New York Man Dies in the Atlantic Ocean Near Rodanthe
On Monday, October 1, a 63-year-old male from New York died while swimming in the Atlantic Ocean near Rodanthe on Hatteras Island.
A 911 call for two swimmers in distress was received at 10:07 a.m. The victim’s friend initiated CPR efforts, followed by Chicamacomico Banks Water Rescue and Dare County Emergency Medical Services. The Dare County Sheriff’s Office and National Park Service Rangers also responded to the incident.
CPR efforts on the 63-year-old male visitor from Baldwinsville, New York were ultimately unsuccessful. He was the only fatality during the incident.
“Cape Hatteras National Seashore extends our condolences to his family and friends during this very difficult time,” said National Parks of Eastern North Carolina Superintendent David Hallac.
This is the fifth swimming-related fatality off Cape Hatteras National Seashore this year. There were seven swimming-related fatalities in 2017 and eight in 2016.
The risk of rip currents has been high in the last several days. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) considers a high risk of rip currents to mean that “wind and/or wave conditions support dangerous rip currents. Rip currents are life-threatening to anyone entering the surf.”
For more information on ocean safety and current rip current forecasts, visit the following links:
