Coast Guard seeks public’s help identifying owner of dinghy found swamped off Oahu

Photo By Petty Officer 3rd Class Tori Barrett | The Coast Guard is seeking the public’s help identifying the owner of a blue and white dinghy found swamped four miles south of Ewa, June 19, 2019. The dingy was found by a good Samaritan who then contacted Sector Honolulu watchstanders. (U.S. Coast Guard courtesy photo/Released)  

HONOLULU, HI, UNITED STATES

06.19.2019

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Matthew West 

U.S. Coast Guard District 14 Hawaii Pacific

HONOLULU — The Coast Guard is seeking the public’s help identifying the owner of a blue and white dinghy found swamped four miles south of Ewa, Wednesday.

A Coast Guard Auxiliary aircrew conducted a search of the area, and Sector Honolulu watchstanders issued a Hazard to Navigation notice to mariners regarding the dinghy.

There are currently no reports of missing persons in the area.  Anyone with information regarding the identity of the owner is asked to contact Sector Honolulu at 808-842-2600.

At 11 a.m., Sector Honolulu watchstanders received a report from a good Samaritan stating they found the swamped dinghy about four miles off of Ewa Beach with no means of propulsion aboard. Sector Honolulu watchstanders issued Urgent Marine Information Broadcast Notice to mariners requesting those transiting the area to keep a sharp lookout for signs of distress and diverted the Coast Guard Auxiliary aircrew from their training nearby to search.

There remain no signs of distress, and Sector Honolulu watchstanders issued the hazard to navigation notification. The weather on scene is winds of 18 mph and seas up to 2-feet.

The Coast Guard offers free “If Found” decals to mark gear or you write directly on it. The information can allow responders to determine if someone is in distress more quickly and help get your equipment back to you. The labels 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. Similarly, if you lose kayaks, surfboard or safety equipment such as lifejackets, please report it to the Coast Guard to help our search and rescue specialists deconflict possible distress reports.

• Date Taken: 06.19.2019
• Date Posted: 06.19.2019 21:55
• Story ID: 328426
• Location: HONOLULU, HI, US