Police are appealing for information that will help identify the owner of this kayak that was located washed up at Inconstant Point, just north of Pencarrow Head near the Wellington Harbour entrance this afternoon.
The kayak is approximately 2.5 metres long and is made of fibreglass; it has a yellow topside and white hull, and has no rudder or hatches. It has a sticker on the front labeled "Insane". It was partially filled with water, but does not appear to have been in the water for long.
Inside the kayak was a plastic bag containing a black hooded sweatshirt with "USA' in orange letters and a US flag on the front. Two grey socks were also located with the kayak.
A home-made paddle was found last night by shore searchers close to where the kayak was washed ashore.
Police also located a red nylon duffel bag washed up on shore approximately 1 km south of the kayak. The bag contains a faded red synthetic sleeping bag wrapped in a plastic bag, a black woolen jersey with leather patches in another plastic bag, a pair of grey fleece trackpants and a New World supermarket bag containing a sandwich.
Police believe the 3 items are connected, and the kayaker has fallen out of the kayak somewhere in the Harbour. However, an extensive sea and air search of Wellington Harbour and Entrance yesterday failed to locate the kayaker.
Anyone with information that will help identify and locate the owner of the kayak is asked to contact Wellington Police on 381 2000.
Jo Holden
Sergeant
Search and Rescue
Wellington DHQ Police