UPDATE: US Coast Guard Locates ‘Partially Submerged Yellow Kayak’ in Search for Missing Man

GULF SHORES, Ala. (WCBI) – Gulf Shores, Alabama police and the U.S. Coast Guard continue searching for a missing Starkville man.

John Switzer, 24, was last heard from Sunday while kayak fishing off the coast of Gulf Shores. Police say he was vacationing on the Gulf Coast.

Gulf Shores police say the Alabama Highway Patrol sent an aviation unit to help in the search for Switzer.

A number of aircraft and patrol boats have been searching for Switzer.

/// Below is a press release from Gulf Shores Police Department issued Monday

“The family of John Switzer and Gulf Shores Police Department’s detectives are asking for the public’s help to locate Mr. Switzer.

John Switzer was last heard from on Saturday, January 10, 2015; at approximately 12:30 p.m. Mr. Switzer has not been seen or heard from since. His family is extremely concerned for his welfare.

John Switzer is described as a 24-year-old male white with brown hair and brown eyes. He stands 6 feet 1 inches tall and weighs approximately 183 pounds. John Switzer was staying in the 2900 block of West Beach Blvd. and the last time Mr. Switzer spoke with family he was currently on his kayak fishing.

Detectives are working with the U.S. Coast Guard in this missing person investigation.

Anyone with information on John Switzer’s whereabouts is asked to contact Sgt. Woodruff at 251-968-1238. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to our communications center at 251-968-2431.”

/// Below is a release issued by Gulf Shores police about 11:53 a.m. Tuesday

On Monday, January 12, 2015 at approximately 3:35 p.m., the U.S. Coast Guard located a partially submerged yellow kayak. The kayak is believed to be the same one used by missing person, John Switzer. According to the U.S. Coast Guard the kayak was located between Dauphin Island and Petit Bois Island.

A search by the U.S. Coast Guard continues today.