Rescuers find missing kayaker’s boat, then a body after Washington storm, officials say
A body was recovered after a kayaker was last heard in “distress” off the Washington coast, fire officials said.
Officials received a report around 3 p.m. of a person who was on the water near Jetty Island in Everett on Tuesday, Nov. 9, the Everett Fire Department said in a tweet.
Meanwhile, a storm was rolling in across Washington.
The Seattle National Weather Service issued a “Special Marine Warning,” which included the potential for steep waves, rain, hail and strong wind.
The kayaker called 911 looking for help, but the wind made it difficult for the dispatcher to hear what they were saying, the Everett Police Department said in a Facebook post.
Police said they were able to locate them using their phone signal. But when search and rescue arrived, they only discovered an empty boat, fire officials said.
Dwindling light halted search operations hours later, police said.
The following morning, a helicopter from U.S. Naval Station Whidbey found a body west of Hat Island. The body was sent to the medical examiner for official identification, authorities said.
“Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the kayaker and we are deeply saddened by your loss,” police said.
Everett is about 25 miles north of Seattle, along the Possession Sound.
This story was originally published November 10, 2021 at 3:30 PM with the headline "Rescuers find missing kayaker’s boat, then a body after Washington storm, officials say."
