A sticker helped Coast Guard and local police find a missing marine biologist in Hawaii.

Kauai Police officers found Terry Lilley, 64, safe on the island’s north shore at 5:13 p.m. Tuesday. Coast Guard watchstanders at Sector Honolulu had received a call for assistance from Kauai Fire at 3:40 p.m. on the same day to help find the researcher.

They reported discovering a green kayak about two miles offshore. It had been labeled and belonged to Lilley, a well-known marine biologist who lives there.

That triggered a search from a Coast Guard HC-130 Hercules plane and two MH-65 Dolphin rescue helicopters flown from Air Station Barbers Point. The cutter Ahi sailed from Honolulu and a 45-foot motor lifeboat departed Station Kauai, according to a Wednesday morning update emailed to Navy Times.

They were joined by Kauai firefighters and Jet Ski operators from Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services.

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By Carl Prine

The weather gave them hope. Forecasters reported that the waters off Kauai were experiencing winds at 15 miles per hour, with light scattered showers and waves cresting at 5 feet.

But it was the sticker that helped them find Lilley and reunite him with the stray kayak.

Stickers on kayaks, canoes and other small craft can aid rescuers. (Coast Guard)

“We’re pleased to learn Lilley is safe,” said Sam Gardner, a search and rescue controller with Coast Guard Sector Honolulu, in a written statement emailed to Navy Times.

“The fact this kayak has a label with a name and phone number was extremely valuable. This information on your gear can significantly reduce the time it takes to determine who is missing and allows us to concentrate the right resources to bring you home.”

About Carl Prine

Prine came to Navy Times after stints at the San Diego Union-Tribune and Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. He served in the Marine Corps and the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. His awards include the Joseph Galloway Award for Distinguished Reporting on the military, a first prize from Investigative Reporters & Editors and the Combat Infantryman Badge.

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