Saturday, June 13, 2020
Update: Officials Suspend Search and Rescue Operation of Missing Kayaker
Posted
By Kym Kemp and Iridian Casarez
on Sat, Jun 13, 2020 at 1:34 PM
Update: The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended the search and rescue operation for Nicholas Brunner who went missing while kayaking yesterday at Trinidad Harbor.
“Suspending a search is not a decision we make lightly,” Capt. Mark Hiigel, Coast Guard Sector Humboldt Bay commander said in the release. “It is only after we have over-saturated every possible area that we even consider making this call. Our thoughts are with Brunner's family during this time of hardship.”
Brunner's family told officials that he had gone kayaking at 6 a.m. but had yet to return around 4 p.m.
According to the release, the search was suspended after the Coast Guard boat and aircrews, Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office and California State Parks, conducted extensive searches of Trinidad Bay covering a total area of 490-square miles and approximately 20 hours.
Read the full release below.
Previous 7: The kayaker who went missing yesterday at Trinidad Harbor has been identified as Nicholas Brunner of McKinleyville. A search and rescue are still underway.
Anyone with information about this case or Brunner’s whereabouts should contact the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at 707-445-7251.
Read the U.S. Coast Guard's release below.
Previous 6: A reader said she found the kayak at about 4:20 p.m. when she found the kayak at Luffenholtz. She sent us these photos.
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Previous 5: "We found his life jacket," said Lt. Mike Fridley of the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office. "They found the boat first and then the lifejacket later...If anyone sees anything, call 911 immediately."
Fridley said that the Coast Guard has a helicopter in the air and a large boat, a Barracuda, in the water.
"State Parks put a boat in also and has two guys on paddleboards [in the water]," Fridley added.
He said the Coast Guard may bring in an additional boat also.
Previous 4: Jason Self says the Coast Guard told him the missing man is 5’7″, 130 lbs with brown hair, and brown eyes. The man was wearing a yellow Vest but not a personal flotation device or life jacket.
Self encourages kayakers to remember to follow safety guidelines. He suggests dressing for immersion, reporting a float plan to others before going, carrying a VHF radio, flares and a strobe to signal for rescue. He also suggests paddling with at least one buddy, or better yet, a group of three.
Also, he reminds kayakers that it is important to read and understanding forecasts, know where to find the information, and what that information means.
Previous 3: The Coast Guard reported over the scanner that the kayak was located near Luffenholtz Beach but the 19-year-old has not been found.
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Previous 2: According to Jason Self who owns Kayak Trinidad, he spoke to the Coast Guard and they told him they are looking for a 19-year-old male in a camo Hobie Outback.
Previous 1: Several lifeguard units and a boat are heading to Trinidad Harbor to search for a missing kayaker, according to a report over the scanner at 4:22 p.m. The kayaker went into the water about 6 a.m. but has failed to return, according to a report made to the State Parks.
The Incident Commander is asking for the Coast Guard to do a flyover. A State Parks Ranger is at Indian Beach speaking with the person who reported the kayaker missing.
MCKINLEYVILLE, Calif. — The Coast Guard, Humboldt County Sheriff's Office suspended their search Saturday for an overdue kayaker who went missing Friday near the Luffenholtz Beach area.
The search for Nicolas Brunner, age 19 of McKinleyville, was suspended after Coast Guard boat and aircrews, Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, and California State Parks, conducted extensive searches of Trinidad Bay covering a total area of 490-square miles and approximately 20 hours.
The following assets were involved with in the search:
Coast Guard Cutter Barracuda
Two Coast Guard Station Humboldt Bay 47-foot Motor Lifeboat crews
Two Coast Guard Air Station Humboldt Bay MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crews
A jet boat and ground search crews from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office
Rescue divers, lifeguards and a boat from California State Parks
“Suspending a search is not a decision we make lightly,” said Capt. Mark Hiigel, Coast Guard Sector Humboldt Bay commander. “It is only after we have over-saturated every possible area that we even consider making this call. Our thoughts are with Brunner's family during this time of hardship.”
The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office received a call at approximately 4:08 p.m., Friday, regarding an overdue kayaker, which coincided with an unmanned kayak found later at Luffenholtz Beach. The Coast Guard was notified shortly after to begin search efforts.
The Coast Guard can resume an active search if credible information is received regarding the missing person’s whereabouts.
Anyone with information about this case or Brunner’s whereabouts should contact the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at (707) 445-7251 or Coast Guard Sector Humboldt Bay watchstanders at (707) 839-6113.
-USCG-
Search and Rescue for Missing Kayaker Nick Brunner
A search and rescue is underway in the Trinidad area for a missing kayaker. On June 12, 2020, at about 4 p.m., the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Emergency Communications Center received a call for service regarding an overdue kayaker.
According to a family member, 19-year-old Nicholas Brunner of McKinleyville left to go kayaking at about 6 a.m. and did not return at the agreed upon time. The family member told dispatchers that Brunner’s vehicle was located parked in the Trinidad Harbor area.
The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, United States Coast Guard and California State Parks responded to begin search and rescue efforts. While on scene, deputies received additional information that a unmanned kayak had been located by a community member in the area of Luffenholtz Beach. A life vest and additional identifying documents for Brunner were located in the area as well. Responding agencies searched for Brunner until dark yesterday evening and continue the search today, June 13. Teams are utilizing multiple boats, rescue divers and a Coast Guard helicopter, in addition to a ground search of the surrounding area.
Nicholas Brunner is described as a white male, approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall, 135 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.
Anyone with information about this case or Brunner’s whereabouts should contact the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office at 707-445-7251.
Tags: Nicholas Brunner, missing kayaker, Trinidad, Trinidad Harbor, Search and rescue, kayaker, kayaking, missing, 19 year-old, Image