Coast Guard Seeks Public’s Help Finding Owner of Adrift Kayak

The Coast Guard is seeking the public’s help in identifying the owner of a yellow, two-person kayak found 150 yards off Kalaulau Beach in the Na Pali Coast, Thursday.

Officials first received information of the adrift watercraft at 8:37 p.m. Sector Honolulu watchstanders took a report from a Good Samaritan who stated they found the kayak adrift off Kalaulau Beach with no sign of the owner. It was reported the kayak had some marine growth on it.

Watchstanders issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast notice to mariners and deployed the Dolphin and Oliver Berry crews to search the area.

An Air Station Barbers Point MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew and the crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Oliver Berry (WPC 1124) conducted searches of the area. There are no reports of missing persons at this time. Anyone with information helping to identify the owner of the kayak is asked to call Sector Honolulu at 808-842-2600.

The Coast Guard offers free “If Found” decals to mark gear or you write directly on it. The information on the sticker can allow responders to determine if someone is in distress more quickly and help get equipment back to its owner. The labels 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.

The Coast Guard also asks the public report when they have lost kayaks, surfboard, or safety equipment such as lifejackets. This allows the search and rescue specialists deconflict possible distress reports.