Man who fell into water near Tacoma Narrows Bridge found safe

Update as of 8:33 a.m.: A 24-year-old man whom authorities were searching for Friday after he fell in Puget Sound was found safe, according to Gig Harbor Fire.

Officials said he managed to get out of the water on his own and walk to a nearby home where an acquaintance lived. The man then called his mother to report he was OK.

Initial post: A search was launched early Friday for a man who fell down a steep bank near Tacoma Narrows Bridge and into Puget Sound.

Two men in their early 20s were walking on a trail when they got lost and slipped down the embankment into the water.

“They floated quite a distance, about ¾ a mile down to Narrows Park,” said Eric Waters, spokesman for Gig Harbor Fire and Medic One.

One man was able to haul himself out of the water near the park just before 4 a.m. and called 911 for help.

Paramedics treated him on scene and released him. He did not suffer serious injuries.

“We initiated search options immediately,” Waters said.

Boats from Tacoma, Anderson Island, Pierce County Sheriff’s Department and the U.S. Coast Guard are helping with the water search.

Rescue crews will begin checking shorelines shortly.

This story was originally published July 31, 2015 at 7:56 AM with the headline "Man who fell into water near Tacoma Narrows Bridge found safe."