Two Bodies Recovered from May Boating Incident

Crayton Fenn led the Innerspace Exploration team that was pivotal in the recovery of the two bodies.

The recovery operation to find the three missing boaters in the May 21st Possession Sound boating incident proved to be difficult, but the Everett Police Department announced today they were able to recover two bodies.

In addition to looking for the three missing boaters, the Everett Police Marine Department sought arrangements to recover the vessel. They were able to locate the boat on the 22nd, but recovering the boat would be no easy task.

When this operation became a “recovery” operation, Innerspace Exploration Team was referred to the Everett Police Department via the Seattle Police Harbor Unit. The Innerspace Exploration Team is a 31-year old non-profit comprised of professionals from around the northwest working to improve the local marine environment by removing derelict gear from the water, education, and assisting families in need who have lost a loved one to drowning.

Officer Natalie Given commented, “I can’t express the department’s good fortune and gratitude to have a team of professionals of this caliber right here in the Pacific Northwest, our backyard.”

On Saturday, May 31^st, a plan was set into action. The boat was located upside down, at a depth of approximately 165ft. This is the same depth where the two bodies were recovered.

A ROV (remotely operated vehicle), provided by the Pierce County Marine Ops, checked the boat’s interior and was unable to locate the 3^rd missing person. The ROV was also used to recover the two bodies.

In order to do a more thorough check, the boat was lifted and towed into 35 ft waters, where the Everett Police Dive Team deployed and again checked the boat. The 3^rd missing person was not located.

The individuals from the shrimping expedition that were missing were:

• The boat owner
• A male in his 60s
  • His son (who was in his 20s)
  • His coworker (a female in her 40s)

The male in his 60s and the female in her 40s were recovered. Their bodies were turned over to the Snohomish County Medical Examiner’s Office. His son was not recovered.

The ultimate cause of the accident is still unknown.

Chief John DeRousse stated:

“We are grateful for the unwavering dedication and collaboration demonstrated by the Everett Police Marine Unit, Seattle Police Harbor Patrol, Pierce County Marine Operations, Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office and the Innerspace Exploration Team.

The collective efforts of these organizations have brought a measure of solace to the grieving family by recovering two of the three missing individuals from the tragic incident in Possession Sound.  While we continue to hope for the recovery of the third, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to all involved for their commitment to this challenging mission.  

In addition, the initial response from the Everett Fire Department, South County Fire Authority, Port of Everett and the US Coast Guard played important roles in the early stages of this deployment, and gave the boating public reassurance that when emergencies occur on the water there is a large-scale collaborative response.”