Photo courtesy of Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services.
HONOLULU — The Coast Guard and Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services are searching for missing man reported to be swept out to sea while surfing near Diamond Head, Oahu, Saturday.Anyone with information is asked to contact the Coast Guard Sector Honolulu Command Center at 808-842-2600.
Searching are an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point, the crew of the USCGC Kittiwake, an 87-foot Coastal Patrol Boat homeported in Honolulu, a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crew from Coast Guard Station Honolulu and a helicopter crew and jet ski crew from Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services.Watchstanders at the Sector Honolulu Command Center received notification from Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services of the situation at 3:12 p.m. A tour bus driver notified Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services that he observed an unmanned orange and white surfboard floating near the cliffs of Diamond Head.On-scene weather conditions are 11 mph winds and seas up to 3 feet.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.
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.