Boat in Distress
Oak Island Water Rescue, Oak Island Police Department, and Oak Island Fire Department responded for a boater in distress 100 yards off shore from the 48th Place West Beach access. Boat 4491 was launched through the surf to assess the situation and report back to the on scene incident commander. The boat, with one Person on Board, had motor problems and could not get underway. Fortunately he was anchored, which slowed the possibility of the boat ending up in the breakers.
The strong cooperation between CCOM, Oak Island Police Department, Oak Island Fire Department, Oak Island Water Rescue, United States Coast Guard Station Oak Island, USCG Sector NC, and the commercial salvage company SeaTow, resulted in the boat being safely towed to port.
The boater had a cell phone and was able to call for assistance, but when his battery died, he was without communications. Be sure to have a VHF Marine Radio with you when out on the water.
