UPDATE: Water-rescue response at Lincoln Park

9:50 PM: Seattle Fire has sent a land and sea response to look for a possible kayaker in distress somewhere off Lincoln Park. They’re still looking. Updates to come.

9:55 PM: SFD reports via radio that they’re in contact – via yelling – with “multiple individuals” who are on boards or in kayaks, headed for shore, and they’re still trying to sort out what’s happening and whether someone is truly in trouble.

10:06 PM: Everyone is reported to be out of the water and getting evaluated – but they’re working to verify.

10:17 PM: Fire and police say they’ve confirmed, one person was in distress, two others rescued that person, and all three are safely on shore. An SFD unit will catch up with the victim somewhere around the park’s north shore or nearby Lowman Beach.

John June 2, 2020 (10:00 pm)

Thanks for the quick coverage! My grandmother was wondering what was happening. Bad time of day to go kayaking

Lg June 2, 2020 (10:02 pm)

Thank you for the update. I wondered what was going on.

Susan June 2, 2020 (10:04 pm)

A Medic 1 unit and another SFD vehicle just arrived at the west end of the ferry dock. Too many flashing lights to see any detail.

WSB June 2, 2020 (10:10 pm)

They’re hanging out there in case a rescue boat has to bring anyone in for transfer. Right now the people who got out of the water are reported to have done so by Colman Pool.
- Tomas June 2, 2020 (11:33 pm)
  
  All good. It was a little tough paddle bringing him in w friend on his standup. He seemed hypo but fine. Glad rescue peeps showed up. Glad me and buddy were already out there or cud have gone south
  - Bet June 3, 2020 (3:22 pm)
    
    This was a crazy night! My best friend, Jill Mattern was out with this guy when he capsized. She quickly paddled back to him, helped him stay above water and started to tow him in by herself. Her repeated phone calls to fellow paddlers on shore went unanswered – when she got close enough she screamed for help and Tomas and Brian quickly paddled out to help. Jill even had the sense to tell the guys to stay with him bc of fears of hypothermia. Whoever called 911 for help, thank you! This woman and these guys are heroes! I’m so proud of you Jill!!!

Tomas June 2, 2020 (11:27 pm)

Just back in. As a daily paddler there got a call from friend who was out there as I was coming in. Friend ran out as I was coming in and yelled someone down near outer buey. We both got out and put him on standup while I paddled them both in and then heard the sirens and boats. Got him in near coleman as they arrived. Good timing as he was hypo

Sheila June 3, 2020 (5:26 am)

Wow Tomas! Thanks for posting and so glad you and your buddy were out! That’s one lucky dude…your karma bank is nice and full. You guys are real life heroes!
LG June 3, 2020 (7:04 am)

Thank you for being there and helping, Tomas.
Rick June 3, 2020 (8:04 am)

Thanks for helping him, Tomas!
Erin98126 June 3, 2020 (9:26 am)

Way to go, Tomas!
Didi June 3, 2020 (11:03 am)

Heroes!

Yma June 3, 2020 (7:14 am)

Wow – scary. Thank you, Tomas.

Suzy June 3, 2020 (10:33 am)

So glad Jill was there right as it happened and was able to help him! Luckily she had the good judgement to continuously call for backup until someone finally heard!

Steph June 3, 2020 (4:54 pm)

Wow! Jill you are awesome saving this man’s life! How brave of you to paddle back out to him as soon as you saw him yelling for help and sinking. Then to stay so calm and call for back up, while adrenaline was pumping. You are a real life hero! I hope Jill sees this to know she’s an inspiration in my eyes. Stay safe!

Manny June 3, 2020 (8:11 pm)

Human powered craft are legally required to have life jackets, a signaling devise(horn,whistle) and lights if they’re out after dark. Doesn’t sound like these people did. This incident is proof of why they’re neccesary. Nobody plans to get in trouble. Having the right safety gear can be the difference.