Student Found Dead on Cal Maritime Training Ship

In a message to the campus community, California Maritime Academy’s president Thomas A. Cropper confirmed that Austin Ray Vancil, a first-year student at Cal Maritime, was found deceased early on the morning of April 9 on the T.S. Golden Bear.

The cause of death is under investigation by Cal Maritime Police, but there is no evidence of foul play.

Staff members are working together to provide support to students, family members, and others affected by this tragedy – making confidential grief counseling and support group sessions available. A campus memorial is to be held to remember Austin.

We will share more information surrounding this death as it becomes available.

The Training Ship Golden Bear (TSGB) serves as the primary training platform for cadets at Cal Maritime. Each summer, cadets in their first and third years depart with licensed faculty officers for two months during the Annual Training Cruise.