Boat ramp in Oak Island closed for repairs following damage

OAK ISLAND, NC (WWAY) — The public boat ramp at NE 55th Street in Oak Island has been closed indefinitely following damage to the main support piling of its floating dock, town officials announced Thursday.

According to a notice from the Town of Oak Island, the damage was discovered after the piling was struck sometime Wednesday or Thursday, rendering the dock and ramp unsafe for use.

The ramp closed at 2pm on Thursday and will remain closed until repairs are completed.

The town said the ramp is commonly used by boaters and serves as a key access point for local emergency responders, including the town’s Ocean Rescue Unit. While alternate launch points will ensure emergency readiness is maintained, officials emphasized that the repair is a high priority.

Due to high demand and limited contractor availability, there is currently no timeline for when the ramp will reopen.

Boaters are encouraged to use alternative launch locations, including:

Town Boat Ramp at 57th Place West

NC Wildlife Resources Commission Boating Access Ramp at Dutchman Creek
(4950 Fish Factory Road SE)

The town is asking anyone with information on how the damage occurred to contact the Oak Island Police Department through the Department Contact Form.