Coast Guard suspends search for woman missing from ferry

Published 10:15 am Wednesday, January 14, 2009

The U.S. Coast Guard has called off its search for a Bellevue woman last seen aboard Tuesday’s 10:55 p.m. ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge.

Lynn Stafford-Yilmaz, 45, was reported missing after her van was found unattended on the Puyallup ferry when it arrived in Eagle Harbor. Personal items belonging to Stafford-Yilmaz were found on the passenger deck, according to the Washington State Patrol.

A Coast Guard helicopter and boat began searching Puget Sound Tuesday night, assisted by marine units from Seattle Police Department and Bainbridge Police Department. The Coast Guard called off its search early Wednesday afternoon. In a statement released Wednesday, Commander Michael Long, chief of response for Coast Guard Sector Seattle said the search had been exhaustive.

“We have saturated the search area and have not located anyone. Our thoughts are with the family during this difficult time,” Long said.

The Coast Guard is asking mariners to report any signs of distress on the water by calling the Coast Guard or 911.

Stafford-Yilmaz is described as a white female, 5 foot, 5 inches tall and 130 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes.

WSP is asking anyone with information regarding her whereabouts to call Det. Dave Killeen at (360) 406-6650.

Check back to BainbridgeReview.com for updates.