NAGS HEAD, N.C. (WAVY) – The Coast Guard assisted Nags Head Fire Rescue in the rescue of a 70-year-old man Monday evening.
According to a release from the United States Coast Guard, watchstanders with Coast Guard Sector North Carolina received a notification from family members of the man, stating that he was overdue from getting underway on an inflatable sailing vessel.
An Urgent Marine Information Broadcast was issued, directing the launch of a Coast Guard Station Oregon Inlet 27-foot Shallow-Water Response Craft, a Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City NH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew and local rescue crews.
Crews arrived to the scene, near Roanoke Island, and located a pontoon from the vessel stuck in a marsh near Jockey’s Ridge. The mans boat was later discovered capsized in the middle of the Roanoke Sound by the helicopter crew. No one was found on board.
Nags Head Fire Rescue Fireboat 16 later located the individual wearing a lifejacket west of Jockey Ridge State Park. The man was transferred to Outer Banks Hospital after showing signs of severe hypothermia.
“If he was not wearing a lifejacket, he may have not survived out there,” Lt. Cmdr. Nicholas M. Pavlik, the search and rescue mission coordinator for Sector North Carolina said. “His diligence to wear protective gear while on the water contributed to his life being saved. As we approach the warmer months of the year, it should be noted that warmer temperatures do not mean warmer water. Always be prepared and check the weather before going out.”
The Coast Guard wants to remind people of key safe boating tips ahead of the summer boating season:
- Always wear a life jacket. There is usually very little time to reach for stowed vests when accidents occur. Wearing one at all times reduces the risk of drowning. Federal law requires mariners to have a personal flotation device aboard for each passenger.
- Have sufficient means of communication including a VHF radio. VHF channel 16 is the international hailing and distress frequency and can be used to reach the Coast Guard during emergencies.
- Never boat under the influence. It is illegal to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. There are stringent penalties for violating BUI/BWI laws, which can include large fines, suspension or revocation of boat operator privileges and jail terms.
- Never turn your back on the water. There are strong rip currents along the Atlantic coast, and sneaker waves are common.
- Dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature.
- Even if boaters do not plan to enter the water, they should be prepared for an emergency. Paddleboarders, kayakers and wind surfers who are likely to go in the water should wear a wetsuit to decrease their risk of hypothermia and a life jacket to prevent them from drowning before rescuers can get on scene.
- File a float plan. A float plan is simply letting family and friends know where you are going and your expected time of return. File a float plan with someone who is not getting underway with you and stick to the plan. A float plan assists responders in the search of an overdue boater who may be in distress.
More boating information can be found on the United States Coast Guard’s website here.
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