Few law enforcement officers for Masonboro party

It’s a Fourth of July tradition for many — heading out on the boat, to Masonboro Island.

It’s one big party out there, but some who stay sober say there could be more law enforcement officers to keep the crowds under control.

Captain Scott Collins has been towing boats for SeaTow for the past three years. He says he typically sees only one or two patrol boats from the Sheriff’s office, Coast Guard and Wildlife Enforcement.

With thousands of people gathering near the island, and many of them drinking, Collins says there’s no where near enough law enforcement to keep the crowds safe.

“I know the Coast Guard was tied up over there and couldn’t repond to any of the maydays or distress calls and I ended up having a sinking job solely because they were tied up over there at Masonboro with the drinking and partying,” said Collins.

The Coast Guard says last July fourth they responded to a number of calls near the island, many of them were for minor injuries.