Imagery Available: Coast Guard seeks public's help identifying kayak owner near North Shore, Oahu

News Release

U.S. Coast Guard 14th District Hawaii and the Pacific Contact: 14th District Public Affairs Office: (808) 535-3230 After Hours: (808) 341-9849 14th District online newsroom

Imagery Available: Coast Guard seeks public's help identifying kayak owner near North Shore, Oahu

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 unmanned, adrift kayak found a couple hundred yards off Dillingham Air Field, North Shore, Oahu, Tuesday. 

An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Air Station Barbers Point spotted the kayak offshore and initiated search efforts. The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Ahi (WPB 87364) crew diverted to also search the area.

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 kayak is asked to contact Sector Honolulu at 808-842-2600.

At  12:41. p.m., watchstanders from the Sector Honolulu command center received notification from the helicopter crew regarding an adrift kayak spotted on a routine training flight. The yellow and orange kayak was found a couple offshore and has since washed ashore and recovered by Department of Land and Natural Resource personnel. 

As Tropical Storm Olivia approaches we remind everyone to remove life jackets, EPIRBS, life rings and other loose items that are vulnerable to the elements. Watersports equipment and other gear should be secured to prevent it from being blown away and generating false reports and unnecessary search and rescue.

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. Similarly, if you lose kayaks, surfboard or safety equipment such as lifejackets, please report it to the Coast Guard to help our search and rescue specialists deconflict possible distress reports. 

 

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