Submitted by Orcas Fire and Rescue.

The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call for suspicious circumstances in the Massacre Bay area on Aug. 8. The reporting party was from across the bay and heard possible yelling of “Help.” The deputy responded to investigate and attempt to locate the call for help. No signs of distress could be found in the area from land.

While the Sheriff’s Office deployed their boat to search from the water, dispatch received a report of a missing person. Responders on the boat located a wrecked vehicle partially in the water on the shoreline in the 1500 block of Deer Harbor Road. The deputy confirmed that the vehicle matched the missing person’s report.

Orcas Island Fire and Rescue personnel contacted the patient and initiated treatment. The patient was brought up the embankment via Stokes basket and rope assistance.

Deer Harbor Road was closed to all vehicle traffic during rescue operations for approximately one hour. The patient was transported via Island Air to a mainland hospital for traumatic injuries.

On Aug. 9, sheriff’s deputies, OIFR and Orcas Towing recovered the vehicle. Small amounts of fuel and oil spilled into the bay. The quantity was not enough to have IOSA respond. SJC Emergency Management and WA Department of Ecology have been notified of the small fluid spill.

There were no injuries to first responders or the public during this incident.