Help Sought in Locating Owner of Dive Float Found Near Mākena

Dive float found near Mākena, Maui (7.13.16) Courtesy photo.

The Coast Guard is seeking the public’s help in identifying the owner of a dive float found approximately 500 yards off Mākena Landing Beach Park, in South Maui, on Wednesday, July 13, 2016.

The inflatable dive float is red with a single line attached to it, which is affixed to the ocean floor, according to Coast Guard reports.

Anyone with information that may help identify the owner of the dive float is asked to contact the Coast Guard Sector Honolulu Command Center at (808) 842-2600.

Watchstanders at the Sector Honolulu Command Center received the report at 3 p.m. from the crew of NOAA vessel Hi’ialakai who located the dive float 500 yards offshore of Mākena Landing Beach Park.

Sector Honolulu watchstanders issued an urgent marine information broadcast notice to mariners and launched a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crew from Station Maui to search the area.

There are currently no reported signs of distress or missing persons in the area.

“The Coast Guard encourages owners to label their water craft and dive gear with name and contact information. Also if the gear is lost, report it to the Coast Guard with a good description so that we can eliminate any unnecessary searches,” said Lt. Nicholas Spence, a search and rescue coordinator at the Sector Honolulu command center.

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. 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.