Coast Guard Tackles Two Emergencies off Oregon Inlet

U.S. Coast Guard Station Oregon Inlet responded to two emergency calls off of Oregon Inlet this week, which included assisting a vessel 33 miles offshore, and providing medevac services for a man suffering chest pains 12 miles offshore.

On Wednesday afternoon, U.S. Coast Guard Station Oregon Inlet received a report via VHF radio that the vessel Escape was 33 nautical miles offshore and was in need of assistance while also experiencing VHF limitations and unable to hail the station.

Upon making preparations to get underway, the reporting vessel, Skilly Gal, informed the station that a Good Samaritan vessel, Carolina Girl, had volunteered to tow the Escape closer to the inlet so that the Coast Guard could rendezvous with them and take over. Another Good Samaritan vessel in the area, Fin Planner, shared the tow with Carolina Girl, and towed the Escape until they were able to meet up with the dispatched Coast Guard crew to bring them back the rest of the way, and through the bar.

Once arriving at the fishing center, the Coast Guard crew placed them into an alongside tow and safely moored the vessel. “A big shoutout to Skilly Gal, Carolina Girl, and Fin Planner for your involvement and selfless acts! You are examples of our great boating community,” stated Station Oregon Inlet in an online statement.

On Thursday evening, U.S. Coast Guard Station Oregon Inlet medevaced a 32-year-old male reportedly suffering from chest pains 12 miles east of Oregon Inlet.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector North Carolina initially received the report via VHF-FM radio, and launched a 47-foot Motor Lifeboat crew from Coast Guard Station Oregon Inlet to respond with Dare County Emergency Medical Services aboard.

Once on-scene, the crew transferred the man aboard the lifeboat and transported him to an awaiting ambulance at Coast Guard Station Oregon Inlet.

“The sea is an unforgiving place for an emergency, so be prepared for one,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Jared Stanton, a search and rescue watchstander at Coast Guard Sector North Carolina. “Always bring a working radio, wear a life jacket and tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back.”