WALDPORT, Ore. — The Coast Guard and partner agencies are searching a 50-square-mile area between Haceta Head and Waldport for a missing kayaker. Missing is Michael Carosella, 69, who is reported to be an exeperienced kayaker wearing a black dry suit and a black life jacket.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector North Bend received a report around noon of a kayak washed ashore south of the Alsea Bay Inlet. Using the number registered on the kayak, watchstanders contacted Carosella’s wife, who said her husband left at 7 a.m. and was expected to return home at noon.
Crews from the Coast Guard, Central Oregon Coast Fire District, the Seal Rock Fire District, the Yachats Fire District, and the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office are searching the area with the following assets:
- Two 47-foot Motor Life Boats from Coast Guard Station Yaquina Bay - A 47-foot Motor Life Boat from Coast Guard Station Siuslaw River - An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Coast Guard Air Facility Newport - Two personal watercraft from Central Oregon Fire District - A 19-foot Marine Patrol jet boat from Lincoln County Sheriff's Office - A four-wheel drive off-highway vehicle from Lincoln County Sheriff's Office
"It is extremely fortunate the missing kayaker filed a float plan with his wife and had a kayak registration sticker with a current phone number listed," said Lt. j.g. Chad Perdue, one of the MH-65 Dolphin helicopter pilots searching for Carosella. "We are working with partner agencies to continue a hopeful search of the area."
The Coast Guard continues to issue an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast for mariners to keep a look out for Carosella, who is reportedly 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighs 200 pounds. Mariners and beachgoers are encouraged to keep an eye out for a wooden kayak paddle and anything that can assist response efforts. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Sector North Bend command center at (541) 756-9220.