×

Coast Guard seeks help identifying owner of canoe

The Maui News – The U.S. Coast Guard is seeking the public’s help identifying the owner of an unmanned canoe found adrift about 1.5 miles off Makena Beach Sunday.

At 11:18 a.m. Sunday, Sector Honolulu Command Center received notification from a good Samaritan about the blue and orange one-man canoe.

A 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crew from Coast Guard Station Maui launched to search the area, while Sector Honolulu issued an urgent marine information broadcast notice to mariners to keep a sharp lookout for signs of distress. There were no reports of missing persons in the area as of Sunday afternoon.

Southeast winds were blowing at about 5 to 9 mph on scene, with waves around 4 feet.

Anyone with information on the owner of the canoe should contact the Coast Guard Sector Honolulu Command Center at (808) 842-2600.

Owners of watersports equipment are encouraged to label their gear with a name and contact information. The Coast Guard offers free “If Found” decals to be placed on small, human-powered watercraft through the Operation Paddle Smart program. 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 and at select marine supply stores.

Anyone who loses a kayak, surfboard or safety equipment such as a life jacket should also report it to the Coast Guard to help search and rescue specialists handle possible distress reports.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper?
     
Support Local Journalism on Maui

Only $99/year

Subscribe Today