Update: 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

Update: Coast Guard searching for missing kayakers off Island of Hawaii

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HONOLULU — The Coast Guard found two overdue kayakers off Punalu’u Beach, Thursday. 

An Air Station Barbers Point C-130 Hercules aircrew located the kayakers and air dropped a message block to make contact. The kayakers confirmed they did not need Coast Guard assistance and were not in any distress. 

Coast Guard Sector Honolulu watchstanders received a report at 6:38 p.m., Wednesday, 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 aircrew was launched to assist with the search. 

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

-USCG-