One rescued, three missing after boat sinks north of Seattle

On May 21, 2025, a distress call was made to the U.S. Coast Guard reporting a boat sinking in Possession Sound, located approximately 35 miles north of Seattle. The vessel involved was a 20-foot long cuddy cabin boat that had taken on water. Upon hearing the distress call at around 1:10 p.m., a good Samaritan intervened and successfully rescued one male individual from the waters. Authorities quickly mobilized a search operation that included a Coast Guard boat crew as well as a helicopter, which were joined by local Everett firefighters, police, and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Efforts were intensified to locate the three other individuals who were reported to be on board the sunken vessel at the time it went down. The search operations involved structured and coordinated tactics to cover the expansive area of Possession Sound, but details about the missing person's identities or their circumstances at the time of the incident remain unclear. The U.S. Coast Guard, along with local law enforcement, focused on ensuring the safety of all involved while trying to ascertain the cause behind the boat's sudden sinking. The incident not only raised concerns regarding safety protocols and the condition of the boat but also prompted discussions on the broader implications for recreational boating safety in the region. Authorities cautioned boaters to always ensure their vessels are well-maintained and equipped with emergency provisions to handle unexpected situations on the water. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers that come with boating, especially during precarious weather conditions. As the search continued, hope remained for the safety of the three missing individuals, and several community members joined in the search efforts, assisted by local agencies. The Coast Guard’s ongoing commitment to finding the missing individuals demonstrated the urgency and seriousness with which the situation was treated by all involved. This unfortunate event also serves to highlight community awareness and the importance of being vigilant and prepared when engaging in water-related activities.