Adrift Paddle Board Found Off Launiupoko,
 Maui

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 a white, stand up paddle board found two miles off of Launiupoko, Maui on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020.

Anyone with information helping to identify the owner of the paddle board is asked to contact Sector Honolulu at (808) 842-2600.

The Coast Guard says there are no reports of a missing person in the area.

“We always recommend waterway users to write their contact information on their property,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Casey Probert, a Sector Honolulu watchstander. “We treat every found kayak, paddle board, and dive float as if there is someone in trouble. If properly marked, we can contact the owner quickly and identify any need for assistance.”

The incident was reported at 12:09 p.m. by a good Samaritan who located the adrift paddle board and reported it.

Sector Honolulu watchstanders issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast notice to mariners requesting crews keep a sharp lookout while transiting the area.

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, the Coast Guard asks that if kayaks, surfboards, paddle boards, or safety equipment such as lifejackets are lost, that owners file a report with the Coast Guard to help search and rescue specialists deconflict possible distress reports.

The weather on scene is currently winds of 25 mph and seas about three to eight feet.