News Release

Recovery Operations Conclude at Rialto Beach

Date: September 27, 2023
Contact: Public Affairs Office, 360-565-3005

Port Angeles, Wash. – Around 4:45pm, the Olympic National Park search and rescue team completed the recovery of the body of Seattle resident Swetha Chirumamilla. According to a report received at 10:51 am on September 25, Chirumamilla was hiking along Rialto Beach with two friends when a wave overpowered the group and Chirumamilla disappeared from sight. Olympic National Park’s rangers responded to the distress call along with the Coast Guard, La Push Tribal Police Department, Quileute Fish and Wildlife, Forks Emergency Services, and Clallam County Sheriff's Office. The Coast Guard searched the area with two helicopters for five hours until a body matching the description of the missing woman was located by rangers on land. Extremely dangerous weather conditions prevented the completion of the recovery operation until this evening.  

The incident is currently under investigation by the National Park Service.