An atmosphere of heartbreak and growing desperation hangs heavy over the Westbank of New Orleans as an urgent search continues for Darius Clem, a well-known, hardworking longshoreman who mysteriously vanished during his shift at the Empire QSL Port of New Orleans. Loved and respected by coworkers, family, and friends alike, Clem’s sudden disappearance has left an entire community grasping for answers and pleading for public assistance.

A Disappearance Without a Trace

Darius Clem, described as reliable, family-oriented, and deeply dedicated to his work, was last seen during a routine shift at the busy industrial port where he’s been employed for years. Known for his punctuality and strong work ethic, Clem was reported missing after he failed to check in and later missed the end-of-shift headcount — an act completely out of character for the 37-year-old.

According to coworkers, the last known sighting of Clem was sometime in the late afternoon, near one of the cargo-loading zones. Security personnel at Empire QSL initially believed he may have stepped away for a routine task or break. However, when he failed to return, an internal alert was raised, followed by a full-scale search of the premises.

Despite thorough efforts — including surveillance footage reviews, port facility sweeps, and interviews with colleagues — there have been no substantial leads. No witnesses have come forward with information about his movements prior to his disappearance, and no evidence has emerged suggesting he left the port grounds voluntarily.

Community in Crisis

For Clem’s family, each passing hour without answers is a source of unimaginable anguish. “Darius is the kind of man who shows up — for work, for family, for everything,” said Camille Clem, his sister. “He would never just walk away without telling someone. Something is wrong, and we need help to find him.”

His disappearance has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit Westbank community, where Clem is known not just for his job, but for his kindness, dependability, and presence at local church and school functions. Friends and neighbors have begun organizing volunteer search teams, prayer vigils, and public awareness campaigns — posting flyers, circulating social media alerts, and coordinating with local authorities.

“He’s a brother to all of us here,” said a fellow longshoreman. “We’re not giving up. We’ll turn over every container, every corner, until we know where Darius is.”

Authorities Appeal for Public Assistance

The New Orleans Police Department and port security are working jointly to determine the circumstances of Clem’s disappearance. As of now, foul play has not been ruled out, though no suspects or persons of interest have been publicly identified. Officials are urging anyone who may have seen or heard anything unusual near the port on the day of the incident to come forward, no matter how insignificant the detail may seem.

“We are deeply concerned about Mr. Clem’s wellbeing and are doing everything in our power to locate him,” said a spokesperson for NOPD. “Time is critical in cases like this. Even the smallest lead could make a difference.”

How You Can Help

Authorities have set up a dedicated tip line and are encouraging the public to report any information by calling Crimestoppers at (504) 822-1111. Tips can be submitted anonymously, and a reward may be offered for information that leads to Clem’s safe return or provides clarity about what happened.

In the meantime, Darius Clem’s family continues to hold out hope, clinging to faith and community support as they face the terrifying unknown.

“This isn’t just our loss,” said his cousin, Rodney Hayes. “This is New Orleans’ loss. We need the city to come together — because someone out there knows something. And we can’t rest until Darius is home.”

If you’d like, I can help create a flyer or social media post to aid in the search. Would that be helpful?