Kayak found as search for missing kayaker to resume Saturday, say cops

On Friday, Aug. 15, 2014, a Suffolk County police diver... — On Friday, Aug. 15, 2014, a Suffolk County police diver enters the water where a kayaker went missing Thursday in Lake Ronkonkoma. Credit: Ed Betz

By PORTIA CROWEportia.crowe@newsday.comAugust 15, 2014

Suffolk County police said they will continue searching Saturday for a kayaker reported missing in Lake Ronkonkoma after divers recovered his vessel Friday.

The search resumed after it had been briefly called off Friday, but a spokeswoman for Suffolk police said it was unclear why it was suspended.

Two Suffolk police divers recovered the kayak, about 2 p.m. Friday.

"We believe it was a kayaker" who went missing, Suffolk police homicide Det. Lt. Kevin Beyrer said Thursday. "We're investigating this as a possible drowning."

Witnesses called 911 about someone in distress just before 3:30 p.m. Thursday when the kayaker's life vest popped off, setting off an intense search, police said. Divers from at least seven fire and police departments swam in the lake before packing up as dusk fell, leaving a police boat circling on the water at night.

Beyrer said police have an idea of who the kayaker is, but declined to give details.

With Ellen Yan

and John Valenti