UPDATE: Water-rescue callout on Alki, apparent false alarm

(WSB photo)

10:53 AM: Big Seattle Fire response sent for a possible water-rescue situation off Alki. The dispatch says someone has spotted an overturned kayak “a quarter-mile north of 61st/Alki.” Units also are being sent to the Seacrest/Don Armeni area because if a victim is found, that’s where they would be taken.

11:04 AM: Rescuers are still trying to pinpoint the exact location of the kayak – no word yet of anyone being spotted with it.

11:08 AM: Added photo of Engine 32, at 61st SW/Alki SW, trying to spot the possible kayak. Via scanner, we’ve heard them report that “a local” saw a log floating offshore earlier that might have “fit the description.” Fireboat crews say the log looks orange, and the possible overturned kayak was reported to be that color.

11:19 AM: After searching from sea and shore, SFD hasn’t found anything or anyone beyond the aforementioned debris, and is demobilizing.

Amy January 22, 2018 (11:04 am)

Just heard a ton of sirens go by our house (we overlook W. Marginal Wy) in the last 15 minutes. Probably responding to the water rescue. Fingers crossed that the rescue was a success, and the people are fine.

WSB January 22, 2018 (11:20 am)

It’s just been officially declared a false alarm – an orange-looking log floating offshore was probably what someone mistook for an overturned kayak. Busy morning for SFD in this area so far … plus the fireboats and rescue units that had to come from elsewhere in the city – TR

cjboffoli January 22, 2018 (11:31 am)

Hmm. Seems like a surprisingly high number of large water rescue calls turn out to be nothing. My personal favorite was the “parachuter” that turned out to apparently be a bunch of mylar balloons.

https://westseattleblog.com/2017/12/water-rescue-response/

https://westseattleblog.com/2017/06/water-rescue-response-off-west-seattle-shores/

https://westseattleblog.com/2011/09/fire-call-in-high-point-2/

https://westseattleblog.com/2008/07/water-rescue-callout-at-t-105-viewpoint/

https://westseattleblog.com/2018/01/water-rescue-callout-on-alki/

https://westseattleblog.com/2017/12/water-rescue-response-off-west-seattle/

https://westseattleblog.com/2017/07/water-rescue-response-in-west-seattle/

https://westseattleblog.com/2017/05/also-from-the-in-case-you-wondered-file-short-lived-rescue-response-alki/

https://westseattleblog.com/2016/07/rescue-call-off-alki/

https://westseattleblog.com/2015/06/major-emergency-response-headed-for-beach-drive/

WSB January 22, 2018 (11:47 am)

Yes, kind of like the “full response” house-fire calls for what turns out to be a kitchen fire (this morning on 17th SW was “only” a 4-red callout), but I don’t think they have a choice – it’s send everything first, pull back later. And just this weekend there was the deadly incident to the south … TR
- cjboffoli January 22, 2018 (1:18 pm)
  
  Right. Though a small kitchen fire is still a fire and at least has some emp-irical evidence (smoke, flames) that justifies calling out SFD, versus so many of these “we got there and saw nothing” or “the kayaker in distress turned out to be nothing more than a floating log.” Not at all saying they shouldn’t go. Just think it’s curious how so many waterfront observations turn out to be mistaken. I suppose (just like at Loch Ness), the water can be deceptive to the eye.

KD January 22, 2018 (1:54 pm)

I was told by someone I knew at the time training to become a SFD firefighter, that they really impress the point to send out what the initial call is until confirmed updated info. (that’s why you see units blaring away and all of sudden turn off sirens and turn around if you encounter that) but due to the tragedy in Las Vegas (was it the MGM?) in late 70’s or early 80’s of the hotel fire that they sent only one unit initially and a tragic full response was already unfolding, with victims jumping out windows, etc. It was the ‘oh geez moment’ of to be better prepared and cancel units than the scenario that did happen that day. Can’t remember, but I think at least 20 people lost their lives on that one. It is never a waste of a response even if it is downgraded due to what ‘could develop’ if they hadn’t sent the prepared numbers. Any sort of rescue of fire, medical or hazard would rather do the first than regret later.

WSB January 22, 2018 (2:15 pm)

1980, 87 people killed.
http://www.clarkcountynv.gov/fire/Pages/MGMHotelFire.aspx
I was at the now-defunct Las Vegas Valley Times finishing up an overnight shift when the first people arriving for day shift pointed out the billowing smoke to the south. Shocking and unforgettable day.
- KD January 22, 2018 (8:53 pm)
  
  87 people?? Wow, didn’t recall it was that high of a number. So sorry it was personal and present for you that day. My comment must’ve stirred up a lot of memories for you. Yikes.

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