Coast Guard seeking public's help in locating owner of adrift kayak

HONOLULU – The Coast Guard is seeking the public's assistance after receiving a report of an unmanned overturned adrift blue kayak offshore approximately three miles northwest of Honolua Bay, Maui, Saturday.

The cruise ship Veendam reported the blue kayak adrift at approximately 10 a.m. and the kayak remains adrift.

No one has been reported missing or in distress in the area, but the Coast Guard is actively searching with an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Air Station Barbers Point to try to rule out anyone in distress.

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.

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.