Imagery Available: Missing marine biologist found safe on Kauai, joint search suspended

Imagery Available: Missing marine biologist found safe on Kauai, joint search suspended

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HONOLULU — Kauai Police located Terry Lilley, 64, safe on the beach in Kauai Tuesday evening.

"We're pleased to learn Lilley is safe," said Sam Gardner, a search and rescue controller with Coast Guard Sector Honolulu. "The fact this kayak has a label with a name and phone number was extremely valuable. This information on your gear can significantly reduce the time it takes to determine who is missing and allows us to concentrate the right resources to bring you home."

Coast Guard watchstanders at Sector Honolulu received a request for assistance from Kauai Fire at 3:40 p.m. prompting the search. They reported locating a green kayak about two miles offshore labeled and determined to belong to Lilley, a local and well-known marine biologist. At 5:13 p.m. watchstanders notification came in reporting Lilley found safe, and controllers released all crews from the search.

Engaged in the search were:
- An HC-130 Hercules aircrew from U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point
- Two MH-65 Dolphin aircrews from Air Station Barbers Point
- The crew of the USCGC Ahi (WPB 87364) from Honolulu
- A 45-foot Motor Lifeboat crew from Coast Guard Station Kauai
- Boatcrews from Kauai Fire
- Jetski operators from Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services

Weather in the area was reported as winds at 15 mph, with scattered showers and waves to 5 feet.

-USCG-