Coast Guard Searching for Owner of Found Kayak

Courtesy images.

An unmanned adrift black kayak was located about a mile offshore of Kahaluu Beach Park on Tuesday.

The United States Coast Guard is searching for the owner or operator of the kayak.

Watchstanders at the Sector Honolulu Command Center received a report at 10:40 p.m. from a good Samaritan who noted they recovered the kayak in the area of Keauhou Bay, near Kahaluu.

An urgent marine information broadcast notice has been issued and a Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew was launched. The crew is searching for a possible person in the water.

“The Coast Guard encourages ocean goers to always file a float plan and leave it with a reliable person who can be depended upon to notify the Coast Guard, or other rescue agency, should you not return or check‐in as planned,” said Lieutenant Nicholas Spence, a command duty officer at Sector Honolulu. “In addition, it’s important to label your watercraft with contact information so that if found adrift, we can help identify the owner and determine whether or not that person is in distress.”

West facing shores are currently under a High Surf Advisor through 6 p.m. Tuesday.

Anyone with information that might be able to assist in identifying the owner or operator of the kayak should contact the Coast Guard Sector Honolulu Command Center by calling (808) 842-2600.

Free “If Found” decals are offered by the Coast Guard. The stickers should be placed in a visible location on small, human-powered watercrafts.

The information on the sticker can allow response entities to quickly identify the vessel’s owner and aid search and rescue planners in determining the best course of action. Positive identification may also allow the item to be returned to the owner.

The stickers can be obtained for free at local harbormasters and at select marine retail and supply stores.