Coast Guard rescues five boaters off Cape Fear

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The Coast Guard says it rescued five people from the water approximately 15 miles east of Cape Fear Tuesday.

According to a news release, one of the people from the 48-foot boat contacted Coast Guard Sector North Carolina watchstanders at 5:15 p.m. and reported that their boat was taking on water and all five of them were entering the water. They also activated an emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) to help rescuers locate them.

A 45-foot response boat from Station Wrightsville Beach and Jayhawk helictoper from Air Station Elizabeth City left a short time later for the scene. The Coast Guard says the boat crew found all five people wearing life jackets clinging to the overturned hull.

They were pulled from the water and taken to Station Wrightsville Beach, where EMS was waiting. They were treated for mild hypothermia.