Maui Search Suspended for Possible Missing Kayaker

Through the Operation Paddle Smart Program, the Coast Guard offers a free, weatherproof and reflective, self-adhesive “If Found” decal to be placed in a visible location on small, human-powered (unregistered) watercraft. Photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Melissa McKenzie.

By Wendy Osher

The US Coast Guard has suspended its search for a possible missing kayaker today after a full day of efforts proved unsuccessful.

The agency utilized a 45-foot response boat from Station Maui, and an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Air Station Barbers Point to search waters in and around La Perouse Bay where the unmanned vessel was found at around 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 5.

The search also involved the assistance of jet ski crews from the department of Ocean Safety.

The agency suspended the search, “pending further developments.”

The agency took the opportunity to provide information on its Operation Paddle Smart Program that offers free “If Found” decals that can be placed on small, human-powered watercraft.

“Every year, countless man hours and taxpayer dollars go to search and rescue missions where someone is not in danger,” agency officials said in a press release.

Chief Petty Officer Jerrod Sneller, operations unit controller at Sector Honolulu Command Center said the ID stickers help to, “reduce the number of man hours spent searching for individuals not in distress and it will allow valuable resources to be ready for actual search and rescue cases.”

The decal is weatherproof and reflective, and enables response agencies to quickly identify the vessel’s owner and aid search and rescue planners in determining the best course of action.

The stickers are available free of charge through local harbormasters, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, and at select marine retail and supply stores on the neighbor islands.

The Coast Guard is seeking the public’s help in identifying the owner of a kayak found adrift approximately one mile off Maui, Nov. 5, 2013. USCG Courtesy photo.

Through the Operation Paddle Smart Program, the Coast Guard offers a free weatherproof and reflective self-adhesive “If Found” decal to be placed in a visible location on small, human-powered (unregistered) watercraft. Photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Melissa McKenzie.