UPDATE: Big Seattle Fire response on land and sea; kayaker ultimately rescued by U.S. Coast Guard

(Added: WSB photos by Christopher Boffoli)

1:35 PM: Thanks for the tips about a big Seattle Fire response along Harbor Avenue SW. They’re checking out a possible person aboard a vessel in trouble. More to come.

1:37 PM: The Coast Guard is also involved in the response and Seattle Fire radio indicates they’ve recovered “a patient” from a vessel.

1:48 PM: USCG is handling the patient, who is not believed to be seriously hurt/ill, and SFD is demobilizing its part of the response.

2:20 PM: Listening back to the initial radio traffic, the incident started with a “sinking vessel” reported somewhere off Blake Island. We haven’t heard what kind of vessel nor what its status is, but will follow up with USCG.

5:34 PM: USCG tells the story via its X account:

A #USCG crew from Station Seattle rescued 1 man this afternoon after his kayak took on water while he was transiting between Alki Point and Blake Island. The man called 911, but dispatchers lost comms with him. The man entered the water at some point after that. The #USCG crew was underway in Elliott Bay at the time. They quickly located and brought the man aboard their boat. Units from @SeattleFire and @KitsapWa also responded. He was seen by EMS in W. Seattle. He was wearing a life jacket during the incident.

6 Replies to "UPDATE: Big Seattle Fire response on land and sea; kayaker ultimately rescued by U.S. Coast Guard"

  • HS May 20, 2025 (6:37 pm)

    Phew! Great rescue!! You all saved a life today. 

  • A Kayaker May 20, 2025 (11:22 pm)

    Glad he is safe. Would love to know model of kayak and if spray skirt was worn. Alki Point to Blake Island is no joke and requires skills along with the correct gear, not merely a PFD. Kayaking alone miles from shore you must know how to confidently Eskimo roll.

    • WSB May 21, 2025 (11:24 am)

      There are pics in the USCG NW X feed from which I pulled the quote. Didn’t have time to add a kayak pic.

  • Jay May 21, 2025 (11:15 am)

    It’d be pretty terrifying to spring a leak there. It’s great that there was a signal for him to call 911 before sinking. It’s really hard to locate a person in the water, I wonder how they found him.

  • Robert W May 21, 2025 (11:20 am)

    That was me! I’m lucky to be alive. So grateful to the first responders that saved me!  Be safe out there! (Ie. don’t be like me!!)

    • Dwg May 21, 2025 (12:49 pm)

      dude….that walmart special sit-in kayak, with no spray skirt and missing hatch, is asking for trouble. 

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