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The Island County Sheriff's Office posted this to his Facebook page on .
Media Release December 19, 2024.
On December 17, 2024, US Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound received a report from ICOM (Island County) dispatch about a 37′ Pacemaker (Cabin Cruiser) beset by weather with 1 person on board. North Whidbey Fire and Rescue responded and aided the vessel to safe harbor in Oak Harbor, WA. The operator desired to stay aboard the vessel.
Hours later, ICOM dispatch received a call from the same individual indicating that he had gotten back underway and was in need of assistance due to taking on water. USCG Sector Puget Sound’s Command Center issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast, launched a USCG MH-65 Helicopter from USCG Air Station Port Angeles, WA. At the time of the broadcast there was 8 miles visibility with a sustained wind of 25 knots gusting to 41 knots.
North Whidbey Fire and Rescue also responded and launched a marine asset, who witnessed the vessel sink below the water line. North Whidbey Fire and Rescue illuminated with a white flash light in the direction of the vessel and received a white light back in response from an individual in the water. Upon arrival, North Whidbey Fire and Rescue was unable to relocate the individual. USCG Air Station Port Angeles’ MH-65 helicopter arrived on scene and assisted with initial search efforts with night-vision goggles through the night.
At first light on December 18, 2024, a USCG Station Bellingham Response Boat-Small also arrived on-scene in addition to a US Navy MH-60 helicopter from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island to search at sunrise. The Island County Sheriff’s Office marine unit launched and aided in the search.
The vessel was located upright, partially submerged approximately 250 yards East of Maylor Point in Oak Harbor. The search for the occupant, a 35 year old male from Yacolt Washington, continued until dusk. In total the search area encompassed 74 square miles.
Additional information will be released when it becomes available.
