Two Boats Capsize Off Topsail Beach
Take a look at this interesting story about a boat being overturned by a “rogue wave” while coming into an inlet. Although this didn’t occur at either of the two inlets that bracket Oak Island, it provides an opportunity to point out issues of safe boating. No need to wait until it’s one of our inlets to learn a few safety tips.
It is imperative to know the weather (wind speed and direction, wave heights, tide times, and expected weather changes during the day) and know the local waterways. Inlets and other local waters can be quite different at low tide, as opposed to high tide, and it’s important to understand how these changes can affect safe passage.
It is unpredictable when an unusually large wave will greet you on the water so your captain and passengers, as well as the boat itself, need to be prepared for the predicted rogue wave height for that day. Planning for the lowest wave height can be disastrous when the larger predicted waves impact your craft.
Wear a PFD. In this case, the person who was cautious about her swimming ability wore a PFD. It likely saved her life. As those in this boat stated- the boat flipped so fast there was no time to grab a life jacket.
They were fortunate that their emergency occurred within sight of others who called 911. Had they been on open water, who would have called for help? Wearing a Personal Locater Beacon (PLB) on your lifejacket solves this problem.
When your boat is upside down and you don’t have access to a VHF Marine Radio, one push of a button on a PLB will bring the calvary.
