It’s the Coast Guard to the rescue again. This time a disabled sailboat eight miles east of Cape Hatteras.
In a time of GPS and modern weather forecasting, it’s almost easy to forget just how unforgiving the sea can be, and the history of the waters off the Outer Banks and Cape Hatteras especially are.
There’s not a lot fo detail in the Coast Guard report. We know from the information they released that there were two people on board the 22-foot sailing boat. The vessel’s mast was damaged, the engine was not working and the boat was taking on water…which is a pretty dire situation.
A helicopter from Elizabeth City was first on the scene and stayed with the boat until the 47-foot Motor Life Boat from Station Hatteras Inlet arrived on the scene. The report is a bit short on detail, so it’s not clear what time the boat arrived or even when the initial call came in.
According to the Coast Guard the people onboard were “dewatering.” We’re taking that as meaning they were bailing like crazy. Evidently one of the Coast Guard crew members hopped on board the sailboat and helped with bailing as the craft was towed to Hatteras Village.
It’s not clear how or why the mast was damaged. Thursday—April 13— was not a stormy day at all. Nor was Wednesday particularly stormy.
There is also no report indicating where the couple was headed or their port of origin.
It is possible we’ll get some details in the coming days, although there is no requirement for the Coast Guard to fill in the details.
There is so much to explore on the Outer Banks. From Corolla to Hatteras Village, Brindley Beach Vacations has the perfect home to create those perfect vacation memories.