A search for a missing kayaker off a popular Texas coast destination was suspended during Labor Day weekend after hours of searching.
The U.S. Coast Guard searched for a missing kayaker off South Padre Island on Saturday, September 5, before suspending its six-hour search, Coast Guard Public Affairs Specialist Edward Wargo told ValleyCentral.
Coast Guard Sector Corpus Christi received a report of a missing kayaker around 4:30 p.m. Saturday. KRGV reports beachgoers and lifeguards near Beach Access #6 spotted a man in a kayak about 400 yards offshore before losing sight of him. The empty kayak remained visible, but the paddler could not be found.
"We covered 168 nautical miles, with two aircraft and one boat, before handing off the search efforts to the park rangers and Cameron County Beach Patrol," Wargo told ValleyCentral.
The Coast Guard suspended its search pending further developments.
Wargo urged beachgoers to use caution around currents, particularly during stormy weather, according to ValleyCentral. He recommended carrying safety equipment, wearing a Coast Guard-approved life jacket and creating a float plan so others know where they are.
MySA has reached out to the U.S. Coast Guard for additional information and updates.
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This article originally published at Coast Guard suspends search for missing kayaker off Texas coast.