MEDIA RELEASE

HONOLULU — The Coast Guard is seeking the public’s help in identifying the owner of an adrift green kayak spotted 19 miles southwest of Kapoho Bay, Big Island, Tuesday.

The kayak remains adrift at this time, to be recovered later as crews continue their existing searches.

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

Watchstanders at the Sector Honolulu Command Center received a report at 9 a.m., from a Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew searching for a missing free diver off Big Island that they had located an unmanned adrift green kayak with no identifying marks.
“The Coast Guard encourages boaters and waterway users 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,” said Lt.j.g. Nicholas Spence, Coast Guard Sector Honolulu command duty officer. “In addition, attaching your contact information to your watercraft will help in identifying the ownership of vessels when they are found adrift.”

A high surf warning is in effect for north and west facing shores of the main Hawaiian Islands with the highest surf expected Tuesday afternoon and evening. 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, pose a significant danger to beachgoers, swimmers, bodyboarders and surfers.