LONG BEACH, Wash. – A 15-year-old student is missing and a Northport School District staff member is in critical condition following a water rescue off the coast of Long Beach.
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, around 8 p.m. Friday, Pacific County Dispatch reported that three people were struggling in the water and yelling for help.
Northport School District officials confirmed that one of the rescued individuals is a staff member from the district. The two individuals who were rescued were brought to shore by local EMS responders using jet skis and transported to Ocean Beach Hospital for possible hypothermia.
The Coast Guard deployed a rescue boat crew from Station Cape Disappointment and a helicopter crew from Astoria to assist in the search. When Coast Guard crews arrived, a 15-year-old Northport student was still missing.
Local agencies suspended their search around 9 p.m. due to nightfall. The Coast Guard continued searching until around 12:30 a.m., when the operation was suspended.
“It is always a heartbreaking decision to suspend, and the Coast Guard sends our deepest condolences to the family and friends affected by this tragedy,” the agency said in a statement.
In a Facebook post, the Northport School District wrote:
“We are deeply saddened to confirm that a tragic accident did occur within our Mustang Family last night. At this time, we ask everyone to please respect the privacy of the families affected as they navigate this incredibly difficult time. No further details will be shared out of respect for those involved. We will provide an update when appropriate.”
