UPDATE: Coast Guard suspends search for missing mariner near Port Angeles, WA

News Release

U.S. Coast Guard 13th District Pacific Northwest Contact: 13th District Public Affairs Office: (206) 220-7237 After Hours: (206) 220-7237 13th District online newsroom

UPDATE: Coast Guard suspends search for missing mariner near Port Angeles, WA

 

SEATTLE —The Coast Guard suspended the search Friday evening for a mariner reported missing near Port Angeles. 

Missing is Patrick O'Brien, 75. 

The Coast Guard saturated an area of approximately 164 square miles, completing 20 searches over more than 21 hours. The search was suspended at 4 p.m Friday. 

Multiple partner agencies and a rotation of Coast Guard crews participated in extensive coordinated search operations.

Watchstanders at the Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound command center were notified at 6:48 p.m. Thursday. An urgent marine information broadcast was issued as an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Air Station Port Angeles, and a Coast Guard Station Port Angeles 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crew deployed and arrived on scene at 7:30 p.m.

 Units involved in the search:

• Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound watchstanders
• Coast Guard Air Station Port Angeles MH-65 Dolphin crews
• Coast Guard Station Port Angeles boat crews
• Coast Guard Cutter Swordfish and crew
• Canadian Coast Guard Ship Vector and crew
• U.S. Naval Station Whidbey Island MH-60 Seahawk crew

“We extend our appreciation to the U.S. Navy and Canadian Coast Guard who volunteered to assist in the large search effort. The decision to suspend a Search is never one we come to lightly," said Scott Giard, the District 13 Search and Rescue program manager. “Our crews searched continuously for over 21 hours over the past two days with the hopes of bringing the missing boater home to their loved ones. Our greatest sympathies go out to the boater's family at this time."

-USCG-