Search For Missing Lorain Kayakers Called Off

LORAIN, OH — The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended its search for a pair of missing kayakers. The duo went missing Tuesday night and the search was suspended on Wednesday morning. Nicole Launert, 27, and Mike Smith, 30, were missing.

A reporter found the pair's kayaks near Grumpy's Bait and Tackle boat launch, where the duo were expected to return to on Tuesday night. The owner of Grumpy's spurred the search when he reported two of his kayaks were missing.

The Coast Guard spent the evening searching for the kayaks and the missing individuals. The search was closed when the kayaks were located, the Norwalk Reflector reports. (To stay up to date on these stories, subscribe to the Patch Avon-Avon Lake newsletter. As news breaks and the story develops, you will be the first to receive updates from Patch.)

While Smith and Launert have not been found, Fox 8 says, they are no longer considered to be in danger. If the duo dumped the kayaks to avoid paying for their rental, they could face legal action. A great deal of resources were used to try and locate the pair, and the Coast Guard could pursue legal action if and when the couple are found.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources will now lead the investigation into the incident.

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