Outrigger Canoe Found Adrift Near Molokaʻi

Photos courtesy tug crew, Coast Guard Sector Honolulu.

The Coast Guard is seeking the public’s help in identifying the owner of an outrigger canoe found adrift three miles southwest of Lāʻau Point, Molokaʻi on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2015.

Watchstanders at the Sector Honolulu Command Center say they received a report at 7:30 a.m. from a tug boat that recovered the canoe.

The Coast Guard described the canoe as 22-feet long and green with a beige bottom and a dolphin sticker.

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

Photos courtesy tug crew, Coast Guard Sector Honolulu.

“The Coast Guard encourages ocean goers to always file a float plan and leave it with a reliable person who can be depended upon to notify the Coast Guard, or other rescue agency, should you not return or check‐in as planned; or if they lose their water craft to report it to the Coast Guard with a good description” said Chief Petty Officer Chris Florscher, of the Coast Guard Sector Honolulu Command Center.

“In addition, it’s important to label your watercraft with contact information so that, if found adrift, we can help identify the owner and determine whether or not that person is in distress,” he said.

A high surf warning remains in effect for the north and west facing shores of the main Hawaiian Islands.

Mariners and residents are reminded to secure small vessels and personal recreation gear in coastal areas.

Large surf and significant shore break, along with dangerous currents could pose a significant danger to beach goers, swimmers, body boarders and surfers.