Coast Guard searches for missing kayaker

The Coast Guard and several local police agencies are searching for a missing kayaker near the Jacksonville Beach Pier.

Friends of Garth Sangree said the 22-year-old planned to go kayaking Saturday, but never showed up for church the next day.

“Garth is part of the worship team at the church, he was supposed to play drums this morning but didn't show up, which is unusual for him,” said Chets Creek Church minister Mark Smith.

Sangree was last seen Friday evening, but his truck was spotted on 16^th Avenue South in Jacksonville Beach.

WOKV contacted a Coast Guard spokesperson around 4 a.m. Monday.  Crews were searching off the coast of Jax Beach in the area between 10 miles north of the St. Johns River and 30 miles south, according the spokesperson.

Sangree was said to be paddling a lime green and white kayak.  The Coast Guard described him as a white male, 6’2 and weighing about 160 pounds.

Anyone with information on Sangree’s whereabouts is asked to call the Sector Jacksonville command center at 904-564-7500, and select option zero.