Owner Sought of Adrift Kayak off Moloka‘i

Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Amanda Wyrick. U.S. Coast Guard District 14 Hawaii Pacific.

The Coast Guard is seeking the public’s help identifying the owner of an adrift yellow kayak found south of Kamalo Harbor, Molokaʻi on Friday morning, Jan. 24, 2020.

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

The report of the kayak was called in at 8 a.m. by a Good Samaritan, and an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Air Station Barbers Point launched to search the surrounding area.

The Coast Guard offers free “If Found” decals to mark gear. The information on the sticker can allow responders to determine if someone is in distress more quickly and help return equipment that is found.

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 a kayak, surfboard or safety equipment such as lifejackets are lost, the public is asked to please report it to the Coast Guard to help our search and rescue specialists deconflict possible distress reports.

Weather on scene is seas less than a foot and winds less than 5 mph.

Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Amanda Wyrick. U.S. Coast Guard District 14 Hawaii Pacific.