Kayak Found Adrift Near Kama’ole I, Maui

The Coast Guard is seeking the public’s help identifying the owner of an adrift kayak found in the shore break off Kama’ole Beach Park I in Kīhei, Maui on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018.

At 6:47 a.m., watchstanders from the Sector Honolulu command center received notification from Maui Fire Department crews regarding an adrift kayak reported by a good Samaritan. The kayak had a backpack inside containing various personal items.

The Coast Guard is seeking the public’s help identifying the owner of an adrift kayak found in the shore break off Kama’ole Beach Park I in Kīhei, Maui, Sunday.

A 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crew from Station Maui launched to search the area. Coast Guard Sector Honolulu also issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast notice to mariners to keep a sharp lookout for signs of distress.

There are currently no reports of missing persons in the area.

Anyone with information that may help identify the owner of the kayak is asked to contact Sector Honolulu at (808) 842-2600.

It is recommended owners of watersports equipment write their name and phone number on their gear. 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. Similarly, if you lose kayaks, surfboard or safety equipment such as lifejackets, please report it to the Coast Guard to help our search and rescue specialists de-conflict possible distress reports.