Kayaker Believed Missing off New Haven Shore Found Safe

A missing kayaker that prompted a search of the Long Island Sound off Lighthouse Point in New Haven has been found safe.

The United State Coast Guard reports that a male kayaker was out fishing Sunday morning when his vessel began taking on water. He chose to abandon the boat and swim to shore.

Meanwhile the green kayak drifted onto rocks and a good Samaritan reported spotting the unmanned vessel to the USCG around 12:30 p.m. Crews from USCG Station New Haven responded and located the kayak, along with a fishing pole, bait and a catch onboard. At that point crews began searching for a possible missing person in the water.

An MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter and HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircraft crew from USGC Station Cape Cod were launched to assist. The New Haven Fire Department and West Haven Police Department marine units also responded to assist in the search, which went on for several hours.

When the boater saw news reports of the search Sunday evening, he called in to local police to explain the situation and let them know he was safe on land. USCG officials then confirmed with the boater at 7:30 p.m. and called off the search late Sunday evening.

The USCG offers free "If Found" decals for human-powered watercrafts to allow authorities to quickly identify a vessel's owner, which aids search efforts. The decals also allow vessels and items to be returned to the proper owner.

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