SEATTLE — The Coast Guard has suspended its search for a Bellevue, Wash., woman as of 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, who was last seen aboard a Washington State Ferry.
Coast Guard Sector Seattle received word last night of a car left unattended onboard the ferry Puyallup after it had arrived at its Bainbridge Island, Wash., facility.
A Coast Guard rescue helicopter crew from Air Station Port Angeles, Wash., and a rescue boat crew from Coast Guard Station Seattle were dispatched to begin a search.
The Coast Guard also received assistance from the Seattle Fire Department, Seattle Police Harbor Patrol and the Bainbridge Island Marine Unit during the extensive search.
“I would like to thank all of our partner agencies for an extremely quick response to our request for assistance. This was a total team effort,” said Commander Michael Long, the Chief of Response for Coast Guard Sector Seattle.
The Coast Guard also coordinated with the Washington State Patrol and the Washington State Ferries in order to map out a detailed search plan between Coleman dock and Bainbridge Island.
“We have saturated the search area and have not located anyone. Our thoughts are with the family during this difficult time,” said Long.
The Coast Guard asks that any mariner that sees signs of distress on the water to call their local Coast Guard unit or 911 immediately.
Any further information regarding this case should be forwarded to the Washington State Patrol as they continue to investigate this matter. Please contact Detective Dave Killeen at 360-405-6650.
