Sea Tow Wrightsville Beach adds vessel to fleet serving Cape Fear region

Wilmington, NC (WWAY) — Sea Tow Wrightsville Beach has added a new vessel to its fleet, a move the company says could reduce response times for boaters along the Cape Fear and Northeast Cape Fear rivers.

The 26-foot Twin Vee vessel will operate from Port City Marina in Wilmington. The addition brings the local franchise’s fleet to seven boats serving areas including Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Hampstead and Jacksonville.

According to Sea Tow Wrightsville Beach, the new vessel is expected to reduce response times along the Cape Fear and Northeast Cape Fear rivers by about one hour.

The local franchise has operated under owner Chris Willis since 1993. Its team, led by General Manager Capt. Ryan Saporito, includes 12 U.S. Coast Guard-licensed captains, according to the company.

The fleet is stationed at several locations across the region, including marinas in Wrightsville Beach, Wilmington, Carolina Beach and Hampstead. Some vessels are also kept on trailers to allow them to be deployed in different locations.

During boating season, crews patrol several high-traffic waterways and inlets, including areas near Carolina Beach, Masonboro, Mason, Rich, New Topsail and New River inlets.

Sea Tow provides on-water assistance to boaters, including services for disabled vessels.