Crime & Safety
Lake Washington Searched after Report of Person Clinging to Capsized Kayak off Newport Shores
A homeowner reported seeing an overturned kayak with a person clinging to the side, going under and not coming up. A kayak has been found with a lifejacket and fanny pack, but no one has yet been reported missing, according to Bellevue Fire Department.
Updated: The Mercer Island marine patrol expects to resume the search on Sunday, Feb. 13 at 11 a.m.
Original story:
A kayaker who fell out of his or her vessel might be in Lake Washington this evening (Feb. 12), after a homeowner in Newport Shores reported seeing a person clinging to a capsized kayak, according to the Bellevue Fire Department.
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Emergency crews, including the Bellevue Fire Department, the Mercer Island Police Marine Patrol and a Coast Guard helicopter, have been searching since abotu 3:45 p.m., said Bellevue Fire Department Lt. Eric Keenan, who added that if someone is missing in the water it likely would be a recovery effort, instead of a rescue.
A kayak was recovered with a lifejacket and a fanny pack inside, but no identification, Keenan said. He said no one has come forward to report anyone missing who might have been in his or her kayak Saturday afternoon.
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"I only hope that it was a false call, or a boat that just broke away and the witness just thought they saw something, or that if someone fell over, they got to land," he said. "Right now, we just don't know."
The Coast Guard brought a helicopter over the East Channel for about 10 minutes to sweep the surface of the water and shorelines to see if anyone was visible, but went away emptyhanded, Keenan said. Seattle Harbor Patrol may be called in to help Mercer Island with extra equipment, Keenan added.
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