Search held for missing kayaker on Detroit River by US Coast Guard

FOX 2 (WJBK) - The US Coast Guard spent Sunday searching for a missing 63-year-old man on the Detroit River. After resuming the search at first light Monday, by 11 a.m. a representative from the Coast Guard said it had been called off and there were no plans to resume it. 

James Kuntz was on the water in his red kayak when he was reported missing Sunday.  He was seen Friday at the Detroit Yacht Club wearing a Hawaiian shirt.

On Sunday a US Coast Guard Sector Detroit issued an urgent marine information broadcast. A Coast Guard station Belle Isle small boat and a helicopter crew were used in the search.

"This morning we had the first flight search at 8 a.m. and we searched until about lunchtime," said Petty Officer Karlie Milliken. "If there is any information about this missing individual, all you have to do is contact Coast Guard or Station Belle Isle."

Members of the Coast Guard admit these searching can be emotionally difficult

"There’s a lot of emotions involved," Milliken said. "I’ve been doing this for almost 9 years. when that alarm goes off, there’s a lot of emotions that’s a human life out there and that’s what we’re here to do save lives."

Anyone with information to assist search efforts should contact Sector Detroit at 313-568-9560.

A public Facebook post about missing kayaker James Kuntz.

As the summer months approach and people gear up for boating and other water activities the Coast Guard has this warning.

"Our motto is always ready. I think people should be always ready to have their life jacket, their fire extinguisher file, a float plan, and that consists of where you’re going and letting someone know when you will be back," she said. "So if something does happen they can give us a call and we can get them back to their family."