Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Kitesurfer reported missing - search called off

A kitesurfer was been reported missing at 11:15am on Tuesday 21/7 after an abandoned kite was found near the Esplanade in St Kilda and a kiteboard was found washed up at Brighton Beach.

Here is photo of the kite (source: Victoria Police, via The Age)



If this is your gear or you know who owns it, please contact Victoria Police to advise them.

The search has been called off as Police believe that someone has abandoned this gear but made it to shore.

Make sure you write your name and phone number on all your kites and boards you can be contacted if they are found!

Update 22/7:  I advised the Water Police that a Seabreeze user had seen the kiter on the shore and got this feedback from them:
  • They eventually managed to establish that the kitesurfer made it in and called off the search. 
  • They do get a few of these jobs and activate all assets straight away whilst establishing the safety/whereabouts of the missing person. 
  • They often get people telling them they saw the MP make it in but until they have confirmation or are confident of witness evidence then they continue to search. 
  • Their job would be MUCH easier if the kitesurfer involved or someone else rang triple 0 to let them know he/she was OK. 
If in doubt, call it in. You may save $thousands. Air time for choppers is very expensive and best avoided.
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