Firefighters Rescue One Boater Near McNeil Island

The Tacoma Fire Department helped rescue one boater from South Puget Sound on Saturday night.

Tacoma firefighters responded to a mutual aid request for assistance with a water rescue off McNeil Island at 6:42 p.m.

Initial reports indicated two people were aboard a 14-foot skiff that capsized and were stranded in the cold waters off the northwest tip of McNeil Island. 

Fireboat Destiny arrived in the area and coordinated a parallel search with the Anderson Island fireboat.

After searching for about 10 minutes, the crew from the Destiny located one adult clinging to the skiff. They pulled the boater to safety and helped transfer the patient to local responders. 

The second adult from the skiff was able to swim to shore and was found safe on the beach. 

Editor's note: Information provided by Tacoma Fire Department.