Courtesy photos.
HONOLULU — The Coast Guard is seeking the public's help identifying the owner of a surfboard found two miles south of Diamond Head Point, Oahu, Sunday.
The surfboard is white and 7 ft. long with no leash attached.
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.
Watchstanders at Sector Honolulu Command Center received the report from a good Samaritan at 6:30 p.m. who located the surfboard south of Diamond Head Point.
Sector Honolulu watchstanders issued an urgent marine information broadcast notice to mariners and launched an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point. Currently searching are the Dolphin crew and shore crews from Honolulu Fire Department and Honolulu Police Department.
There are currently no reported signs of distress or missing persons in the area.
"The Coast Guard strongly encourages owners to label their water craft with a name and contact information. Also, if the gear is lost, report it to the Coast Guard with a good description so that we can eliminate any unnecessary searches," said Chief Petty Officer Chris Florscher, search and rescue coordinator at the Sector Honolulu command center.
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.