Coast Guard Rescues Two North Carolina Men From Sinking Sailboat 100 Miles Offshore
Two men were rescued by the Coast Guard after their sailboat began sinking 100 miles off the North Carolina coast. đ #News #WilmingtonNC #NorthCarolina #Rescue
WILMINGTON, NC – The ocean turned treacherous 103 miles off the North Carolina coast as a 32-foot sailboat named Walrus battled an unstoppable flood. Stranded and desperate, two men aboard the doomed vessel activated emergency signals, triggering a race against time for the U.S. Coast Guard. The men couldnât stop the relentless flow of water flooding the boat, but with the right distress equipment on board, their fate took a dramatic turn.
Distress Signals Spark Urgent Response
The sinking Walrus sent out a VHF-DSC (Digital Selective Calling) Distress Alert and activated a satellite emergency notification device (SENDs) to call for help.
The Coast Guardâs District Five Command Center immediately launched a response, deploying a C-130 Hercules airplane and an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from Air Station Elizabeth City.
The C-130 arrived first, dropping a dewatering pump onto the struggling sailboat. Despite the crewâs best efforts, the pump wasnât enough to keep the vessel afloat. Water continued to pour in, leaving the men clinging to their last hopeâthe approaching helicopter.
Helicopter Crew Hoists Survivors From Sinking Ship
Video footage released by the Coast Guard captured the Walrus swaying violently as it fought the waves.
The helicopter arrived just in time.
The footage shows the rescue crew skillfully hoisting the mariners from the sinking vessel, pulling them to safety before the Walrus could vanish beneath the waves.
Safe Return to Shore
Both men were brought back to shore in stable condition, with no injuries reported.
The local Salvation Army provided them with fresh clothing, and Modern Aviation/FBO arranged transportation to Wilmington Airport, ensuring the survivors could return home safely.
Coast Guard Praises Critical Equipment
Lt. Sheena Bannon, a search and rescue mission coordinator for Coast Guard District Five, emphasized the life-saving role of properly registered emergency equipment.
“The marinersâ VHF radio with Digital Selective Calling, their Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon, and SENDs device allowed us to respond quickly,” Bannon said.
“By ensuring their equipment was registered, we had precise distress information, enabling a timely and successful rescue. I cannot stress enough how essential it is for all mariners to register their communications gear to improve safety on the water.”
The Walrus was abandoned at sea, a stark reminder of how quickly conditions can turn dangerous offshore.
RELATED TOPICS: Accidents and Rescues | North Carolina
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