Coast Guard Searches for Owner of Unmanned Kayak

The owner of an unmanned adrift orange kayak is being sought by the United States Coast Guard.

Coast Guard officials say the kayak was spotted one mile off of Leleiwi Point on Friday.

Just before 2 p.m., watchstanders received a report from the Hercules crew that they found a kayak. The crew was immediately diverted from their training mission and issued to the area.

An Urgent Marine Information Broadcast has been issued and the crew aboard a Coast Guard HC-130 Hercules airplane is currently searching any potential missing individuals who were aboard the kayak.

Individuals with information that might help identify the owner should contact the Coast Guard Sector Honolulu Command Center at (808) 842-2600.

“Attaching your contact information to your watercraft in the form of a Paddle Smart sticker or even writing it on the craft in permanent marker will help in identifying the ownership of vessel when it is found adrift.” said Charles Turner, Coast Guard Sector Honolulu Command Duty Officer. “Not only does it help us find you but it also helps us return your property. When we sight an unmanned adrift craft, we err on the side of caution and search for the occupant if we can’t immediately identify and reach the owner.”