NEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP) U.S. Coast Guard officials say a missing kayaker was found safe over the weekend following a search of the Long Island Sound that ultimately turned out to be unnecessary.

The incident began after an empty kayak washed up at Lighthouse Park in New Haven around 12:30 p.m. Sunday. Crews from USCG Station New Haven responded to the scene and found the kayak along with fishing equipment.

Point crews began searching the water for a possible missing person with assistance from an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter and an Ocean Sentry aircraft.

Coast Guard officials say the missing man called local police around 7:30 p.m. to say he was safe after seeing reports of the search. The 28-year-old Meridan man said he swam to shore after his kayak had taken on water.