Bodies Of Missing Boaters Recovered From Lake Washington

MERCER ISLAND, WA — Two bodies, presumed to be the missing boaters who disappeared from Lake Washington in early September, have been recovered by Mercer Island PD's Marine Patrol. Police said both bodies were pulled from 110 feet of water, roughly one mile off the island's shores.

James Lee and Vanna Nguyen's empty speedboat was found drifting off the south end of Mercer Island the night of September 2nd. Responding officers noted loud music coming from the boat and signs of people having been on board, but nobody was there. The Coast Guard joined police in searching the waters by air and by water, but they were unable to locate anyone. The vehicle and trailer that towed the boat was found at Renton's Gene Coulon Park.

Investigators said Tuesday there are no obvious signs of trauma or foul play. The King County Medical Examiner will work to formally identify the bodies and officially determine the cause and manner of death. Police said family members of Lee and Nguyen have been informed of the discovery. Friends of Nguyen had circulated photos of the 33-year-old woman last month, hoping to turn up any leads on where she might be.

In a news release, the city thanked neighboring agencies who have assisted in the search throughout September, including Seattle PD's Harbor Patrol and King County's Marine Patrol. They also thanked Strategic Robot Systems for providing an underwater remote-controlled vehicle that helped officers search the waters for countless hours.