WATT, Terrence

WATT, Terrence (c. 1945-1969), 24-year old Avalon resident who disappeared while fishing off the island. He had been employed as a cook at Arno's Restaurant.

In the News~

June 28, 1969 [LB Press Telegram]: “Still no sign of missing Avalon cook. An air-and-sea search for a missing 24-year-old cook believed lost off Santa Catalina Island was to resume at dawn today. A sheriff's helicopter, the Coast Guard and private boats began hunting for Terrence Watts, 228 Beacon St., Avalon, about noon Friday after his 16-foot boat was found drifting four miles north of Frog Rock on the northeast side of the island. The CG halted its search about 10:30 a.m., but the sheriff's department and private boaters continued to hunt for Watt until night-fall. A spokesman for Arno's Restaurant where Watt worked, said the young man set off in a fishing trip at about 4:30 p.m. Thursday and had not been heard from since. Deputies said there were two fish and fishing gear in the boat, but no clue as to what happened to Watt.”

June 29, 1969 [LAT]: “A sea and air search continued for Terrence Watt, 24, of 228 Beacon St., missing since Thursday afternoon when he went on a fishing trip. His 16-foot boat, containing fishing gear, was found drifting four miles north of Frog Rock, northeast of Santa Catalina Island.”

July 3, 1969 [The Catalina Islander]: “Avalon man missing in local waters. Terrence Watt, age 24, of Avalon, is missing and presumed drowned after he disappeared in a small boat on Thursday, June 26. He was last seen at 4:30 p.m. that day. His 15-foot boat was discovered the next morning at a location, approximately four miles from Frog Rock. The Sheriff's Department helicopter and ground units have been searching since his disappearance.”