Coast Guard Ends Search for Missing Hood Canal Kayaker After 12‑Mission Effort

Updated 2026-02-22 06:09:47+00:00 (3 articles)

Coast Guard Announces Search Suspension Saturday The U.S. Coast Guard announced on Saturday, Feb. 22, that it has ended the active search for a 21‑year‑old kayaker who disappeared in Hood Canal. The decision follows an intensive rescue operation that began after the kayak capsized Friday night. Officials said the suspension will remain in place until new information emerges. [1]

Kayaker Capsized Near Hazel Point Around Ten PM The capsizing occurred near Hazel Point at approximately 10:00 p.m. on Feb. 21, and the kayaker was not wearing a life jacket. A companion who was also on the kayak made it to shore and immediately called 911, reporting the missing individual. The companion described the kayaker wearing a black hoodie. [1]

Multiple Coast Guard Assets Covered Forty‑Three Square Miles Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound deployed an MH‑65 Dolphin helicopter, a 45‑foot Response Boat‑Medium, and the cutter USCGC Blue Shark, while coordinating with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and local fire‑rescue crews. Crews executed twelve separate missions that collectively searched 43 square miles of water and shoreline. No trace of the kayaker was found despite the extensive effort. [1]

Identity Kept Private, Officials Seek Public Tips The Coast Guard has not released the kayaker’s name, citing privacy considerations. Authorities urged anyone with information to contact the Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound Command Center. The public appeal remains active while the official search is on hold. [1]

Sources

1.
King5: Coast Guard Halts Search for Missing Hood Canal Kayaker: Reports the suspension of the search for a 21‑year‑old kayaker after a 12‑mission, 43‑square‑mile effort, noting lack of life jacket, assets used, and request for tips.
2026-02-22 06:09:47+00:00

Timeline

Dec 8, 2025 – Authorities identify the body recovered from the Bogachiel River near Forks as 39‑year‑old Alfonso Graham of Port Orchard, using his fishing license and personal items, while confirming that Christian Akers (35) and his 7‑year‑old son Wyatt died when their boat overturned; 32 responders, including swift‑water rescue teams and drones, conduct the search, and a GoFundMe for the Akers family raises $47,746; family friend Valerie Schouten says, “Akers and his son shared a deep love for outdoor activities and Olympic rivers” [3].

Jan 2, 2026 – A 67‑year‑old man dies after being pulled from the water at Withernsea’s central promenade, and a second unidentified person’s body is recovered while searches continue for a third individual; the incident, reported at 15:10 GMT, triggers a major response involving a rescue helicopter, air ambulance, RNLI crews from Withernsea, Bridlington and Hornsea, and about 100 emergency personnel amid 9.8‑foot waves, high tide and fading light; police increase their presence and urge residents to avoid the area, with a spokesperson stating, “Residents will see an increased police presence and should stay clear to help emergency services work safely” [1].

Feb 22, 2026 – The U.S. Coast Guard suspends the search for a 21‑year‑old kayaker who vanished after his kayak capsized near Hazel Point in Hood Canal around 10 p.m. on Friday, after twelve missions covering 43 sq mi using an MH‑65 Dolphin helicopter, a 45‑foot Response Boat‑Medium, the cutter USCGC Blue Shark and coordination with local agencies fail to locate him; officials withhold the kayaker’s name and urge anyone with information to contact the Coast Guard, saying, “We ask the public to provide any tips that could assist the investigation” [2].