The Coast Guard is searching for the owner or operator of an unmanned adrift 13-foot blue skiff found in the vicinity of the sand bar near Kaneohe Bay, Oahu, Feb. 27, 2016. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)
HONOLULU — The Coast Guard is searching for the owner or operator of an unmanned adrift 13-foot blue skiff found in the vicinity of the sand bar near Kaneohe Bay, Oahu, Saturday.
Anyone with information that may help identify the owner or operator of the skiff is asked to contact the Coast Guard Sector Honolulu Command Center at 808-842-2600.
An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point searched the area along with a Navy Waterfront Operations small boat crew and Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services personnel. Sector Honolulu issued an urgent marine information broadcast notice to mariners.
Watchstanders at the Sector Honolulu Command Center received a report at 11:35 a.m., from a good Samaritan transiting the area stating he located an unmanned adrift skiff.
A bail bucket, umbrella, and a bamboo pole were located inside. There are no identifiable markings or numbers on the skiff with the exception of an outboard 9.9HP Johnson Motor.
There are currently no reported signs of distress or missing persons in the area.
The Coast Guard offers free “If Found” decals to be placed in a visible location 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. Positive identification may also allow the item to be returned to the owner.
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.
