Imagery Available: Coast Guard seeks public's help identifying owner of dive float near Lahaina, Maui

Imagery Available: Coast Guard seeks public's help identifying owner of dive float near Lahaina, Maui

Editors Note: Click on images to download high resolution version.

HONOLULU — The Coast Guard is seeking the public’s help identifying the owner of an adrift dive float and flag found off Aston Paki Maui in the vicinity of Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii, Thursday.

An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point, Oahu, launched to search the area along with crewmembers from the Maui County Fire Department.

Coast Guard Sector Honolulu issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast notice to mariners to keep a sharp lookout for signs of distress.

There are currently no reports of missing persons in the area.

Anyone with information that may help identify the owner of the dive float is asked to contact Sector Honolulu at 808-842-2600.

At 7:50 a.m., watchstanders from the Sector Honolulu command center received notification from a good Samaritan regarding an adrift dive float in the area. The float is red and white and has an attached dive flag and red line.

It is recommended owners of watersports equipment write their name and phone number on their gear. The Coast Guard offers free “If Found” decals to be placed in a visible location on small, human-powered watercraft through the Operation Paddle Smart program. 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.

The stickers can be obtained for free at local harbormasters, through the Coast Guard Auxiliary, from Honolulu Sail and Power Squadron offices and at select marine retail and supply stores.

-USCG-