Photo courtesy Honolulu Fire Department.
HONOLULU — The Coast Guard is seeking the public's help in identifying the owner of a red and green surfboard found a quarter mile off Waikiki Beach, Sunday.
The surfboard is described as 10-feet long, red and green with a yellow sun on the underside.
Anyone with information that may help identify the owner of the surfboard is asked to contact the Coast Guard Sector Honolulu Command Center at 808-842-2600.
Watchstanders at the Sector Honolulu Command Center received a report at 7:45 p.m., from a crews with the Honolulu Fire Department who had recovered the surfboard. It was found in good condition without a leash.
HFD personnel became aware of the situation at 7 p.m. and launched crews to search for a possible person in the water. They conducted a search with helicopter and jets crews with no sighting of distress. The Coast Guard is currently searching with an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point and will likely conduct a search at first light as well.
Sector Honolulu has issued an urgent marine information broadcast notice to mariners. There are currently no reported signs of distress or missing persons in the area.
"The nature of our beautiful coastlines encourages visitors and local residents alike into the water. We encourage preparedness and caution as the Pacific is a dynamic, unforgiving environment. The Coast Guard values our strong relationship with the Honolulu Fire Department and we work together to effectively and thoroughly respond to reports of people in the water and adrift watercraft," said Lt. Patrick Frain, a command duty officer at the Coast Guard Sector Honolulu Command Center.
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.