Submitted by the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office.

At approximately 5:17 p.m. on Thursday, July 29, the United States Coast Guard sent an alert to all vessels around Blakely Island for an injured kayaker. The M/V Samish was passing Blakely when they diverted and launched their rescue boat with two crew members of the Samish as well as a San Juan County Sheriff’s Deputy who was on board returning from training.

It was discovered the kayaker, identified as Sarah M. Henderson from Kenmore, Washington, was deceased. It appears Henderson has been climbing the mountain face known as Blind Bluff when she lost her footing and fell to her death.

Henderson’s father was located and notified, who said she was an avid hiker and climber and would often go off on her own for days at a time.

The Sheriff’s Office is ruling this a tragic accident at this time.