Coast Guard rescues kayaker near Oak Island

OAK ISLAND, NC (WWAY) — The Coast Guard rescued a kayaker after his kayak flipped over near Oak Island Saturday.

According to a press release, a 38-year-old man was fishing when his kayak overturned near Yaupon Reef around 9:30 a.m. He was able to call for help with his VHF-marine radio.

An Oak Island Coast Guard crew arrived to the seen around 10 a.m. and pulled the man and his kayak from the water. The man was checked out by Brunswick County EMS when he arrived to the Coast Guard Station.

“Today’s rescue involved active duty and reserve members of Station Oak Island working together,” said Petty Officer 3rd Class John Patrone, RBS operator for the case. “It felt great to help save a life after putting in long hours of training.  The kayaker was prepared for a situation like this by having a radio, and he was wearing a life jacket. He also stayed with his vessel, making it easier for us to find him.”