APRIL 23, 2015
HONOLULU — The Coast Guard is searching for a possible missing person near White Plains Beach, Oahu, Wednesday.
Watchstanders at the Coast Guard Sector Honolulu Command Center
received notification from the Honolulu Fire Department at 5:37 p.m.
that an unmanned surfboard washed ashore at Nimitz Beach near White
Plains.
The Tanaka surfboard is seven feet long and white in color with no leash attached.
There are no missing persons or distress reports in the area.
An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew launched from Air Station Barbers
Point and arrived on scene at 6:20 p.m. The crew is currently searching
for any signs of distress in the area.
Honolulu Fire Department also searched until sunset with one rescue boat and jet ski and conducted interviews on the beach.
The Coast Guard advises the public to label all watercraft and
equipment with contact information in order to quickly account for
owners and prevent any unnecessary searches.
Through the Operation Paddle Smart program, the Coast Guard offers a
free “If Found” decal to be placed in a visible location on small,
human-powered watercraft. The information on the sticker can allow
response entities to quickly identify the 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, from Honolulu Sail and Power Squadron
offices and at select marine retail and supply stores.
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.