Coast Guard Halts Search for 21‑Year‑Old Hood Canal Kayaker After Night Capsizing

Updated 2026-02-22 00:57:44+00:00 (3 articles)

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Search Initiated After Late‑Night Capsizing Near Hazel Point A 21‑year‑old kayaker capsized around 10:00 p.m. on Friday, February 21, near Hazel Point in Hood Canal; he was not wearing a life jacket and was last seen in a black hoodie before his friend lost sight of him while swimming to shore and called 911 [1].

Coast Guard Deploys Multi‑Asset Response Including Helicopter and Cutter The U.S. Coast Guard dispatched an MH‑65 Dolphin helicopter from Air Station Port Angeles, a 45‑foot Response Boat‑Medium from Station Seattle, and the cutter USCGC Blue Shark, supported by Jefferson County sheriff’s deputies and fire‑rescue crews [1].

Twelve Search Missions Cover Over 43 Square Miles Without Success Crews conducted twelve separate search missions spanning roughly 43 sq mi, yet no trace of the missing kayaker was found despite the extensive effort [1].

Search Suspended Pending New Leads; Public Urged to Contact Authorities On Saturday, February 22, the Coast Guard announced the search was suspended pending new information, withheld the victim’s name, and asked anyone with tips to call the Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound Command Center [1].

Sources

1.
King5: Coast Guard Suspends Search for Missing Hood Canal Kayaker: reports the halted operation after a Friday night capsizing, details the assets deployed, the 12‑mission, 43‑sq‑mi effort, and urges public tips for new leads.
2026-02-22 00:57:44+00:00

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Timeline

Dec 1, 2025 – Seattle Fire Department launches a water rescue on the eastbound side of the I‑90 floating bridge at 6:35 a.m., sends a swimmer into Lake Washington at 6:40 a.m., brings the rescued person ashore for medical evaluation, closes the two right lanes and shifts traffic to the right shoulder by 7 a.m. [3]

Jan 2, 2026 – A 67‑year‑old man falls into the sea at Withernsea’s central promenade at 15:10 GMT, is pulled from the water but dies at the scene; police say the circumstances are not suspicious. [1]

Jan 2, 2026 – A second body is recovered from Withernsea waters; police withhold age and gender but also deem the circumstances non‑suspicious and continue the search for a third missing person. [1]

Jan 2, 2026 – About 100 emergency personnel, including a rescue helicopter, air ambulance and RNLI crews from Withernsea, Bridlington and Hornsea, conduct a large‑scale search amid 9.8‑foot waves, high tide and fading light; a police cordon is imposed and residents are urged to stay clear. [1]

Feb 22, 2026 – The U.S. Coast Guard suspends the search for a 21‑year‑old kayaker who capsized near Hazel Point in Hood Canal after a night‑time overturn at roughly 10:00 p.m. Friday; the victim was not wearing a life jacket and was last seen in a black hoodie. [2]

Feb 22, 2026 – The Coast Guard’s response deploys an MH‑65 Dolphin helicopter, a 45‑foot Response Boat‑Medium, the cutter USCGC Blue Shark, plus Jefferson County sheriff’s deputies and fire‑rescue crews, completing twelve search missions covering 43 sq mi without locating the kayaker. [2]

Feb 22, 2026 – Officials suspend the search pending new leads and urge anyone with information to contact the Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound Command Center. [2]