Forensic Files

Talking Dateline: Open Water

Dateline NBC

  • Aug 13, 2025
  • 23:03
  • Full Episode
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<p>Blayne Alexander sits down with Josh Mankiewicz and Dateline producer Michelle Madigan to discuss their episode, “Open Water.” When Micki Kanesaki’s ex-husband Lonnie Kocontes invited her on a European cruise in 2006, she thought it would be a chance to rekindle their relationship. But a few days into the trip, Lonnie awoke to find Micki missing from their stateroom. After a boat captain found her body floating in the Mediterranean, both Italian and American authorities zeroed in on Lonnie as a possible suspect in her death. Two of his friends stepped in to prove his innocence – but soon came to an entirely different conclusion. Josh and Michelle share what it was like working on this episode during the pandemic in 2020. Blayne reveals her secret feelings about the open seas and Josh shares his not-so-secret feelings about cruises. Plus, Josh and Michelle answer viewer and listener questions from social media. </p><p> </p><p>If you have a question for Talking Dateline, send us a video message on social @datelinenbc or leave us a voicemail at 212-413-5252.</p><p> </p><p>Listen to the full episode “Open Water” on Apple: https://apple.co/4ltM66b</p><p> </p><p>Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6sbElILJRgm55N0aXQ9MKR?si=52f894b4cf764f8c</p><p> </p><p>To learn more about Dateline LIVE in Nashville on Sept. 28, and to get tickets, go here: https://www.nbcnews.com/dateline-event</p><p> </p><p>To make Keith or Josh your voicemail voice, go here: https://soundcloud.com/datelinenbc/sets/keith-and-josh-voicemails-1</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>

Brief Summary

Mickey Kanasaki disappears on a cruise, raising questions about her husband's involvement and the role of friends in uncovering the truth.

Key points

  • The Mysterious Disappearance. Mickey Kanasaki goes missing during a European cruise, leading to a tense investigation.
  • The Role of Friends. Lonnie's friends take matters into their own hands to prove his innocence.
  • The Polygraph Dilemma. Bill and Susan's faith in Lonnie is tested when he fails a polygraph.
  • Dateline Live Event Announcement. The entire Dateline team is heading to Nashville for a special live event.

Tension

75/ 100High tension

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