A search for a Seldovia man ended in tragedy Monday evening after the boater was reported overdue from a trip to Jackalof Bay.
68-year-old Robert Purpura was described as a vibrant character, well known in Little Tutka where he lived on a houseboat for many years before moving to Seldovia.
Purpura was reported missing to Troopers at 6pm Monday; pilot Keith Gain of Seldovia said he’d been searching Kachemak Bay from the skies but had only found Purpura’s white skiff. The boat was found a mile north of McDonald Spit, empty, with the engine still running.
The Coast Guard responded with Troopers in the P/V Augustine. Several vessels were on scene searching as well as a fixed wing aircraft out of Homer.
Roughly an hour later, at 7pm, the aircraft spotted a body in the water. Several vessels responded and recovered the body, later identified as Purpura.
No foul play is suspected. Next of kin has been notified.
