Courtesy photo.
HONOLULU — The Coast Guard is seeking the public's help identifying the owner of a 12-foot yellow kayak found near Kaneohe Bay, Tuesday.
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.
Watchstanders at the Sector Honolulu Command Center received a report at 12 p.m., from a good Samaritan stating they had located an unmanned adrift 12-foot kayak with the words "Ocean Kayak" on the side.
"The Coast Guard encourages ocean goers to always file a float plan and leave it with a reliable person who can be depended upon to notify the Coast Guard, or other rescue agency, should you not return or check‐in as planned," said Michael Jackson, an operations planner at Sector Honolulu. "In addition, it’s important to label your watercraft with contact information so that if found adrift, we can help identify the owner and determine whether or not that person is in distress."
Sector Honolulu issued an urgent marine information broadcast notice to mariners. 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.