First responders launched a search operation Thursday evening in the Duwamish River near Tukwila after a report of someone in the water calling for help prompted an urgent 911 call.
Fire crews from Puget Sound and Renton, along with the King County Sheriff’s Office, responded to the area near the East Marginal Way South Bridge at South 115th Street. Search teams immediately began scouring the river for any sign of the individual.
“We have four firefighters in inflatable kayaks actively searching both riverbanks,” said a spokesperson for Puget Sound Fire. “The current is surprisingly swift beneath the surface, and the cold water can exhaust someone quickly, even if they appear calm at first.”
According to officials, the emergency call came from a witness who saw the individual struggling in the water and crying out for help. The caller was able to guide crews to a general area believed to be within roughly 20 feet of where the person was last seen.
Rescue teams are treating the operation as a time-sensitive mission and plan to continue efforts as long as conditions permit.
“As of now, we’re still in rescue mode,” said the spokesperson. “It’s unclear when or if we’ll need to transition into recovery.”
By 9:30 p.m., four inflatable kayaks remained on the water while a helicopter from the Sheriff’s Office conducted aerial surveillance to aid in the search from above.
Officials have not yet confirmed the identity of the individual or whether anyone has been located. Updates will be shared as more information becomes available.
