Marine radio broadcasts were made to notify crafts in the area of the missing kayaker. Each vessel involved in the search was assigned a specific area centered around the last known position of the missing kayaker. Forty-five minutes later he was found disoriented but safe. His location was north of Owen and east of Lovett Island, well out of sight of Clarke Island. Coast Guard returned him to his relieved friends back at the campsite.
Searches take time and amassing vessels to participate in a search is also time consuming.
Of the vessels tasked for this search, one was still proceeding to its search position when the kayaker was rescued. The helicopter, although tasked, had an estimated time of arrival of 1.5 hours as it required refueling and maintainence. As a result it never even left the ground. It is important to note that Search and Rescue resources are stretched to cover an enormous area, and once a helicopter is dispatched out on a search it is unavailable for any other emergencies. Nor are communications constant.