The United States Coast Guard is seeking the public’s help in identifying two boaters who were seen in a possible distress situation just off Kalalau Beach on Monday. The Coast Guard Sector Command Center received a call at 6:30 p.m.
The United States Coast Guard is seeking the public’s help in identifying two boaters who were seen in a possible distress situation just off Kalalau Beach on Monday.
The Coast Guard Sector Command Center received a call at 6:30 p.m. from a concerned hiker who observed two people in a small inflatable boat with an outboard engine striking a reef just off the beach, the agency said in a news release.
The hiker reported the boaters were paddling their 8-foot, black, inflatable boat out to sea towards Haena Beach Park.
The boaters were also observed unsuccessfully attempting to restart their engine.
Coast Guard Station Kauai coordinated efforts with Kauai Police and Fire Departments to check boat ramps and landing areas along the coast to verify the safety of the two men, but have yet to find anyone matching the description. An H-65 Dolphin helicopter from Air Station Barber’s Point was launched and began searching for the boat that may be in distress at approximately 10:30 p.m., but could not locate them.
The cutter Galveston Island from Honolulu arrived on the Napali Coast at 6 a.m. Tuesday to join the ongoing search effort.
Anyone with information regarding these two boaters’ whereabouts or safety is requested to contact the Coast Guard Command Center at (808) 842 2600.
