BIDDEFORD — A kite sail that was spotted floating off Biddeford Pool near Wood Island triggered a massive search for its owner this afternoon.

Lt. Nick Barrow of the United States Coast Guard said a Coast Guard vessel and helicopter were sent to Biddeford around 2:15 p.m. after a fishing boat reported that a large kite sail was adrift. The sails are typically attached to a person, who stands on a narrow wakeboard and skims or flies across the ocean’s surface, Barrow explained.

In addition to the Coast Guard, Biddeford and Scarborough sent their fire boats to the scene along with officers from the Maine Marine Patrol.

The search was called off at 4:30 p.m. after the kite sail’s owner contacted the Maine Marine Patrol. The owner said winds blew his sail out to sea.

Barrow said the incident underscores the need for owners of kayaks and other recreational devices to notify authorities if those items have come loose from their moorings. The Coast Guard has to investigate reports of empty boats, or life jackets that might be floating at sea.