The U.S. Coast Guard is reportedly searching for a man who fell from a 12-foot boat near Port Townsend. The search lasted about 17 hours.
PORT TOWNSEND, Wash. — A 65-year-old man has been found dead after reportedly falling from a boat near Port Townsend early Friday morning, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office said.
The U.S. Coast Guard began searching for the man just before noon. The man was last seen Thursday night in a 12-foot boat near Wilsons Point, about 3 miles from Port Townsend, according to the Coast Guard.
Around 7:45 p.m., an unmanned boat was sighted and reports suggested a person may have fallen into the water.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) announced just before 4 p.m. Friday that a man was found dead while walking on the beach on Whidbey Island.
“Every search represents a person, a family and a loved one waiting for answers,” said Lt. Cmdr. Daniel Delgado, Puget Sound Region Coast Guard search and rescue mission coordinator. “Our crews never lose sight of the lives of those at the center of these cases. Although this search ended in heartbreaking tragedy, the dedication shown by rescue workers around the clock reflects our deep responsibility to bring answers home to our loved ones.”
Officials said the incident remains under investigation.
The search was assisted by JCSO, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Jefferson Search and Rescue, Island County Sheriff’s Office and Coroner, Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound and the Royal Canadian Air Force.
Rescuers searched for more than 17 hours by land, air and sea, covering more than 715 miles, according to the Coast Guard.
This is a developing story, please check back for updates.
