The
Coast Guard is searching for a possible missing person after this
surfboard washed ashore near White Plains Beach, Oahu, April 22, 2015.
(U.S. Coast Guard courtesy photo.)
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.