Crime & Safety

Rescuers Scaling Back Search for Missing Mercer Island Boater

Rescuers found Richard Sweezey's unoccupied boat washed up on shore in Kirkland Friday night, KOMO reported.

After two days of patrols on Lake Washington, rescuers have scaled back the search for a 67-year-old Mercer Island man whose unoccupied boat was found in Kirkland Friday night.

Richard Sweezey, the registered owner, has not been seen since he went out on his boat to do some repairs two days ago, the Seattle Times reported. 

King County sheriff's spokeswoman Sgt. Cindi West said the investigation began after a Kirkland resident called police to report that a boat had drifted to shoreline there.

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After boarding the 48-foot Chris Craft, Roamer, deputies found a portable generator onboard running and a tool that was connected to the generator outside the boat dangling into the water, King 5 reported. 

Sweezey was not on board and could not be reached at home, investigators said. 

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