Whatcom County Search & Rescue Council

02/25/2026

02/19/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Dm78Mg5j1/

02/04/2026

The Skagit County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating a missing person, Krista J. Hunt, last seen in Concrete, WA. Please see the below flyer and contact Skagit 911 if you have any information on her whereabouts.

01/29/2026

This week we were called to rescue a family that got stuck in the snow on a mountain road. They did a lot of things right, which kept them safe until help arrived. They had food, water, blankets, enough fuel to run the vehicle and heater, tire chains, and such. They stayed with the vehicle until help arrived, even though that is often a very long wait.

We've had an uptick in calls recently for people stranded on mountain roads in the snow or ice. We would like to remind folks to travel in groups. Always have at least one other vehicle with you in case you find trouble. Pack enough supplies (10 essentials) to stay overnight if needed. Tell someone where you're going when you expect to be home. If possible, carry a device capable of satellite texting. 911 can receive texts.

Feel free to comment your must haves in your rig when going out to explore. We love more ideas and sharing stories. We will not tolerate negative or degrading comments towards people that we assist or rescue.

01/22/2026

The is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those involved in the disappearance of Besalynn Mary James, a tribal member who was last seen on January 20, 2025, at her residence in Bellingham, Washington, on the Lummi Nation Indian Reservation: https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/kidnap/besalynn-mary-james

01/05/2026

On December 28, Richard Rutledge was reported missing from the 200 block of River Road, near the Nooksack River. The WCSO launched an immediate and extensive Search and Rescue operation, involving volunteers from the Summit to Sound Search & Rescue and the Whatcom Co Search & Rescue 4x4 Unit, K9 units, and police departments from Blaine and Sumas. Drones were deployed, and US Border Patrol Air and Marine units utilized their helicopter to aid in the search.

The comprehensive search continued the following day, December 29, with the Air and Marine helicopter, K9 units and the addition of three boats and a ground team.

On day three, December 30, WCSO river sleds, the Everson Police Department boat, and two K9 units were deployed. Unfortunately, the hazardous river conditions were significant, forcing the team to wait for more favorable conditions.

Yesterday, Sunday, January 4, another Search and Rescue operation was attempted, with Summit to Sound and K9 units returning to the scene. Despite all these efforts and the relentless commitment of searchers to locate Richard and return him to his loved ones, searchers have not been able to locate him.

If you have any information or tips, please call 911. The search will resume when the river becomes more cooperative and conditions improve.

12/25/2025

Stay safe during the holidays, but we'll be here if needed.

Thanks to our friends from the north!

12/21/2025

Great advice

12/18/2025

It was great to work with so many talented rescue teams.

12/17/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/16K1jq7Sva/

12/15/2025

There are several roads that have been damaged by the flood. Please respect the road closures.