Police search called off after kayak submerged

Police last night called off an extensive search of the Bay View coastline after a partially submerged kayak was found about 20m offshore yesterday afternoon.

"No news has come in about it," Napier Police Senior Sergeant Sarah Stewart said today.

"No one has been reported missing to us."

The distinctive red "Dagger" brand river kayak was spotted about 2.30pm - and police alerted the Hawke's Bay Coastguard.

A search of the immediate area, off Gill Rd where it was first spotted and Onehunga Rd where it was recovered, was carried out.

A fixed wing aircraft was also engaged in the search and police officers went door to door along the stretch asking residents if they knew of anyone who had gone kayaking or who owned a similar kayak.

"We carried out a thorough search of the whole area and nothing was found," Ms Stewart said.

She said while no reports of someone gone missing had come in police wanted to completely rule out misadventure and want to hear from anyone who recognises the kayak and where it may have come from.

She added the discovery was also a good time to reinforce the important message of kayakers and boaties letting someone know where they were going and what time they were expected to get back.

Anyone with any information about the kayak is asked to contact police on 831 0700.