Search ends as kayaker calls Coast Guard

The Coast Guard ended its search for a possible missing kayaker after the man called officials Friday morning to let them know that he was safe on shore.

Stand-up paddlers noticed the kayak drifting about a quarter-mile past the breakers near Kualoa Beach Park at about 5:30 p.m., said fire Capt. Terry Seelig. The paddlers eventually went to the kayak, brought it in and notified firefighters who were training in the area.

The 8-foot-long blue kayak contained an empty dive bag, dumbell weight and paddle.

The Coast Guard and the Honolulu Fire Department started searching by air, by sea and on the ground for a possible missing kayaker. The Coast Guard said the man saw reports of the search effort on the morning news and called them at about 7:30 a.m.

The Coast Guard said the kayak’s owner said he was diving Thursday and his kayak had drifted off.

Coast Guard officials say paddlers should mark their equipment with their contact information so that similar situations can be avoided.