Coast Guard calls off search after missing surfboard’s owner is found

The Coast Guard called off a search for a possible missing surfer near Diamond Head Friday, after the owner of a surfboard that was found adrift contacted the Coast Guard after seeing her board on local news reports.

The owner told the Coast Guard that the board had recently been lost while surfing. 

The surfboard, with a broken leash, was found by the crew of a 45-foot response boat from Coast Guard Station Honolulu, who were conducting training in the area.

The finding of the board prompted a search. The Coast Guard Cutter Galveston Island and an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point assisted with the search.

“The importance of labeling personal watercraft can’t be emphasized enough,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Stephanie Sherry. “With a simple name or phone number, the Coast Guard and local first responders can locate the owner, limit unnecessary search and rescue cases and assist in returning property when possible.”