OFFICIAL STATUS: MISSING

CASE SUMMARY: SEE ATTACHED

RATIONALE FOR SELECTION: An investigation by military and civilian authorities did not reveal any information that Mr. Tavares disappearance was a result of foul play or had resulted in his death.

REFNO: 0100 20 Apr 76

CASE SUMMARY

1. On l8 June 1965 Mr. Tavares was a merchant seaman from the SS AUDRY J. LUCHENBACK, a civilian freighter anchored in the Da Nang port. Mr. was last seen on that evening at the Pacific Bar Bach Dang Street, Da Nang, South Vietnam. An investigation by. military and civilian authorities failed to find any information about Mr. Tavares disappearance, and enemy action was not considered to be involved in this incident. The only suggestion that there might have been foul play is the statement of the Master of the SS AUDRY J. LUCHENBACK who reported that, believed that he can lick anybody and could well be in the river at this point!" The location of the Pacific Bar is within one Kilometer of grid coordinates BT 030 790. (Ref 1 & 2)

2. An ADO visit in September 1974 determined that most personnel employed by the Pacific Bar/Hotel were hired after the June 1965 incident date. No personnel had any knowledge or leads that would aid in the resolution of this case. The Two-Party Joint Military Commission were given details of the case, but no response was forthcoming. Mr.Tavares is currently carried in the status of Missing.

REFERENCES USED

1. MEMO (U), State Department, 7 Jul 65.

2. MEMO (U), AMEMB., 28 Jun 67.