LITTLE BOSTON – Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe Natural Resources Enforcement is managing the continued search for Dean Harvey, 48, a Bremerton resident and Port Gamble S’Klallam fisherman who was reported missing Nov. 25 after he failed to return after crabbing in the San Juan Islands.

Harvey launched his boat from Washington Park in Anacortes at or around 8:30 a.m. on Nov. 25. Harvey’s brother launched his boat at the same time and from the same location. The brothers agreed to meet at 3:30 p.m. back at Washington Park.

Harvey did not arrive back at 3:30 p.m. to meet his brother. By 4:30 p.m., Harvey’s brother contacted the Coast Guard.

The Coast Guard began its search the morning of Nov. 26. Harvey’s boat was found ashore on the southeast side of Lopez Island in the San Juan Islands. Damage to the vessel indicates that it was travelling at a high rate of speed when it came ashore. Harvey was not found on board, according to a search update issued by Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe spokeswoman Ginger Vaughan.

Because of inclement weather, the Coast Guard suspended its search efforts the evening of Nov. 26.

The search and recovery effort for Harvey is continuing, Vaughan reported. “Port Gamble S’Klallam Natural Resources Enforcement is working with the Coast Guard to manage these efforts, which include a group of fishermen who are volunteering their time to assist in the search, and a Lower Elwha Klallam dive boat and crew,” Vaughan reported.

Based on currents and weather conditions, search and recovery efforts on Dec, 1 were focused on the southern part of Lopez Island and surrounding shorelines.

“A dive team searched the area below the crash site and found no indication of Harvey,” Vaughan reported. “Search and recovery investigators are reviewing current, tide, and weather information to determine the scale and scope of the search going forward.”

The afternoon of Dec. 1, Harvey’s boat was scheduled to be towed to a dock in Kitsap County designated by his family. The boat is no longer part of the investigation.

“We are dedicated to doing everything reasonable to find Dean Harvey and I am proud of our community members who have stepped up to aid in the search efforts,” Port Gamble S’Klallam Chairman Jeromy Sullivan said in the update issued by Vaughan.

“We hope to be able to provide some answers to Dean’s family. Our community’s thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time. We value all of our Tribal members, like Dean, who make their living from the land or sea, but we also recognize how inherently dangerous these jobs can be. We wish all our fishermen a safe season ahead.”