MILFORD, Conn. The Coast Guard strongly urges surfers, kayakers and paddle boarders to heed warnings to stay off the water, following a search for a missing kayaker south of Charles Island near Milford, Conn., today.
The missing man, 23-year-old Jett Kumweide, and his partner left Milford this morning on their kayaks.
At approximately 9:30 a.m. Kumweide’s kayaking partner, contacted Coast Guard Station New Haven, Conn., that he witnessed his friend fall out of his kayak and go under water just south of Charles Island. He was last seen wearing a red t-shirt and jeans.
An Mh-60T Jayhawk helicopter aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod, Mass. and a 45-foot rescue boatcrew from Station New Haven are searching for the man, who was reportedly not wearing a life jacket.
Milford Fire and Police departments, along with Fairfield Police department, are also searching.
“We are actively searching for the missing kayaker along with our partner agencies and are hopeful to find him before the weather conditions significantly deteriorate” said Lt. Jeff Janaro, a spokesperson for the Coast Guard.
His partner was taken to a local hospital where he is being treated for hypothermia.
The Coast Guard’s search and rescue capabilities degrade as storm conditions strengthen. This means help could be delayed. That is why boaters and beach goers should heed to weather watches, warnings and advisories.
