Photo courtesy of Tug Tira Lani.
HONOLULU — The Coast Guard is seeking the public's help in identifying the owner of a dive float adrift 500 yards south of the Keehi Channel entrance buoy, in Oahu, Saturday.
The float is orange and black with an orange and white dive flag.
Anyone with information that may help identify the owner of the dive float 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 2:27 p.m., from personnel aboard the Tug Tira Lani who located the dive float.
"The Coast Guard encourages owners who lose their water craft and dive gear to report it to the Coast Guard with a good description so that we can eliminate any unnecessary searches," said Lt. Kevin Edes, a command duty officer at the Coast Guard Sector Honolulu Command Center.
A high surf and wind warning remains in effect for east facing shores of the main Hawaiian Islands throughout the weekend. Mariners and residents are reminded to secure small vessels and personal recreation gear in coastal areas. Large surf and significant shore break, along with dangerous currents, pose a significant danger to beachgoers, swimmers, bodyboarders and surfers.
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.
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.