HONOLULU – The Coast Guard is seeking the public's help in identifying the owner of an adrift green kayak spotted one mile north of Lumahai Beach, Kauai, today.Watchstanders at the Coast Guard Sector Honolulu Command Center received a report about 8:10 a.m., from the tour boat Anini indicating they had located and recover an unmanned adrift green kayak.
The Coast Guard has no reports of missing persons or distress
An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point was launched and is searching the area.Anyone with information that may help identify the owner of the kayak is asked to contact the Coast Guard Sector Honolulu Command Center at (808) 842-2600."The Coast Guard encourages boaters and waterway users to always file a float plan and leave it with a reliable person who can be depended upon to notify the Coast Guard, or other rescue agency, should you not return or check‐in as planned. In addition, attaching your contact information to your watercraft will help in identifying the ownership of vessel when they are found adrift.” said LTJG Nicholas Spence, Coast Guard Sector Honolulu Command Duty Officer.The Coast Guard also offers free "If Found" decal to be placed in a visible location on small, human-powered watercraft through the Operation Paddle Smart program. The information on the sticker can allow response entities to quickly identify the vessel's owner and aid search and rescue planners in determining the best course of action.The stickers 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.