Search under way for man who reportedly disappeared underwater

UPDATE: Search halted for man who fell into ‘dangerous’ Skykomish River

INDEX — Divers and swiftwater rescue teams were searching Saturday evening for a man who reportedly disappeared underwater near Sunset Falls on the Skykomish River.

Emergency responders from Gold Bar and the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office were told that a man and woman had been walking along rocks near the river when the man either fell or jumped into the water. He was last seen below Sunset Falls but, as of 5:30 p.m. Saturday, had not been seen in more than an hour and a half.

“Certainly we’re beyond that golden hour, so we’re probably to the point where this is turning into a recovery effort, unfortunately,” sheriff’s Lt. John Flood said.

A helicopter was unable to spot the man from above, and teams in inflatable kayaks could not immediately locate him. Divers were in the water Saturday evening. The missing man is believed to be 49, Flood said.