Ledyard — A kayaker reported as missing in the area of Mill Cove in Gales Ferry was found safe Sunday night.

At about 4:40 p.m., a resident who lives near the cove reported seeking a man in a blue kayak set out in the midst of a winter storm but then did not see him return. Mill Cove is located between Military Highway and the Thames River.    

The kayaker, who Gales Ferry Fire Chief Anthony Saccone described as a "seasoned" paddler, was at home when authorities finally located him.

The report resulted in firefighters from Gales Ferry, Ledyard and the Submarine Base departments responding to the cove as well as dive teams from the Old Mystic and Yantic fire departments.

Saccone said the kayaker was found because of tracks in the snow between the water and his house. Saccone added the kayaker is a fellow Gales Ferry firefighter and that he would "get on him about it in the morning."

Even though it was a false alarm, Saccone credited the person who reported the kayaker as missing.

"The 911 caller was credible to say I saw someone come into the cove and to give a description of the clothes he was wearing," Saccone said. "If you see something say something, and we'll go out to investigate."