Coast Guard searching for possible missing kayaker off Plum Island

PLUM ISLAND (WABC) -- Boat crews from Coast Guard Station Montauk and an air crew from Air Station Cape Cod are searching for a possible person in the water off of Plum Island Tuesday night.

The Coast Guard was alerted of potential distress by a Good Samaritan fishing in the area, who reported an overturned kayak off of East Point, Plum Island at approximately 3:20 p.m.

Currently, it is unclear whether there is anyone in distress, though the kayak did show signs of being previously occupied.

"We treat every case of an adrift vessel as a search and rescue case until we can confirm otherwise", said Commander Andrew Ely, Chief of Response for Sector Long Island Sound. "In this particular case, there are signs which point to the vessel being operated and not just washing off with the tide, which is a matter for concern. If we can identify any characteristics about the user or fill in any timeline details, it can greatly assist us in narrowing our search to the most likely areas".

The kayak was identified as a red, Pelican kayak which is 12 feet in length with a hull identification number of: CAZEP10662D515. Fishing poles and food were found aboard.

If you have any information, which may assist the Coast Guard, please contact the Sector Long Island Sound Command Center at (203) 468-4444.