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HONOLULU — The Coast Guard is seeking the public's help in identifying the owner of an adrift kayak located approximately 15 miles southeast of Oahu, Thursday.
Watchstanders at the Coast Guard Sector Honolulu Command Center received a report about 5 p.m., from the owner and operator of the sailing vessel, Smooth Sailing, stating he located an unmanned, adrift blue and white kayak.
The Coast Guard has no reports of missing persons or distress in the area.
An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point and a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium boatcrew from Coast Guard Station Honolulu were launched to search the area where the kayak was initially found.
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 advises the public to register and label all watercraft and equipment with contact information in order to quickly account for owners and prevent any unnecessary searches.
Through the Operation Paddle Smart program, the Coast Guard offers a free "If Found" decal to be placed in a visible location on small, human-powered watercraft. 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.