Coast Guard, Maui Fire Department searching for missing kayaker off Maui

HI, UNITED STATES

02.18.2018

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Amanda Wyrick    

U.S. Coast Guard District 14 Hawaii Pacific

HONOLULU — The Coast Guard is searching for a missing kayaker off Olowalu Beach, Maui, Sunday.

The 62-year-old woman, Jill Lee, was reportedly kayaking in her pink kayak with a friend when weather separated them around 4 p.m. A 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crew from Coast Guard Station Maui launched to search the area and Maui Fire Department is also assisting in the search.

The crew aboard U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Galveston Island (WPB 1349), homeported in Honolulu, and an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew from Air Station Barbers Point is also en route to assist in the search.

At 7:20 p.m., watchstanders at the Coast Guard Sector Honolulu command center received a call from Maui dispatch notifying them of the missing kayaker. Maui dispatch was originally notified by Lee’s friend who came ashore looking for her thinking she may have paddled in on her own.

Sector Honolulu watchstanders issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast notice to mariners advising the public to keep a sharp lookout and to report any sightings to the command center at 808-842-2600 or over VHF-FM channel 16.

Weather on scene is forecast as 20 mph winds, with heavy rain and 3-foot seas.

-USCG-

• Date Taken: 02.18.2018
• Date Posted: 02.19.2018 17:25
• Story ID: 266481
• Location: HI, US