Video: Kayaker Returns To Bermuda After Rescue
[Updating] A search operation – involving the Bermuda Police, Bermuda Regiment Coast Guard and an aircraft from the United States Coast Guard — is underway after a 58-year-old man was reported missing after being seen leaving in a kayak.
A Bermuda Maritime Operations Centre spokesperson said, “RCC Bermuda receives a 911 call from front desk staff at the Reefs Hotel advising that a 58-year-old male hotel guest had left the hotel beach on a two person blue rental kayak around midday but has so far not returned. The individual is reportedly wearing blue swim shorts and had a life jacket and was last seen headed in an Easterly direction along shoreline towards Horseshoe Bay.
“Weather conditions are concerning given continued northerly winds of 20-30 kts with higher gusts. Police Service land units are requested to check area for any sightings from ashore, while an RBR-Coastguard marine unit is tasked by RCC to proceed to the area with 3 crew to search ahead of sunset.
“Bermuda Radio commences Pan Pan urgent marine information broadcasts regarding the missing kayaker and diverts the departing 56 meter sailing vessel Apsara west along the south shore 3 miles from shore with negative sightings reported. With nothing sighted from ashore or in the immediate coastal area, RCC Bermuda contacts RCC Norfolk regarding use of a USCG fixed wing aircraft and generation of a search area.
“C-130 aircraft tasking from Elizabeth City, North Carolina for a night-time search is confirmed and the aircraft arrives in the area off of Horseshoe Bay to commence it’s search at 10:50 pm. The C-130 completed two search patterns by 2:00am Nov 5th covering some 270 square miles with negative sightings before returning to its base in North Carolina.”
“A second air search is planned for 11:00am this morning supported by a diverted LNG Tanker, Marine and Ports pilot boat, RBR-Coastguard vessel, a Fisheries patrol vessel and Police land units. Update: Second USCG C-130 aircraft commences search on South shore at 10:50am.”
In a statement yesterday, a police spokesperson said, “The Bermuda Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance in locating 57-year-old South Korea National, Hyoung Park.
“Mr. Park was last seen at approximately 11:45 a.m. on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, boarding a kayak, similar to the one pictured and heading out into in the water just off of the Reefs Hotel beach and traveling in an easterly direction along the South Shore.
“Mr. Park is described as being 5ft 6in in height, medium build with black hair. When last seen, he was wearing blue swim trunks and and a light-blue marble print tshirt. He may eventually have put on a life-vest similar to the ones pictured.
“Police and Royal Bermuda Regiment personnel conducted extensive searches along the shoreline looking for Mr Park.
“The search was called off shortly before 8:00 this evening, due to darkness and high winds. The search is expected to resume at first light, tomorrow, Wednesday, November 4, 2025
“If you have any information on the whereabouts of Mr. Park, please call 211 or, the main police number, 295-0011.”
Update: BMOC said, “The 300 meter long Bermuda registered Liquid Natural Gas carrier AKTORAS that had completed a crew transfer off of the east of Bermuda earlier this morning is now further assisting the USCG aircraft with their search south of the island, prior to resuming her voyage from the USA to Poland fullen laden with LNG.
Update #2: BMOC said, “US Coast Guard C-130 reports sighting missing kayak 26 miles South of Gibbs Hill and orbiting kayak position. RCC Bermuda diverting nearby tanker AKTORAS to aircraft position for recovery of survivor.”
Update Nov 5, 5.38pm: A police spokesperson said, “The Bermuda Police Service [BPS] can confirm that 57-year-old South Korea National, Hyoung Park who was reported missing after going kayaking in waters off the South Shore around 11:45 a.m. on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, has been located.
“Mr. Park was spotted by a United States Coast Guard aircraft in waters approximately 25 miles south of Bermuda around 1:45 this afternoon.
“The aircraft has been assisting with the search for Mr. Park since yesterday, working alongside the BPS, the Royal Bermuda Regiment, and a Marine and Ports pilot boat.
“The Bermuda registered Liquid Natural Gas carrier Aktoras, which had completed a crew transfer just east of Bermuda earlier this morning and was headed back to the U.S., was contacted by Bermuda Maritime Operations Centre and joined in the search.
“The Aktoras was subsequently alerted to Mr. Park’s location and he is now on board the vessel, which is now making its way back to Bermuda.”
Update Nov 5, 6.05pm: A statement from the Reefs Hotel said, “We are grateful and relieved that our guest, Mr. Park, has been found safe following the extensive search carried out by the Bermuda Police Service, the Royal Bermuda Regiment, the Bermuda Coast Guard, and the US Coast Guard.
“We extend our sincere thanks to the first responders for their tireless efforts, professionalism, and care throughout the search operation, and to our guests and the community for their understanding and compassion over the past two days.
“Mr. Park and his family are, and have been, receiving our full support, and we ask that their privacy continue to be respected as they take time to recover.”
