Coast Guard and good Samaritans rescue missing diver off Bald Head Island

(WWAY) — The Coast Guard, along with assistance from good Samaritans, successfully rescued a missing diver Monday afternoon, 24 miles east of Bald Head Island.

Steve Oatman, 54, was safely recovered after he was reported overdue by his wife. Oatman, an experienced diving instructor, was last seen wearing a wet suit, dive equipment, and carrying a personal locator beacon (PLB) when he went missing.

Coast Guard Sector North Carolina watchstanders received the notification of Oatman’s disappearance at 12:26 p.m.

His wife reported that he had been diving alone and was expected to resurface within an hour. When 30 minutes passed after his scheduled resurfacing time, she alerted the Coast Guard.

In response, a Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew and an HC-130 Hercules airplane crew from Air Station Elizabeth City were dispatched, along with a 45-foot Motor Lifeboat crew from Coast Guard Station Wrightsville Beach.

The Hercules aircrew arrived on the scene around 2 p.m. and spotted Oatman, who was waving his arms to signal for help. The boat crew, with the assistance of nearby good Samaritan divers, rescued Oatman from the water approximately 3 miles northwest of his initial reported location. He was not hurt.

The Coast Guard says Oatman’s preparedness, including carrying a highlighter green safety sausage that helped the Hercules crew locate him in the water, was instrumental in the successful rescue.

“This diver’s preparedness and experience played a major factor in his rescue,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Sparks. “Having the right safety gear, filing a float plan, and staying calm under pressure can help any diver or mariner in danger. Like the four divers that were rescued to the day this time last year, being prepared for whatever comes your way can result in the Coast Guard reuniting you with your family and friends.”