Sailor missing at sea for two weeks finally found alive just after search was called off

A fisherman missing at sea for nearly two weeks has been found alive and safely rescued.

A 43-foot vessel left Grays Harbor in Washington State on 12 October with two people on board.

According to US Coast Guard Pacific Northwest, the boat was expected to return on 15 October and when it failed to arrive, the coast guard immediately launched a search for the two missing people.

On Wednesday (25 October) the coast guard called off its search, however, one of the two people onboard has since been located.

X/ @ USCGPacificNW

USCG Pacific Northwest revealed it had suspended its search for the missing vessel 'pending the development of new information' in a post to social media.

In an update shared to X - formerly known as Twitter - it's statement continued: "Crews searched over 14,000 square miles for over 8 hours.

"Our sincerest condolences go out to the family of the missing people during this difficult time."

X/ @USCGPacificNW

Thankfully, in an update on Thursday (26 October) the USCG Pacific Northwest said one of the two missing mariners had been located alive, 'approximately 70 miles north west of Cape Flattery by good samaritans'.

The coast guard added: "The good Samaritan vessel came across the life raft this morning at the pinned spot on the attached map.

"Westport (the departure point of the missing vessel) is starred."

The sailor has not been publicly named.

X/ USCGPacificNW

The good samaritans who came across the missing sailor have not been named by officials, but King-TV reports them as being two men named Ryan Planes and John from Sooke, who were out on a fishing excursion.

Ryan told King-TV: "I saw what looked like a life raft in the distance and ran inside and put the binoculars on him and then he shot off a flare.

"We pulled him on board. He was just overwhelmed, he gave me a big hug and it was emotional."

According to Ryan, the sailor had survived 13 days at sea by catching salmon.

John said it 'made [their] day' and reflected on the rescue as a 'miracle'.

X/ @ USCGPacificNW

USCG Pacific Northwest reports the man was found in 'stable condition' and was transported to shore by the Canadian Coast Guard and the Air and marine SAR in BC & the Yukon, before being taken to hospital.

The second person who was onboard the 43-foot vessel when it first departed remains missing and the incident 'remains under investigation'.

It's not been confirmed whether or not the search will resume.

UNILAD has contacted USCGPacificNorthwest for comment.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available through Mental Health America. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. You can also reach Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.

You can also call 1-800-985-5990 or text “TalkWithUs” to 66746 at the SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline.