Coast Guard searches for missing kayaker off Hawaii island
The U.S. Coast Guard is searching for a kayaker reported missing over the weekend off the west side of Hawaii island.
The Coast Guard in Honolulu received a call at about 10 a.m. Sunday from the Hawaii County Fire Department for an unmanned kayak about 400 yards offshore from Keauhou.
The fire department identified the missing man as Jared Willeford, 42, who was last seen launching a yellow kayak into the ocean at about 8 a.m. Sunday.
Willeford’s family confirmed that his truck and trailer were still at the Keauhou boat ramp in Kailua-Kona. He was last seen wearing orange bib pants, the Coast Guard said.
USCG officials said they issued an urgent marine information broadcast and launched an HC-130 Hercules airplane crew from Barbers Point, along with an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew to search for Willeford.
Anyone with information should contact the Coast Guard on VHF-FM channel 16 or the Sector Honolulu command center at 808-842-2600.
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