Dateline NBC Talking Dateline: Open Water
Aug 13, 2025
In this installment, Josh Mankiewicz, a seasoned correspondent known for his gripping investigative storytelling, joins producer Michelle Madigan to dissect a harrowing tale of love and mystery on the high seas. They delve into the disappearance of Micki Kanasaki during a European cruise, exploring the intricate emotional betrayals within her marriage to Lonnie Kocontes. The conversation also reveals behind-the-scenes challenges posed by the pandemic and answers viewer questions, balancing serious discussions about innocence with moments of light-heartedness.
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Couple's Cruise Turned Tragic
- Lonnie invited Miki on a European cruise to rekindle their relationship and she boarded believing in him.
- A few days into the trip Lonnie awoke to find Miki missing from their stateroom and the cruise turned tragic.
Finding The Body Was Crucial
- The body being found at sea transformed the case from suspicion to evidentiary investigation.
- Forensics showed Miki was struck before entering the water, changing cause-of-death conclusions.
It Was A Converted Car Ferry
- The ship in question was a converted car ferry rather than a luxury liner, surprising many who pictured a typical Mediterranean cruise.
- By the time of reporting the ferry had been scrapped and was no longer seaworthy.