U.S. Coast Guard photo.
HONOLULU — The Coast Guard is searching for the owner of an unmanned adrift surfboard found approximately one mile south of Diamond Head, Oahu, Wednesday.
Anyone with information that may help identify the owner of the surfboard is asked to contact the Coast Guard Sector Honolulu Command Center at 808-842-2600.
An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point searched the area along with the crew of the USCGC Ahi (WPB 87364), shore and air crews from the Honolulu Fire Department and Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services jet ski personnel. Sector Honolulu also issued an urgent marine information broadcast alerting mariners in the area to the situation.
Watchstanders at the Sector Honolulu Command Center received a report at 3:43 p.m., from a good Samaritan at the Diamond Head lookout stating she spotted an unmanned and adrift surfboard in the area.
The surfboard is white with yellow rails and the Hawaiian Islands on the top and bottom of the board.
There are currently no reported signs of distress or missing persons in the area.
The Coast Guard offers free "If Found" decals 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. Positive identification may also allow the item to be returned to the owner.
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.