SEATTLE — Coast Guard crews are searching for an overdue kayaker last seen near Bainbridge Island, Sunday afternoon.
Missing is Mark Gianneschi, 52, of Brownsville.
An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Port Angeles and a 45-foot Response Boat — Medium crew from Coast Guard Station Seattle are involved in the search.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound in Seattle received a call around 8:30 p.m. Sunday from Kitsap County 911 operators stating that Gianneschi was reportedly overdue.
Gianneschi’s wife reported to 911 that he had left a Brownsville marina around 2 p.m. Sunday in a kayak and had planned to return home before dark. She also stated that he had a lifejacket with him, but no hand held radio or cell phone.
"We encourage all mariners to carry a handheld VHF radio or other communication device with them on every trip," said Lt. Justin Brooks, command duty officer at Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound. "Even experienced paddlesport enthusiasts can quickly find themselves in trouble on seemingly calm days.”
On scene weather is reported to be clear skies, 1-foot seas and 5 mph winds with an air temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit and a water temperature of 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Anyone with information about Gianneschi’s whereabouts is asked to contact Sector Puget Sound at 206-217-6001.