Search sparked after kayak abandoned in Weymouth inlet

Police want to hear from the owner of this kayak which was found in the Pahurehure Channel near Weymouth. Photo / Supplied

Police are urgently trying to find the owner of a kayak that was abandoned off the coast of Auckland.

A police spokesperson said they were told just after 3.30pm today of a kayak that appeared to have overturned with one person in it near Lawsons Way, Weymouth.

The police Eagle helicopter was called to search between Weymouth and Shark Island.

However, Carolyn Caukwell of northern region Coastguard said they discovered the kayak had been anchored about 200m offshore in the Pahurehure Channel.

They didn't believe anyone was missing but a search of the area, currently near low tide, was being carried out.

The kayak was also being towed back to shore.

"Our vessel from Papakura Coastguard is under way and making investigations but we are confident that there is nobody outstanding."

Caukwell said the lost kayak was a timely reminder for anyone who owns anything that floats on water to put their name on it, so it could be returned.

"There's no name, no identification on it and this is something that we run into a lot. If there was a message it would be to put some sort of identification on floatable water equipment, including a name or phone number - just some way to identify it because it does leave the emergency services trying to decide, are they looking for somebody or is it something that's floated away off a beach.

"If you got something that floats in the ocean can you put your name on it because it would make all our lives a lot easier."

The owner or anyone who recognises the kayak is asked to contact police on 0800 10 28 35.