WALLA WALLA, WA — The Walla Walla County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to search for a missing kayaker after receiving a distress call on October 14 from a man who said he was drowning.

According to the sheriff’s office, dispatchers at WESCOM received the 911 call at about 12:09 p.m. The caller’s cellular connection was poor and broke shortly after he said he needed help and appeared to mention a kayak. Dispatchers also reported hearing the sounds of water lapping and knocking before the call disconnected.

Deputies, along with multiple partner agencies, responded to a common fishing area near the Burbank slough off the Columbia River. The response included Walla Walla County deputies, Washington State Fish and Wildlife, Walla Walla Fire District 5, College Place Police Department, Pasco Police Department, and the Washington State Patrol.

Search teams worked on foot, used drones, and deployed boats in the water. They recovered a kayak and personal belongings, along with a nearby vehicle believed to belong to the missing person. However, no individual was found, and there were no signs of anyone wading from the water.

The Walla Walla County Marine Unit, Detective Bureau, and Columbia Dive Rescue are continuing search efforts. The sheriff’s office said the kayaker’s family has been notified and is cooperating with the investigation.

“Our hearts go out to them as they help us with this emotional investigation,” the department stated, thanking all partner agencies involved in the rescue attempts.