UPDATE: Rescue response off 4500 block of Beach Drive = false alarm

(Added: Photo by Tiff Rivera)

8:40 PM: Big SFD response is headed for Emma Schmitz Memorial Overlook (map), where two people are reported to be in the water. Updates to come.

8:43 PM: SFD says the two people are “swimmers in distress.”

8:48 PM: Now they’re saying that it looks like the “swimmers” are actually “two divers on the surface” who do NOT appear to be in trouble. But a boat crew will continue that way to check with/on them.

(Added: Video by Nicole Neufeld)

9:06 PM: A rescue-boat crew has just made contact and confirmed the divers “are not in trouble at all.”

9 Replies to "UPDATE: Rescue response off 4500 block of Beach Drive = false alarm"

  • Lola May 21, 2020 (8:49 pm)

    Who would be swimming in this weather?  We have heard 3 set of fire trucks dispatched. 

    • Dan May 22, 2020 (2:52 pm)

      Hehe, :grin:, who would be?I saw this boat while swimming, was out of the water about 30 minutes before this happened.

  • Guy May 21, 2020 (9:12 pm)

    34th time this year that 20 units show up for nothing. Way to go 911 caller!

    • Char May 21, 2020 (9:34 pm)

      Maybe is a bit of an exaggeration…Iol. I live on Beach Dr. and I think I’ve only seen two of these types of calls within the last six months. It’s always good to think through when calling 911, but I can understand why someone could think they were in trouble. I personally prefer people looking out for one another, even if it’s a false alarm. Thank you to all the first responders who came out to check on their well-being! We appreciate you! 

  • Diverlaura May 21, 2020 (9:53 pm)

    Yet another concern with the ‘safe streets’ closure of two of the other frequently dived sites in west seattle.  An evening dive at that site is a lot unusual and I’m probably wrong but we (divers) will be looking for other places to dive and some of these places are less frequented for a reason (unsafe or just sketchy access, strong currents, nothing but deep dive, nothing but shallow sand flats, up/downwellings, crossing private property to enter, have to unload/load in disabled Parking zone, etc..) I really hope they at least make accommodations for divers in their ‘safe streets’ plan. (Also very glad to hear it was a false alarm and nice to know the neighbors are keeping an eye on us… not needed this time but someday it may be)  

    • Guy May 22, 2020 (9:52 am)

      My guess is that the divers were there to place or repair a mooring buoy, as that area is a popular place for them. I’m amazed that you’re able to make this a dig on the Safe Streets program!

  • Lamont May 21, 2020 (9:57 pm)

    They were probably diving Mee-Kwa-Mooks because Constellation and the west side of Alki Beach are now effectively no longer dive sites because of the street closures.  It normally isn’t a very popular dive site, particularly not at 9pm on a Thursday night (and in the middle of an exchange)

  • Lola May 22, 2020 (9:40 am)

    A lot of the neighbors down on that stretch think they were divers who are poaching Ling Cod right now.  It is supposed to open up on June 1st.  They say they saw them with flashlights and spear guns.  I would not doubt that this is what it was. 

  • Math teacher May 23, 2020 (4:15 pm)

    4500 Beach Drive is a well-documented dive site. It’s a bit far from shore, but good from a boat or from shore using a dive scooter.  See https://nwdiveclub.com/viewtopic.php?t=3973@Lola – The area has lots of people fishing from the surface today and all week. Do you assume they are poaching? I would assume most have a license and are observing legal limits, etc. 

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