Coast Guard Locates Owner of Missing Kayak

Paddle Smart Sticker. Image courtesy US Coast Guard.

By Wendy Osher

The owner of an unmanned kayak found adrift off the coast of Kihei, near Menehune Shores condominium complex over the weekend has been located.

The owner contacted Coast Guard officials on Monday after seeing his kayak on television, authorities said.

The kayak had no identifying markings to assist first responders in locating the owner, prompting the public notification.

The Coast Guard encourages mariners to label their watercraft with their name, address and phone number.  The agency offers free Paddle Smart weather-proof stickers that can be applied to vessels.

Labeling of watercraft is intended to help save lives, recover missing property, and reduce the time, effort and resources expended on non-emergency search and rescue, said Coast Guard officials.

Photo courtesy, US Coast Guard Hawai’i.

Photo courtesy, US Coast Guard Hawai’i.