HONOLULU — The U.S. Coast Guard this morning suspended the search for a surfer reported missing at Kawela Bay on Oahu's North Shore today after learning the surfer had returned to shore on his own.

Coast Guard search planners determined this morning that the surfer had made his own way to shore last night and did not know how to properly report he was safe, a Coast Guard spokeswoman said.

Honolulu Fire Department and Coast Guard rescuers searched yesterday afternoon and last night until city Ocean Safety officers this morning determined the surfer was safe.

The 16-year-old surfer lost his board in 10-12 foot waves at Kawela Bay's "Stables" surf spot and a witness called 911 to report that the surfer did not surface. A Coast Guard HH-65 Dolphin rescue helicopter crew searched for nearly six hours last night and a C-130 search plane air crew was about to launch this morning when the determination was made.

The Coast Guard reminds beach goers and mariners of the importance of early notification on any missing persons cases. Coast Guard search rescue planners advise people to use 911 to report any potentially missing person at sea.