UPDATE | Coast Guard joins search for man overboard from Bainbridge ferry

The Coast Guard is assisting in the search for a man who reportedly went overboard from the M/V Puyallup after the ferry left Seattle for Bainbridge Island for the 4:40 p.m. sailing Wednesday.

October 21, 2015 9:03 pm
Passengers aboard the ferry M/V Puyallup look over the side of the ship as the ferry is stopped between Seattle and Bainbridge Island following a report of a man overboard Wednesday evening.
Passengers aboard the ferry M/V Puyallup look over the side of the ship as the ferry is stopped between Seattle and Bainbridge Island following a report of a man overboard Wednesday evening.

The Coast Guard is assisting in the search for a man who reportedly went overboard from the M/V Puyallup after the ferry left Seattle for Bainbridge Island for the 4:40 p.m. sailing Wednesday.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Amanda Norcross of Coast Guard 13th District Public Affairs said a boat crew has been launched from the Coast Guard’s station in Seattle to assist in the search.

An MH-60 Dolphin helicopter has been called out of Port Angeles, and the Coast Guard Cutter Sea Lion has also been diverted to the search-and-rescue effort.

Units from the Bainbridge Island Police Department and Bainbridge Island Fire Department have also been called out.

Marcie Norsworthy, a passenger aboard the Puyallup, said alarms on the ferry went off about 5 p.m. Wednesday.

Announcements have been made aboard the vessel for the person who reported the man overboard to contact the ship’s crew.

The crew has also asked those aboard the ferry to come forward with any photographs of the person or object that was seen in the water.

Washington State Ferries is advising travelers on the Bainbridge Island-Seattle route to expect delays to the Puyallup’s sailings Wednesday evening.