ANCHORAGE, Alaska — The Coast Guard, along with Alaska State Troopers and Civil Air Patrol, continued their search for Bruce Gronewald, a 55-year-old man, reported missing in the vicinity of Knik Arm near Anchorage Wednesday.
A Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Air Station Kodiak found a canoe belonging to Gronewald while conducting a search Wednesday, but discovered no sign of the man or the yellow kayak he was last seen paddling.
Gronewald was last seen Monday night aboard a yellow kayak wearing a black jacket and blue life jacket. His family reported he planned to paddle out to secure the canoe he had to abandon after being rescued by Anchorage Fire Department members Monday.
Coast Guard Sector Anchorage watchstanders received a report from Gronewald’s sister that he was overdue after failing to return from the kayaking trip. Watchstanders directed the launch of the Jayhawk helicopter crew and issued an urgent marine broadcast to mariners in the area.
"The search for Mr. Gronewald has been a concentrated team effort by the Coast Guard, Alaska State Troopers and Civil Air Patrol,” said Lt. Bridget Fitzgibbons, Sector Anchorage Search and Rescue Mission Controller. “Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts should contact Sector Anchorage at 907-428-4100.”
The original press release regarding this case can be found here.