MERCER ISLAND, Wash. — The United States Coast Guard suspended its search for two people reported to be in Lake Washington near Mercer Island Tuesday night.
Rescue crews began looking for a 33-year-old male and 31-year-old female after Mercer Island Police received a call Monday night for reports of a boat playing loud music on the lake. When the marine unit responded, they located the boat in question with nobody on board.
Police found evidence that two people, a man and a woman, were on board at one point. Clothing, two cell phones and other items that belonged to the pair were found on the boat.
While looking for the pair on Tuesday, rescue crews searched the shoreline, nearby waters and the bottom of the lake.
Mercer Island Police said it was likely the boat drifted from Seattle's jurisdictional waters.
A truck and trailer associated with the 20-foot ski-type boat were located at the Gene Coulon Park in Renton. Both were impounded as the investigation continues.
The missing man and women were both from the Seattle area, according to police. The 30-year-old man was experienced in operating the boat.
Mercer Island Police Services Commander Jeff Magnan said rescue crews are assuming this was an instance of a "water mishap," but they aren't completely writing off any criminal activity.
The names of the individuals will be released pending family notification.
