Search called off for missing kayaker off Nantucket

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Updated June 25

The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended its search for a missing kayaker off the coast of Nantucket, a spokesman has confirmed. The search ended at 11 am Tuesday, Petty Officer Zachary Hupp told The Times. The Coast Guard has identified the missing man as Vitaly Filiutovich.

The kayaker went missing at about 3:30 pm Sunday when a person from shore lost sight of him, Hupp said. The Coast Guard was alerted and began its search at 4:30 pm Sunday and found an empty kayak about a mile and a half offshore with the man missing, Hupp said.

Winds were described at 15-20 knots on Sunday and seas were 2-to-3 feet, Hupp said. 

The kayak left from the east side of Nantucket, Hupp said. A person on shore reported the man missing.

Hupp said three 87-foot Coast Guard cutters, some smaller vessels, and air assets were all involved in the search. “He was reported to be wearing a life jacket,” Hupp said of the missing kayaker.

Updated with the news that the Coast Guard has called off the search.