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Press Release | Feb. 21, 2026

Coast Guard suspends search for missing man in the Hood Canal

ASTORIA, Ore.  — The Coast Guard suspended its search Saturday, for a male kayaker who went missing in the Hood Canal near Hazel Point, Washington on Friday evening. 

 

The missing kayaker is a 21-year-old male, who was last seen in a black hoodie with no life jacket while kayaking on the Hood Canal near Hazel Point. He was with a friend before their kayak overturned. 

 

In total, Coast Guard crews conducted 12 searches, covering 43 square miles. 

 

Search efforts began on Friday night after the Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound Command Center received a notification from Jefferson County reporting two kayakers who overturned and attempted to swim ashore. The kayak overturned at approximately 10:00 p.m. 

 

While they were attempting to swim ashore, one of the kayakers reported losing sight of his friend. He was able to call 911 for help upon reaching the shore, prompting search efforts. 

Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound launched an Air Station Port Angeles MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew, Station Seattle 45-foot Response Boat-Medium, and the USCGC Blue Shark (WPB-87360) to conduct searches. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s office and local fire/rescue crews also responded with land and marine units. 

 

Active search and rescue efforts are suspended pending new information.