Search Underway: Unmanned Dingy Found Near Māla Wharf

The Coast Guard is responding to an unmanned 8-foot white dingy found near Lahaina boat ramp, Oct. 1, 2015. Anyone with information regarding the ownership of this boat is asked to contact the Coast Guard Sector Honolulu Command Center at 808-842-2600. (Courtesy photo: US Coast Guard)

The US Coast Guard is responding to a report of an unmanned 8-foot white dingy found near Māla Wharf in West Maui on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2015.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Honolulu received a call from the fire department at 2:30 p.m. reporting the finding.

The Coast Guard immediately issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast requesting mariners help to keep a sharp look out and report anything of interest to command center personnel.

Coast Guard officials say there are currently no reported signs of distress or missing persons in the area.

Anyone with information regarding the ownership of the boat is asked to contact the Coast Guard Sector Honolulu Command Center at (808) 842-2600.

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.

Authorities say the information on the sticker can allow response entities to quickly identify the vessel’s owner, aid search and rescue planners in determining the best course of action, and avoid costly searches.

The stickers can be obtained for free at local harbormasters, through the Coast Guard Auxiliary and at select marine retail and supply stores.