finally been located after nine months of search efforts. The family includes David Manard, 42; his wife Mary Manard, 37; and their two children, 11-year-old Coleton and 8-year-old Brentley.
The family was aboard a 28-foot aluminum boat with four others when trouble struck at Kachemak Bay. After their vessel began taking on water, an emergency call was made. Four people were rescued by Good Samaritans, but the Manards were not among them, prompting a large-scale search and rescue operation.
The Incident and Search Efforts
The incident occurred in August 2024 during what was described as a “courageous yacht tour.” Despite the immediate rescue of some passengers, the Coast Guard’s extensive search failed to find the Manard family, leading to their being declared missing and the initial search being suspended.
For months, the community, friends, and family held out hope while continuing efforts for answers. In April 2025, renewed search operations began with the assistance of local professionals and volunteer organizations. Support ships including Vision Sabasia and Bentic GeoSines contributed specialized equipment and expertise to the mission.
Discovery and Recovery
In early May 2025, a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) discovered the missing vessel about 180 feet below the surface of the Gulf. Human remains were found aboard, providing a crucial lead.
Search teams, including volunteers and Alaska Wildlife Troopers, conducted careful diving operations over several days, recovering three sets of remains. These were sent to the Alaska State Medical Examiner’s office for identification.
The Alaska Wildlife Troopers expressed gratitude to the numerous organizations that helped, including Vision Sabasia, Bentic GeoSines, and the Alaska Dive Search, Rescue and Recovery Team—a nonprofit that offers statewide assistance and support to families in crisis.
Ongoing Efforts and Community Impact
While three sets of remains were recovered, search teams continue working to locate and recover the fourth. The medical examiner’s office is expected to release the official identities once testing is complete.
The tragic story has deeply affected the Homer and Kachemak Bay communities, renewing calls for improved safety measures in the region’s often treacherous waters. Authorities emphasize increased awareness of boating safety protocols and the importance of timely search-and-rescue efforts.
The Manard family’s ordeal serves as a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of treasuring time with loved ones. Their passing has left a profound impact on their community, who mourn alongside the family while finding some solace in the closure the discovery provides.
Memorial and Legacy
A memorial service to honor the Manard family will be announced soon. The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to organizations supporting search-and-rescue operations and boating safety initiatives—causes close to their hearts.
Though the Manard family is no longer with us, their memory will endure in the hearts of all who knew them and in the stories shared by those who loved them.
Rest in peace, Manard family. You will always be remembered and deeply missed.