Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound

07/30/2026

Keep an eye out for us on Lake Washington during the Seattle Seafair Weekend Festival!

July 30th – Aug. 2nd we’ll be on-scene to ensure safety on the water in two distinct regulatory areas.

Regulated Navigation Area (RNA): Active daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., July 30-Aug. 2, all vessels in this designated portion of Lake Washington must operate at a slow, minimum wake speed of 7 mph or less. A slightly higher speed is permitted if necessary to maintain steerage.

Safety Zone: Active from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 30 to Aug. 2, this zone encompasses the waters of Lake Washington west of Mercer Island between the Interstate 90 bridge and the easternmost point of Bailey Peninsula, including Andrews Bay. Except for official support vessels, crafts registered with the event organizers, or other vessels authorized by the Captain of the Port, no unauthorized vessels may enter or remain in the safety zone without permission from the Coast Guard.

Mariners can request authorization via VHF-FM Channel 16.

If you’re heading out onto the water this weekend, remember:
Wear a lifejacket
Don’t drink and drive - Yes, boats count!
VHF-FM marine radio
Don’t overload your vessel
File a float plan
Prepare for water exposure and the potential for cold water shock or hypothermia – the water’s cold!

More information here:
https://www.news.uscg.mil/Press-Releases/Article/4560272/coast-guard-to-enforce-waterway-safety-for-seattle-seafair-weekend-festival/ and here https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/

07/25/2026

07/21/2026

The Parade of Ships begins today as participating vessels make their way through Elliott Bay for Seattle Fleet Week.

If you’re enjoying the parade from the water, remember:
⚓ Maintain a 500-yard distance around all participating vessels.
📻 Monitor VHF-FM Channel 16 for safety broadcasts.
🛟 Follow all directions from the U.S. Coast Guard Patrol Commander.

Thank you for helping us keep Seattle’s waterways safe during this year’s Parade of Ships.

07/13/2026

Press Release:

SEATTLE — Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound held a change of command ceremony on Friday, July 10, at Coast Guard Base Seattle.

Rear Adm. Arex Avanni, commander Coast Guard Northwest District, presided over the ceremony in which Capt. Michael Hunt relieved Capt. Mark McDonnell as the commander of Sector Puget Sound..

“It is an absolute privilege to step into this role and lead the crew at Sector Puget Sound,” said Hunt. “I look forward to working closely with our maritime, local, and Tribal partners to ensure the safety, security, and environmental protection of the Pacific Northwest.”

Sector Puget Sound’s area of responsibility encompasses the northern coast of Washington State, Straight of Juan De Fuca, Puget Sound, as well as northern Idaho and the entire state of Montana, including a 125-mile maritime boundary with Canada.

Sector Puget Sound directly oversees the operations of five Coast Guard small boat stations, six patrol boats, an aids to navigation team, and the largest vessel traffic service in the United States. These operations ensure the safety and security of multiple port complexes, the third largest cruise ship gateway in the United States, as well as the nation's largest domestic ferry system, which safely transports 24 million passengers and 11 million vehicles annually.

The event also marked the conclusion of McDonnell’s distinguished 26 year military career. Following the change of command, a retirement ceremony was held to honor his faithful service to the nation.

“Leading the men and women of Sector Puget Sound has been the defining honor of my time in the Coast Guard,” said McDonnell. "This was the perfect final tour to close out my career. I will deeply miss this crew and the incredible network of Federal, State, local, Tribal, and industry partners who work tirelessly to protect the mariners and pristine waters of this region.”

The change of command ceremony is a time-honored military tradition representing a formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit from one commanding officer to another. The passing of colors, standards, or ensigns from an outgoing commander to an incoming one ensures that the unit and its members are never without official leadership, formally demonstrating the continuity of authority and a continuation of trust.

—USCG—

07/07/2026

Press Release:

SEATTLE – The Coast Guard and Bellingham Fire Department recovered a 49-year-old man from a vessel that capsized in Bellingham Bay, Saturday.

The man was later pronounced deceased by emergency medical services.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound received a report Saturday at approximately 6 p.m. of a boat capsizing in Bellingham Bay with one person aboard.

Watchstanders issued an urgent marine information broadcast to notify mariners in the area of the situation and diverted a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crew from Coast Guard Station Bellingham.

The Coast Guard boat crew arrived on scene and temporarily righted the capsized vessel as another boat crew from Bellingham Fire Department arrived.

Two Coast Guard boat crew members relocated aboard the Bellingham Fire vessel to assist with the recovery of one unresponsive man from the capsized vessel.

Responders performed CPR and provided emergency medical care as the man was transported to Coast Guard Station Bellingham.

“Our deepest condolences go out to the family, friends and loved ones of the man who was lost in this tragic incident,” said Lt. William Trumper, the commanding officer of Coast Guard Station Bellingham. “This is a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers mariners face. Our thoughts remain with all those who are affected by this incident during this incredibly difficult time.”

Weather conditions at the time of the search were 11 mph winds from the South, 1-foot waves, 62-degree air temperature, and 51-degree water temperature.

07/04/2026

🇺🇸 Happy 250th Birthday, America! As you celebrate Independence Day across the Pacific Northwest, remember that safe boating starts before you leave the dock. Wear your life jacket, designate a sober operator, and keep safety in mind so everyone makes it home safely.

Have a happy Fourth of July!

06/25/2026