Rescuers call off search for missing kayaker off Wailua
Firefighters have called off a search for a missing kayaker reported to be missing off the popular Hammerhead surf spot near Waialua last night.
Three people called reporting to firefighters about the missing kayaker. However, no one has reported the kayaker as a missing person, said Honolulu Fire Department Capt. Earle Kealoha.
The kayaker was first reported missing about 6 p.m. The search, using an engine, rescuers and the Fire Department helicopter, was called off at 7;23 p.m by the incident battalion chief, Kealoha said.
The helicopter combed the area where the kayaker was believed to be and even where the kayaker was likely to drift to, Kealoha said. No one was spotted. Firefighters also combed the beach in search of drag marks that would indicate the kayaker had come on shore.
While the search was on, the fire helicopter went to a report of three surfers caught in a rip tide off Sunset Beach at 6:30 p.m. The surfers were later spotted on the shoreline at 6:56 p.m.