Unmanned Dinghy Located Adrift off Maui

The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) said it is seeking the public’s assistance after receiving a report of an unmanned adrift, black and grey inflatable dinghy offshore approximately two and a half miles west of Kaanapali, Maui, Monday.

The passenger ferry Molokai Princess reported the dinghy adrift at approximately 7:45 a.m., and took it in tow back to Kaunakakai Harbor, Molokai. The dinghy is approximately 10 feet long with a 6-horsepower outboard engine. There are no markings on the vessel, the oars and equipment in the dinghy appear to be stowed and it appeared to have broken free from another vessel.

No one has been reported missing or in distress in the area.

USCG advises the public to register and label all watercraft and equipment with contact information in order to quickly account for owners and prevent any unnecessary searches.

Through the Operation Paddle Smart program, the Coast Guard offers a free "If Found" decal to be placed in a visible location on small, human-powered watercraft.  The information on the sticker can allow response entities to quickly identify the vessel's owner and aid search and rescue planners in determining the best course of action. The stickers can be obtained for free at local harbormasters, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, from Honolulu Sail and Power Squadron offices and at select marine retail and supply stores.

The Coast Guard asked that anyone with information that may help identify the owner of the dinghy is asked to contact the USCG Sector Honolulu Command Center at (808) 842-2600.

uscgnews.com