Boat’s mast caught in Causeway Bridge

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH — A close call for one Wrightsville Beach boater this afternoon: around two o’clock a sailboat traveling south on the Intracoastal Waterway had its mast caught in the Causeway Bridge while it was closing.

The Coast Guard, police, fire and EMS responded to the scene. Once the boat was stuck, DOT engineers made the decision to raise the bridge, freeing the sailboat.

Wrightsville beach fire officials say the boater wasn’t injured.

Wrightsville Beach Fire Department Captain Sterling Powell said, “Coast Guard responded promptly, tow boat was on scene quickly to help they removed the occupant of the sailboat. Once it was freed, the mast was obviously broken but it didn’t appear to be real severe damage to the hull of the boat.”

The incident is under investigation by North Carolina Wildlife. The bridge was re-opened to traffic within the hour.