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07/05/2007: "Breaking News: Boater Missing"

(<8:00 a.m.>)The San Juan Co. Sheriff's Office and the Orcas Fire Dept are conducting a concentrated ground search today on Jones Island for a boater from Des Moines, WA. William Larry Hickman, age 60, (photo left) was first reported missing by his wife to the US Coast Guard on Tuesday, July 3 at approx 10 AM.

The Coast Guard dispatched a nearby patrol boat to Jones Island and found the 38' Bayliner belonging to Mr. Hickman at anchor in the cove on the north side of the island. The 17' Boston Whale serving as a tender to the Bayliner was also located on the public dock with the boat canvas attached and covering the electronics.

The Bayliner was also left open and unlocked. On Tuesday the Sheriff and Undersheriff searched the vessel and found the cabin area to be normal and without any indication of foul play. They also contacted campers and park personnel on the island regarding the missing boater.

A search of the island was also conducted without success. On Wednesday afternoon Sheriff's Office divers conducted an underwater search of the public dock area and below the Bayliner without any success. Orcas Fire Department has 5 teams, 2 man each, on Jones Island today, along with Sheriff Cumming and Undersheriff Zerby and Washington State Park personnel and are conducting an intensive ground search of the entire island.