Crew members from the Washington State Ferry Spokane came to the rescue of two divers in distress at the Edmonds Underwater Park off Brackett’s Landing Saturday morning.
According to Leslie Hynes, spokesperson for Snohomish County Fire District No. 1, the ferry crew noticed two divers having trouble, and responded in an inflatable boat. The ferry workers rescued a 50-year-old woman who had experienced medical problems while underwater and her husband, also in his 50s, Hynes said. Fire District 1 was called to the scene at 11:02 a.m., and met the ferry crew, which had brought the victims to the beach.
Hynes said the woman was transported to Northwest Hospital. The husband was checked out but did not need medical attention. The Spokane was delayed in leaving the Edmonds ferry dock while the incident was resolved.
I dove at that underwater garbage dump.. once.. I did notice the heavy currents from the prop wash of the Ferries.. Stupid place to dive.
Edmonds Underwater Park is a great place to dive. I have dove there dozens of times and actually the same day this couple was rescued. Lots to see — folks have been working there for years to create a fun environment for divers to explore. The one bad thing about the park is the long surface swin to get to your 15 – 20 ft depth. Current and tides vary… you just have to pay attention.
Edmonds Underwater park is one of the best shore dive locations in the the NW! I have logged hundreds of dives there and never been dissappointed! The park is maintaiined by a group of volunteers lead by Bruce Higgens who spend countless weekends maintaining trails and prepping objects for the continuing growing artificial reefs in the park! The currents can be noticeable, but they are manageable even at a full ebb! If you are close enough to feel the ferry prop wash, then you are no longer in the park and diving in a restricted zone, which even the begining diver with basic navigation skills can easily avoid. Common sense and recognizing one’s own limitations are always a valuable tool!
You are an idiot Patrick if you think that the prop wash from the ferry travels more that a couple dozen meters. The Edmonds Park is a wonderful place to dive and has an incredible density of life.