HONOLULU — The Coast Guard is seeking the public's help in identifying the owner of a yellow kite sail spotted just outside the breakwall of Kahului Harbor, Maui, Sunday.
The crew of a Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter is currently searching for the owner of the sail in the vicinity of the sighting and an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast has been issued alerting mariners in the area to keep a sharp lookout and report any sightings to the Coast Guard Sector Honolulu Command Center.
Watchstanders at the Sector received a report at 6:08 p.m. from the crew of the Pride of America regarding the found sail. The watchstanders immediately launched the Dolphin crew from Air Station Barbers Point and issued the UMIB.
Anyone with information that may help identify the owner of the sail is asked to contact the Coast Guard Sector Honolulu Command Center at 808-842-2600.
“We currently have no reports of missing persons but when we are notified of unmanned and adrift watersports equipment we err on the side of caution and search for the user if we can’t immediately identify and reach the owner.” said Petty Officer 1st Class Tyler Peterson, a Coast Guard Sector Honolulu search and rescue planner. “Attaching your contact information to your watersports equipment the form of a Paddle Smart sticker or even writing it on the item in permanent marker will help in identifying ownership when it is found adrift. Not only does it help us find you but it also helps us return your property.”
The Paddle Smart "If Found" decal 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 on the islands.