UPDATE: Owner of Unmanned Kayak Found off of Olowalu Located

The Coast Guard is asking for information about the owner of a 14-foot inflatable kayak found adrift approximately one mile off Olowalu Beach, Maui, Dec. 3, 2014. 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. (US Coast Guard courtesy photo).

By Maui Now Staff

(Update: 2:51 p.m. 12/3/14)

The Coast Guard has since located the owner of an inflatable kayak found adrift approximately one mile off Olowalu Beach in West Maui on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2014. The owner stated the kayak blew off the beach late in the night.

(Original post: 12/3/14)

The Coast Guard is asking for public help in locating the owner of an inflatable kayak found adrift approximately one mile off Olowalu in West Maui on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2014.

Crews aboard the commercial vessel Safari Explorer found the unmanned 14-foot yellow and blue inflatable kayak near Olowalu Beach, and reported the incident to the US Coast Guard.

The vessel has the markings “K79” and “Sevylor” on the side, but no other identifying marks.

Authorities say snorkel gear and a paddle were found aboard.

Crews from the Coast Guard Station Maui and state Department of Land and Natural Resources were questioning Olowalu Beach goers to gather further information about the possible owner of the kayak.

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.

The labels include contact information so that authorities can quickly account for owners and prevent any unnecessary searches.

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.

The Coast Guard is asking mariners to keep a sharp eye out for anyone possibly in distress. Anyone with information that may help identify the owner of the kayak is asked to contact the Sector Honolulu Command Center at (808) 842-2600.