PORT LUDLOW — A man is missing and presumed drowned in the waters near the Hood Canal Bridge.
Chief Criminal Deputy Art Frank of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office said Monday that the man was working for a local shellfish company Sunday night and was in the company of others.
The man, whose identity has not been released, was in a rowboat that capsized in rough water off 4200 Thorndyke Road. He was reported missing at 8:30 p.m.
The weather was poor, with a receding tide and high winds causing rough water conditions and tidal currents that were moving quickly.
According to Keppie Keplinger, public information officer for Port Ludlow Fire & Rescue, the man reportedly was wearing waders that had been removed and was not wearing a life vest.
The Coast Guard deployed a helicopter that arrived around 9 p.m. to begin a search of the area.
Port Ludlow Fire & Rescue launched a rescue boat, and divers from the Coast Guard and Washington State Patrol worked until 3 a.m. Monday
A single boot and a headlamp that belonged to the victim were recovered.
Frank said an additional search performed Monday morning was unsuccessful.
Efforts were suspended Monday afternoon.
The man’s next of kin has been notified, but his identity has not yet been released.
________
Jefferson County Editor/Reporter Jeannie McMacken can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at jmcmacken@peninsuladaily news.com.
