Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound

04/17/2026

The phone systems at U.S. Coast Guard Base Seattle are now working for the U.S. Coast Guard's Puget Sound Vessel Traffic Service (206-217-6152) and the Cetacean Desk (206- 217-6722) after being disconnected yesterday.

04/16/2026

🚨During a scheduled phone system upgrade modernizing analog technology to digital technology at U.S. Coast Guard Base Seattle, service to U.S. Coast Guard's Puget Sound Vessel Traffic Service (206-217-6152) and Cetacean Desk (206- 217-6722) were disconnected.

The U.S. Coast Guard and service providers are proactively working to restore phone service to the Puget Sound Vessel Traffic Service and the Cetacean Desk.

The Vessel Traffic Service can be contacted via marine radio and email at [email protected]

Reports of whale sightings can be reported to the Cetacean Desk via email at [email protected]

03/26/2026

02/21/2026

The Coast Guard suspended its search Saturday, for a male kayaker who went missing in the Hood Canal near Hazel Point, Washington on Friday evening.

The missing kayaker is a 21-year-old male, who was last seen in a black hoodie with no life jacket while kayaking on the Hood Canal near Hazel Point. He was with a friend before their kayak overturned.

In total, Coast Guard crews conducted 12 searches, covering 43 square miles.

Search efforts began on Friday night after the Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound Command Center received a notification from Jefferson County reporting two kayakers who overturned and attempted to swim ashore. The kayak overturned at approximately 10:00 p.m.

While they were attempting to swim ashore, one of the kayakers reported losing sight of his friend. He was able to call 911 for help upon reaching the shore, prompting search efforts.

Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound launched a U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Port Angeles MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew, U.S. Coast Guard Station Seattle, 45-foot Response Boat-Medium, and the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Blue Shark to conduct searches. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s office and local fire/rescue crews also responded with land and marine units.

Active search and rescue efforts are suspended pending new information.

Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, WA.

12/18/2025

In response to the severe atmospheric river event impacting the Pacific Northwest, the U.S. Coast Guard is actively engaged in life-saving missions, ensuring the integrity of the Maritime Transportation System, responding to reports of pollution, and supporting our partner agencies.

Here are some of the actions the Coast Guard continues to take:

⭕️Deployed specialized flood rescue teams to conduct search and rescue and assist with evacuations.

⭕️Established an Incident Management Team at Sector Puget Sound and sent liaisons to FEMA and state emergency operations centers to ensure a coordinated response.

⭕️Continuously assessing our ports and waterways to ensure the Maritime Transportation System remains safe and open.

⭕️Monitoring for any potential pollution from vessels or infrastructure.

We are working shoulder-to-shoulder with our partners at the federal, state, and local levels to protect the communities affected by this storm.

Mariners should be vigilant for unusually strong currents and flooding debris in the water. Monitor VHF Channel 16 for the safety broadcasts. Check weather forecasts and the local notice to mariners before getting underway, wear a life jacket, and carry a VHF radio. Cell phones don’t float.

We are always ready to answer the call.

12/14/2025

The U.S. Coast Guard continues responding to impacts from the atmospheric river across Western Washington.

✈️ Operations: Coast Guard aircraft from Air Station Astoria and Air Station Port Angeles are conducting search and rescue missions, assessing the Maritime Transportation System, and supporting disaster response. Coast Guard helicopters have rescued six individuals.

🧭 Coordination: An Incident Management Team is established at Sector Puget Sound, with liaisons at FEMA Region 10 and the Washington State EOC.

⚓ Status: Overflights and Aids to Navigation assessments are ongoing.

All ports remain open. Pollution response teams report no spills; three fishing vessels broke free in Snohomish County, and two remain aground with salvage pending. There is no immediate threat of discharge.

⚠️ Mariners: Watch for debris, monitor VHF Channel 16, and check the NWS forecast before getting underway.

12/11/2025

The U.S. Coast Guard is urging all mariners to exercise extreme caution on the waters of Puget Sound and surrounding areas due to widespread flooding. Severe weather has created hazardous conditions, including strong currents, floating debris, and submerged objects that pose risks to boaters.

With many rivers in the region at or above flood stage, large amounts of debris, including trees and unsecured items from shore, have been swept into the sound. These hazards can be difficult to see, especially at night or in rough weather, and can cause serious damage to vessels.

For immediate assistance or to report an emergency on the water, use VHF-FM Channel 16 or call 911. U.S. Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound can also be reached for emergencies at (206) 217-6001.

The Coast Guard recommends the following safety measures for anyone operating a vessel in the affected areas:

• Stay Informed: Monitor weather broadcasts and heed all marine warnings. Check the local NWS forecast and USCG Local Notice to Mariners.

• Be Vigilant: Watch for floating debris, submerged logs, and other navigational hazards. If you see an unmanned and adrift vessel, contact the Coast Guard.

• Reduce Speed: Operate at a safe speed to allow for quick reaction to unforeseen dangers.

• Wear a Life Jacket: Ensure all persons on board are wearing a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.

• Communicate: Carry a reliable means of communication, such as a VHF-FM marine radio.

• For any pollution or hazardous substance incidents, please contact the National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802.

For immediate assistance or to report an emergency on the water, use VHF-FM Channel 16 or call 911. U.S. Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound can also be reached for emergencies at (206) 217-6001

11/27/2025

📣The Unified Command for the Tugboat Dominion response at the Bremerton Marina is standing down following the successful removal of the vessel.

♦️The response, which began on Sept. 17, included the U.S. Coast Guard, Washington Department of Ecology, the Suquamish Tribe and the Port of Bremerton.

♦️In total, approximately 22,018 gallons of oil/water mix, 190 tons of solid waste and debris, and 60 tons of metal were recovered during this response. Crews also decontaminated 61 vessels in the Bremerton Marina. Contaminated debris will be transported to a hazardous waste facility in Oregon for proper disposal.

♦️Wildlife experts were onsite daily throughout the destruction process. No impacted wildlife were observed, and no orcas were seen in the immediate area during active response operations.

Press release can be found here:
https://www.news.uscg.mil/Press-Releases/Article/4344034/unified-command-concludes-response-to-tug-dominion-sinking-in-bremerton-marina/

Washington Department of Ecology U.S. Coast Guard Northwest U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area

10/23/2025

🚨Attention PNW Mariners:🚨With a significant storm system predicted to impact the region Thursday through the weekend, the Coast Guard is urging all mariners to take necessary precautions.

These measures include checking the latest weather forecast and bar conditions, having a reliable VHF radio, wearing a life jacket, and knowing your limitations.

Weather forecasts indicate the potential for strong winds, heavy rain, rough seas, and high waves. These conditions can create hazardous marine environments, even for experienced mariners.

Northwest weather can change rapidly, and it is crucial to be prepared for the worst. Planning, preparation, and sound judgment are essential for a safe boating experience

10/01/2025

NOTICE: DUE TO THE LAPSE IN FEDERAL FUNDING, INFORMATION ON THIS SOCIAL MEDIA SITE WILL NOT BE ACTIVELY MANAGED.

08/16/2025