Missing local’s kayak found
Published 5:26 pm Thursday, May 23, 2013
A yellow kayak fitting the description of the one James Joseph Kane, III was last seen in when he went missing ten days ago was found on the shoreline on Eglin Air Force Base property on Okaloosa Island around noon Thursday, according to information from the Escambia County (Fla.) Sheriff’s Department.
Kane, the great-nephew of Father Gordon Milsted, who pastors St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church in Atmore, went missing Monday, May 13 after launching his kayak on Lake Frederick Beach, near NAS Pensacola, along with his dog, Fannie.
Although investigators said there was no sign of Kane himself Thursday, Milsted said the man’s family is continuing to hold out hope he will be found safe.
“They are people of strong faith and they are holding up good,” Milsted said. “They are very connected to their church. As parents, they keep holding out hope they can find him, but they appreciate everyone’s prayers.”
According to investigators, other items, which may have been in Kane’s possession at the time of his disappearance are still being sought, including: A black and silver Pelican brand kayak paddle; camouflage “dry bag;” dark red ski-vest style life jacket; olive green Columbia brand broad rim hat.
Milsted said Kane, 21, had returned home from college to Pensacola for vacation over the summer.
Investigators are asking that anyone with any information contact the Escambia County Sheriff’s Department at (850) 436-9620.