UPDATE: Diver pulled from water in Seattle Fire, Police, Coast Guard rescue response near Seacrest

12:32 PM: Thanks for the tips – a Seattle Fire “salt water rescue” response is arriving in the Seacrest vicinity. Via scanner, we’re hearing a report of a diver in distress. More to come.

12:40 PM: Divers have been called in to search for the person who is reported to be missing. An SFD fireboat is on the scene too.

12:49 PM: We’ve just arrived in the area – lots of SFD and SPD vehicles on Harbor between Seacrest and Salty’s, so please avoid the area.

A Coast Guard helicopter has just arrived, flying low, to help.

1 PM: Via scanner, there is a report the victim has been recovered. No word on her condition.

No word on her condition. She is being taken to Medic 32.

1:08 PM: A tweet from SFD describes her as in “critical condition.” We have a photographer on the shore who says that SFD’s public-information officer will be briefing media shortly.

1:22 PM: SFD spokesperson Capt. Shata Stephenson says the diver is in her 20s. She was part of a class when she became disoriented and was lost in about 40 feet of water. She had been missing for about half an hour before SFD divers found her and brought her up. Another diver who was apparently helping is being evaluated by medics.

3:15 PM: No new information since the diver was rushed to Harborview Medical Center by Medic 32. Here’s our video of what Capt. Stephenson said in the aforementioned short briefing onshore:

We’re also adding a few more photos from the search/rescue operation earlier.

MONDAY MORNING NOTE: We just checked with Harborview Medical Center’s media-relations department to see if there is any update on the diver’s condition. A hospital spokesperson says her family has chosen to keep that information private, so HMC cannot comment.

ADDED 11:48 AM: The SPD report on the incident says the diver did not survive. Separate update to come.

Paul August 28, 2016 (12:56 pm)

Helicopter circles to spot diver

Paul August 28, 2016 (1:02 pm)

Video https://youtu.be/X_gUb–W0eA 

Paul August 28, 2016 (1:05 pm)

Fly bye video https://youtu.be/i13ZQsKPgJQ

Alki Resident August 28, 2016 (1:09 pm)

I hope she recovers. This always upsets me to watch and hear about. Also, the response teams are always incredible. Theyre fast and efficient.

WSB August 28, 2016 (1:12 pm)

Our photographer says CPR has been under way since before they brought her to shore; they’re doing everything they can. SFD’s public-information officer is on the scene and we should get an update soon.

scout 15 August 28, 2016 (1:18 pm)

RIP~

Polly August 28, 2016 (1:18 pm)

OMGOODNESS I AM PRAYING SHE WILL RECOVER FROM THIS

~hockeywitch~ August 28, 2016 (1:20 pm)

I’m working at Kitty Harbor right now, Medic One just passed by with sirens heading up West Seattle Bridge.

Alki resident August 28, 2016 (1:20 pm)

Watching all the action from the beginning to end. As 10 emergency response vehicles drive down Alki. I had faith they would rescue her. So grateful to be apart of a community/city with amazing responce.

K'lo August 28, 2016 (1:29 pm)

Prayers to this individual and her family.

ingoodhands August 28, 2016 (1:32 pm)

medic one and fire tracks were just down there yesterday morning doing their routine rescue drills. this diver is in the absolute best hands possible-i hope she makes it!!!

i walk down there everyday and see the divers going in and out of the water. it’s a sport that has dangers associated with it but almost all things we partake in nowadays have some level of risk. most divers are extremely conscientious and diligent in terms of erring on the side of caution and knowing their equipment and their limits.

sounds like there may not have been anything to do differently in this situation but just what people have done: assess the situation, call for help, asset as needed and pray that the outcome is positive.

Alki Resident August 28, 2016 (1:34 pm)

“Alki Resident”, would you mind switching your title? Ive been AR for many years. Dint want confusion.

WSB August 28, 2016 (1:48 pm)

I don’t recognize the earlier poster as a recent commenter but welcome their comment here and want them to feel welcome – thank you! And please accept our apologies that because we choose not to require log-ins, there’s no way to know if a handle is already in use. – Tracy

Alki resident #3 August 28, 2016 (2:02 pm)

Don’t want to detract from the grave nature of this thread, but I’ve also used “Alki resident” off and on for many years. I figured there were several of us, and that’s fine with me. Actually, I don’t always use the same handle. Hope the diver makes it ok. Praying for her recovery.

Alki Resident August 28, 2016 (3:10 pm)

No worries. Some know who I am is all.

Mike August 28, 2016 (3:54 pm)

Hoping they recover, that’s a brutal environment to get disoriented in.

Mike #3,457,876

West Seattle since 1979 August 28, 2016 (4:38 pm)

Hoping she’ll be ok.

Pops August 28, 2016 (9:26 pm)

I didn’t realize this was so dangerous but there are rescues at least once per year. Usually over by Salty’s as covered by wsb.

WSB August 28, 2016 (9:39 pm)

Not that often. I’ve looked in our archives multiple times today and the last diver rescue I can find was in fall 2014. There was a kayaker rescue in the same area in spring of 2015.
- WSB August 29, 2016 (8:16 am)
  
  For anyone checking back – I have just added this to the story, too – we just checked with Harborview, whose spokesperson says the diver’s family has opted to keep her information private, so they cannot comment on her condition or status. – Tracy

sc August 29, 2016 (10:04 am)

I know it’s just part of their job but the photo showing the medics wading into the cold water in just their uniforms to help the victim makes me proud!