JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — Eleven years ago, Guy Holt was walking on Sandy Beach when something caught his eye.

An intricately carved piece of wood lay on the beach, with large letters on it saying “TAKA: You saved my life. I will love you and miss you always.” It was clear to Holt that a great deal of time and effort went into this and he picked it up, hoping to find the person who made it.

“Having no way to find the owner, I’ve just held onto it for the past 11 years,” Holt said, “and about twice a year, I’ll put it on Craigslist and hope that serendipity finds the original owner.”

Holt, who work...