Two Kayakers Rescued in Pamlico Sound, N.C

 

Both male kayakers were found alive, conscious and wearing life jackets at about 1:20 a.m., approximately nine miles southwest of the area they initially reported their distress.

 

 A 47-foot Motor Lifeboat crew from Station Oregon Inlet located both men, brought them aboard and took them to Station Oregon Inlet where they were both placed in the care of awaiting local EMS.

 

Both men were in the water for more than nine hours.

 

“The fact both men were wearing life jackets greatly enhanced their chances of survival tonight,” said Lt.j.g. Charlie Collins, Coast Guard Sector North Carolina 

 

command duty officer for the case. “They likely owe their lives to their decision to wear PFDs.”

 

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector North Carolina in Wilmington initially received a call from one of the kayakers Saturday at approximately 4:30 p.m., stating he and another male kayaker were in distress in Pamlico Sound in the vicinity of Oregon Inlet Buoys #7 and #8. The man reported one of their kayaks was submerged, and he and the other man were both in the water.

 

A 47-foot Motor Lifeboat crew and a 24-foot Special Purpose Craft crew launched from Coast Guard Station Oregon Inlet. An MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew launched from Air Station Elizabeth City. 

 

A vehicle belonging to one of the kayakers was discovered at the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center in Nags Head.

 

On scene conditions at the time of the distress call were 22 mph winds, three-foot seas, an air temperature of 77 degrees and a water temperature of 82 degrees. 

 

Both men are approximately 26 years old.