Missing Lake Washington Boaters Identified, Search Suspended

RENTON, WA — The U.S. Coast Guard suspended a search for two missing boaters, but family and friends are continuing the effort to find James Lee and Vanna Nguyen.

Mercer Island police found Lee and Nguyen's empty boat drifting near the south end of the island at around 10:30 p.m. Monday. Music was playing on the boat, and there were signs people were aboard, but the vessel was empty. A truck and trailer that carried the speedboat to the lake was found at Gene Coulon Park in Renton.

The Coast Guard and local police began searching Lake Washington just before midnight Monday by air and water. But the Coast Guard called off the search just before 1 a.m. Wednesday.

Friends of Nguyen have pitched in, circulating images of the 33-year-old seeking tips about her disappearance. But due to the investigation, they couldn't provide many details about what the pair were doing out on the lake.

"Suspending a search is one of the most difficult decisions the Coast Guard has to make, and it is a decision that is made with great care and deliberation. We search for the missing as if one of our own is missing," Sector Commander Lt. Josh McElhaney said in a press release.

Anyone from the public with tips should call the Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound Command Center at (206) 217-6001.