DUNGENESS — A search has been suspended for Ty Coone, who was reported missing Tuesday afternoon while kayaking in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, near Dungeness Spit.
Coone contacted 911 around 3:00 p.m. on May 13, stating he was in distress and possibly drowning. GPS data from his phone placed him north of Cline Spit, in an area under a Small Craft Advisory at the time. According to family members, he had been fishing from his kayak.
The 911 call was routed to the U.S. Coast Guard, which launched an air and marine rescue operation. During a refueling break for Coast Guard crews, the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office joined the effort with a drone equipped with thermal imaging. Local park rangers, lighthouse keepers, and Fire District 3 personnel also searched the area on the ground.
Searchers later located Coone’s kayak, life vest, and paddle in the water. He was last believed to be wearing a hoodie, rain gear, a backpack, and possibly a hat and sunglasses.
After nearly 19 hours of searching, the Coast Guard suspended its operation at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 14.