Ghost Ship At Sea: Mysterious Kayak In Distress Report Causes A Stir

CITY OF RYE, NY — A report of a kayaker in trouble led police to mobilize a multi-jurisdictional search and rescue response, but it appears that there was nothing to fear.

The City of Rye Police Department says that on October 24, around 6:45 p.m., they responded to a report of a vessel in distress on the Long Island Sound, in the Transport Rock area. Witnesses told police that they saw a kayak with red and green lights near the Edith Read Sanctuary, but then lost sight of the vessel and feared it had overturned.

City of Rye police and neighboring jurisdictions conducted an extensive search of the area, assisted by the department drone equipped with an infrared thermal imaging camera. Police say the drone images were crucial when clearing large sections of shoreline.

At 10 p.m., police made the decision to suspend the search, pending further information.

City of Rye police say they do not have any reports of overdue or missing parties, and therefore believe the original report appears to be unfounded.

The City of Rye Police Department thanked several agencies for their help, including the Greenwich Police Marine Unit, the Mamaroneck Police Marine Unit, the New Rochelle Police Harbor Unit and the Westchester County Police Aviation Unit.