49-year-old kayaker is found dead after going missing off Texas coast, officials say

A body was discovered on Sunday, Jan. 22, two days after a 49-year-old kayaker went missing, Texas officials say.

The U.S. Coast Guard said Barry Baham left Jamaica Beach, Texas, on Friday in a 12- to 14-foot kayak and was supposed to come back at 4 p.m., according to a news release. The Coast Guard was notified at 9:30 p.m. that he had not returned.

First responders in Galveston and Brazoria County helped search for the kayaker, and a body was discovered near West Bay around 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Coast Guard officials said.

Officials have not positively identified the kayaker as Baham, but the Coast Guard said it has ended its search for him.

“We are grateful for the support provided by the other first responders, volunteers and community members that came to aid in search efforts,” said Coast Guard Cmdr. Michael P. Cortese, search and rescue mission coordinator, Sector Houston-Galveston. “Our prayers are with the loved ones as they go through this challenging time.”

This story was originally published January 23, 2023 at 7:57 AM.