SEATTLE — The Coast Guard has suspended its search for a missing kayaker near Dungeness Spit, Washington, today.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound received a 911 call relay from Clallam Country dispatch approximately 4:30 p.m., from an individual requesting help before the call dropped. Attempts to regain contact with the individual were unsuccessful.
The NOAA research vessel Rachel Carson, the tugboat Glen Cove responded to the Coast Guard’s urgent marine information broadcast and a Coast Gurd MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Air Station Port Angeles, a 45-foot response boat medium from Station Port Angeles and the crew of the 87-foot Coast Guard Cutter Sea Lion were directed to the location of the distress.
Responders located an overturned kayak and paddle after arriving at the scene but no signs of the individual.
“This is a tragic event and suspending a search without finding the individual you are searching for is one of the hardest decisions to make,” said Coast Guard Capt. Michael Hunt, deputy commander of Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound. “Our thoughts are with the missing individual’s family during this difficult time.”
Weather on scene was reported to be 2-foot seas and 3-10 knot winds.