Coast Guard searching for missing kayakers off Island of Hawaii

News Release

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

Coast Guard searching for missing kayakers off Island of Hawaii

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HONOLULU — The Coast Guard is searching for two overdue kayakers off Punalu’u Beach, Wednesday. 

The two kayakers, one male and one female, were last seen leaving in a yellow two-person kayak at approximately 3:00 p.m. They are reported to both be approximately 50 years-old and wearing yellow personal flotation devices.

Anyone with information regarding the kayakers is requested to contact the Sector Honolulu Command center at 808-842-2600.

Coast Guard Sector Honolulu watchstanders received a report at 6:38 p.m. from a good Samaritan stating she saw the kaykers depart earlier in the day and had not returned though it was sunset.

Upon notification, the watchstanders issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast notice to mariners asking the public to keep a sharp lookout for signs of distress and diverted the crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Kittiwake (WPB 87316) in response. 

An Air Station Barbers Point MH-65 Dolphin helicopter and C-130 Hercules aircrews were launched to assist with the search. 

The weather on scene is winds of 5 mph and seas up to three feet.

-USCG-