The Coast Guard is searching for a possible missing person approximately one mile offshore from Kilauea Lighthouse, Kauai.
Watchstanders at the Coast Guard Sector Honolulu Command Center received notification from a good Samaritan at 1:20 p.m. Tuesday of an adrift white inflatable boat. There are no missing persons or distress reports in the area.
Sector Honolulu launched a 45-foot Response Boat – Medium crew from Coast Guard Station Kauai and an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Air Station Barbers Point to conduct a search of the area.
The Coast Guard advises the public to register and label all watercraft and equipment with contact information in order to quickly account for owners and prevent any unnecessary searches.
Through the Operation Paddle Smart program, the Coast Guard offers a free “If Found” decal to be placed in a visible location on small, human-powered watercraft. The information on the sticker can allow response entities to quickly identify the vessel’s owner and aid search and rescue planners in determining the best course of action.
The stickers 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.
Anyone with information that may help identify the kayak owner should call the Coast Guard Sector Honolulu Command Center at 842-2600.