Coast Guard ends search for missing kayaker after being found safe

NEW YORK — Crews from the Coast Guard and local agencies ended their search for a possible missing kayaker near Lighthouse Point Park in New Haven, Connecticut, Sunday.

The kayaker contacted watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound at approximately 7:30 p.m. Sunday, to report he was not in distress and was unaware his Kayak had been located.

The Kayaker started he had been fishing early morning Sunday, when his kayak began taking on water. He climbed out of the kayak, got into the water and swam to the beach, leaving the Kayak partially submerged off the coast of Lighthouse Point Park.

The man contacted the Coast Guard after seeing photos of his kayak online and learning of the ongoing search for him.

The search commenced at approximately 12:30 p.m. Sunday, when watchstanders at Sector Long Island Sound received a call from a good Samaritan reporting an unmanned bright green, one-person kayak had drifted onto the rocks at Lighthouse Point Park.

Response crews that have assisted with this search:

· Coast Guard Station New Haven

· Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter

· Air Station Cape Cod HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircraft

· New Haven Fire Department

· West Haven Police Department

The Coast Guard offers free “If Found” decals to be placed in a visible location on small, human-powered watercraft, through the Coast Guard Auxiliary.

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. Positive identification may also allow the item to be returned to the owner.


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