Man reported missing in Puget Sound found alive, well

GIG HARBOR -- News quickly turned from bad to good Friday morning, when a man reported to be missing in the Puget Sound was found alive and well.

The news began early Friday when one of two teens allegedly swimming in the Sound was reported missing.

However, that report was quickly amended.

Instead of a teen boy, Gig Harbor Fire Chief Eric Waters said that two men in their 20s fell into the water near Gig Harbor after losing balance on a nearby hillside while hiking. One of the men made it out of the water, walked to Narrows Park and knocked on someone’s door to report his friend was nowhere to be seen, and possibly missing in the water, Waters said.

Crews from Gig Harbor Fire, West Pierce Fire and Rescue, Tacoma Fire and the US Coast Guard searched for the man reported missing man, believing he could be in the Puget Sound. The Coast Guard dispatched a helicopter from Port Angeles.

A few hours later, the man alleged to be missing was found "alive and well," by fire officials. According to officials, he got separated from his friend in the water, but made it out safely. He then walked to an acquaintance’s house and his mom was notified that he was OK. The Coast Guard, receiving the news, then called off the search.