What the U.S. Coast Guard search off Alki is about

(WSB photo)
Thanks to everyone who tipped us about the U.S. Coast Guard helicopter that appeared to be searching off Alki. We went over to check, and got the photo above, but no information from land, and no city public-safety responders in view; a USCG spokesperson we subsequently reached by phone confirms that it’s indeed a search – starting with “an unconfirmed report of a swimmer struggling in the water.” The person who reported this lost sight of the apparent swimmer, according to the USCG, but they are searching from the air and water until they are sure they’ve done as much looking as they can. No other information so far.

newnative February 15, 2015 (11:00 pm)

No news?

WSB February 15, 2015 (11:11 pm)

Not that we’ve heard. Did get a note from Andrew, who swims off Alki regularly, thinking maybe it was him that someone saw and reported, but he said he was out swimming 2:30-4:30 and we started getting texts around 5:30.

dsa February 15, 2015 (11:53 pm)

I happened to be outside and heard the helicopter at 5:15 and before. I know because I had been keeping an eye on my watch, so I think the sighting may have been of Andrew.