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Empty kayak found floating in ocean off Hawaii sets off search, Coast Guard says

The owner, Jared Willeford, 42, was seen launching the kayak at about 8 a.m., the agency said. His truck and trailer were found at the nearby boat ramp.
The owner, Jared Willeford, 42, was seen launching the kayak at about 8 a.m., the agency said. His truck and trailer were found at the nearby boat ramp. Photo from U.S. Coast Guard via Facebook

A kayak found empty about 400 yards offshore in Hawaii has led to a search for the missing owner, the U.S. Coast Guard reported.

The yellow kayak was found off Keauhou, Hawaii, at 10:09 a.m. Sunday, April 27, the Coast Guard said in a news release.

The owner, Jared Willeford, 42, was seen launching the kayak at about 8 a.m., the agency said. His truck and trailer were found at the nearby boat ramp.

A Coast Guard airplane and helicopter are assisting in the search, along with the Hawaii County Fire Department, the Coast Guard said.

Helicopter crews continued the search overnight, the Coast Guard said on Facebook.

Rescuers ask anyone with information to call 808-842-2600.

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Don Sweeney
The Sacramento Bee
Don Sweeney has been a newspaper reporter and editor in California for more than 35 years. He is a service reporter based at The Sacramento Bee.
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