Coast Guard ends search near Bainbridge Island

The Coast Guard has called off its search of the waters along the eastern coast of Bainbridge Island for a possible person in the water.

The Coast Guard has called off its search of the waters along the eastern coast of Bainbridge Island for a possible person in the water.

The search was halted just after noon Friday, April 25.

The Coast Guard, along with the Bainbridge Island Fire Department, launched a search of the waters near Rolling Bay after a swamped canoe was found.

The canoe was reported adrift by a homeowner on Sunrise Drive, and a paddle and a life jacket was found in the boat.

Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class Nathan Littlejohn said earlier that though no one had been reported missing, authorities were combing the waters on the east side of the island for a possible person in the water.

“We’re just assuming worst-case scenario and searching as if someone is missing,” Littlejohn said.

A 45-foot response boat from the Coast Guard’s station in Seattle and an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Air Station Port Angeles were used in the search.

Assistant Chief Luke Carpenter of the Bainbridge Island Fire Department said nothing was found during the two-hour-long operation and said the search was halted at about 12:30 p.m.

The canoe was recovered and will be turned over to law enforcement officials.