Five people rescued from capsized boat off Carolina Beach

WILMINGTON, N.C. — Coast Guard and partner agencies rescued five people from a capsized boat about three miles off the coast of Carolina Beach Saturday.

Sector North Carolina watchstanders in Wilmington received a mayday call around 7:30 this morning requesting help.

The helicopter crew found the boat shortly before 10 a.m. They were able to rescue three people and took them to New Hanover Regional Hospital. While in en route, crew confirmed there were still two people swimming for shore.

At approximately 12:30 p.m. the other two people were located and pulled aboard. They were taken to Station Wrightsville Beach and transferred to awaiting EMS personnel.

“It was definitely a case that shows our search and rescue system works, from our Rescue 21 system to working with our local partner agencies and coast guard assets,” said Chief Petty Officer Chris Martinez, command duty officer at Sector North Carolina. “I’d like to thank Station Wrightsville Beach and Air Station Elizabeth City for rescuing those aboard and in the water, Kure Beach Fire and Rescue and Carolina Beach Fire Department for their support and the Sector North Carolina watch team for coordinating the search and rescue.” 

The search covered 613 square nautical miles and took over four hours.