15 agencies successfully converge to assist in Orcas Island search for missing man

— from Kim Kimple for Orcas Island Fire & Rescue —

An Orcas Island man who went missing from his residence near Moran State Park on Monday afternoon was found alive Tuesday morning, December 31, after spending 18 hours in the wind and rain, with temperatures dipping into the mid-40’s.

James (Jim) Keyes, age 67, wandered away from his house just before he was to go out with his wife for their routine afternoon walk at 3:30 p.m. wearing a fleece jacket and vest for the walk. The blue fleece jacket was helpful in identifying his location on the ground during the search. Keyes, who has limited use of his arms and a history of becoming confused and disoriented, fell in the woods near his home and was unable to get up and back to safety.

The search, which included participation from fifteen different agencies, had tremendous support. Over 30 search and rescue members were on the ground from throughout the region, including four tracking dogs from Summit to Sound Search and Rescue. The search area was comprised of steep and rocky terrain with areas of forest land, thick brush and downed trees. In addition to topography, crews were challenged by darkness, thick fog, winds and rain.

After a grueling night in the elements, Keyes was located on an 86-acre parcel owned by the San Juan County Land Bank near his home. Cold and wet, he was found by search and rescue crews lying alongside a log where he had fallen. Once located, the team worked to extricate him using a Stokes basket and transported him back to his residence for evaluation.

Battalion Chief Nick Kiniski, who held command throughout the incident, shared his gratitude for all involved. “We couldn’t have asked for a better outcome. Thank you all very much for taking the time to travel out here and help.”

Orcas Island Fire and Rescue would like to recognize and extend a Thank You to the following agencies for their time and resources throughout this event: