Unmanned Kayak Found in West Maui Waters

The Coast Guard is seeking the public’s help identifying the owner of an adrift kayak found approximately two miles offshore Olowalu on Friday, March 1, 2019.

A 29-foot Response Boat-Medium crew from Station Maui recovered the kayak and searched for the possible occupant between Launiupoko Beach Park and McGregor Point in West Maui.

Coast Guard Sector Honolulu watchstanders 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.

At 10 a.m., watchstanders from the Sector Honolulu command center received notification from a good Samaritan who noticed the unattended kayak while he was transiting between islands.

The Coast Guard offers free “If Found” decals to mark gear or you write directly on it. The information on the sticker can allow responders to determine if someone is in distress more quickly and help get your equipment back to you. The labels 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 deconflict possible distress reports.