Coast Guard Assists Fishing Boat Taking on Water Near Hatteras Inlet

The Coast Guard assisted a fishing vessel taking on water in Pamlico Sound near Hatteras Inlet, North Carolina, this morning.

Watchstanders at Sector North Carolina’s Command Center received notification via VHF-FM channel 16 that the 32-foot fishing boat Fishunter was taking on water with two people aboard in Barney Slough, approximately 1 mile from the mouth of Hatteras Inlet.

The watchstanders issued an urgent marine information broadcast and launched two 47-foot Motor Life Boat crews from Coast Guard Station Hatteras Inlet.

The first MLB crew arrived on scene and used a dewatering pump to remove water from the vessel before taking it in tow. The second MLB crew arrived, transferred another crew member to the vessel and used a second dewatering pump to reduce the flooding.

The MLB crews towed the boat to Hatteras Landing marina.

No injuries or pollution were reported.

“It’s absolutely crucial for boaters to have the proper safety gear on board, such as a working marine radio and damage control equipment,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Peter Tomlin, coxswain for the case. “It takes time for us to get to a vessel in distress, and safety equipment is the first line of survival.”