Coast Guard Suspends Search for Missing South Padre Island Kayaker

GULF COAST, Texas (TXAN 24) — The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended its search for a kayaker who disappeared off South Padre Island during Labor Day weekend.

The kayaker was last seen Saturday afternoon about 400 yards offshore near Beach Access No. 6. Beachgoers and lifeguards reported seeing the person before losing sight of them.

Search crews later located the empty kayak, but the kayaker was not found.

The Coast Guard conducted an extensive search using two aircraft and a boat, covering roughly 168 nautical miles before turning the operation over to park rangers and the Cameron County Beach Patrol.

The kayaker’s identity has not been publicly released.

Coast Guard officials are reminding people heading into the Gulf to take water safety seriously, particularly when weather and currents can change quickly.

Officials recommend wearing a Coast Guard-approved life jacket, carrying appropriate safety equipment and filing a float plan so someone knows where you are going and when you are expected to return.

Strong coastal currents can create dangerous conditions even when the water appears calm.

The Coast Guard said the search could resume if new information becomes available.