SEATTLE — The Coast Guard concluded its search for a 65-year-old missing man Friday afternoon at approximately 2:00 p.m. The man was last seen aboard a 12-foot dingy on Thursday evening in the vicinity of Point Wilson, Washington. Unfortunately, he was located deceased on Whidbey Island Friday afternoon.
“Every search represents a person, a family, and loved ones waiting for answers,” said Cmdr. Daniel Delgado Coast Guard Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator for Sector Puget Sound. "Our crews never lose sight of the human life at the center of these cases. Though this search ended in heartbreaking tragedy, the dedication shown by responders throughout the day and night reflects the deep responsibility we feel to bring answers home to loved ones.”
On Thursday at approximately 7:45 p.m., watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound received a report of an unmanned and adrift vessel with a possible man overboard near Point Wilson.
Sector Puget Sound issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast (UMIB) as well as launched a MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station Port Angeles and 45-foot Response Boat–Medium from Station Port Angeles. The Coast Guard Cutter Terrapin (WPB-87366) was also diverted to aid in the search.
A good Samaritan, who responded to the UMIB, spotted the vessel and towed it to Port Townsend Marina while Jefferson County deputies conducted shoreline searches. The Terrapin remained on scene throughout the night to continue search efforts. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s office also deployed a drone.
At approximately 10 a.m. Friday, a Royal Canadian Air Force CC-295 Kingfisher aircrew from Comox, British Columbia, arrived on scene to assist.
The deceased was located by a beach walker on Whidbey Island and recovered by the Island County Sheriff’s Office.
In total, rescue crews searched for over 17 hours by land, air, and sea covering more than 715 miles. Weather conditions at the time of the search were approximately 1-foot seas, 55-degree air temperature, and 54-degree water temperature, as well as 5-mile visibility.
Agencies and units that participated in the search and recovery efforts:
- Coast Guard Air Station Port Angeles MH-65 Dolphin
- Coast Guard Station Port Angeles 45-foot Response Boat-Medium
- Coast Guard Maritime Force Protection Unit Bangor 33-foot Special Purpose Craft
- Coast Guard Cutter Terrapin (WPB-87366)
- Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife Vessel
- Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office
- Royal Canadian Air Force CC-295 Kingfisher
- Salish Recuse of Port Townsend
- Island County Sheriff’s Office
- Island County Coroner’s Office
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