Coast Guard suspends search for two missing from boat near Mercer Island

MERCER ISLAND, Wash. — Early Wednesday morning the US Coast Guard announced they were suspending the search for a man and a woman missing from a boat on Lake Washington, near Mercer Island.

The search started at about 10 p.m. Monday when Mercer Island police received a complaint from a resident about loud music coming from a boat in the 7700 block of West Mercer Way. The Mercer Island Police Department Marine Unit found an adrift red, 20-foot ski-type boat on the water.

Officers searched the boat and found evidence that a man and woman had been there, including clothing, two cellphones and the ID cards of the two people whose cellphones were found.

"The music was still playing, the boat was empty, They searched the general area and were unable to find its occupants," said Mercer Island Police Department Cmdr. Jeff Magnan.

Police also said there were two drinks found open and still cool on board the boat.

A truck and trailer belonging to the two missing people were located onshore at Gene Coulon Park in Renton. Both were impounded as the investigation continues.

The Coast Guard launched a helicopter and boat at midnight. The Mercer Island Police Department and Seattle Harbor Patrol are participating in the ongoing search.

"We don't know exactly where the search area is besides the west side of Mercer Island and the south side of Lake Washington, which makes it very, very difficult," said Magnan.

Officers have contacted friends and family and have determined that there were at least one man and one woman who are currently missing, both from the Seattle area. The man was experienced in operating the boat.

Friends told KIRO 7 the two people who were on the boat were 30-year-old James Le from Seattle and his friend Vanna Nguyen.

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