Man injured after falling off of boat in Pamlico Sound; brother charged with negligent operation of a motorboat

A northern Virginia man was seriously injured on Friday, June 19, after he was knocked overboard while riding on the bow of his brother’s boat in the Pamlico Sound off of Hatteras Island and was hit by the propeller.

The Dare County Sheriff’s Office, Hatteras Island Rescue Squad and Dare EMS and N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission Law Enforcement responded to the incident around 4:15 p.m. in the vicinity of Oden’s Dock in Hatteras village, according to N.C. Wildlife Law Enforcement Sgt. John Beardsley.

Erik Rasmus was flown to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital after suffering lacerations to his legs after coming in contact with the propeller, Beardsley said. An update on Rasmus’ condition was not available.

Patrick Rasmus was charged with misdemeanor careless and negligent operation of a motorboat resulting in serious injuries, but the incident remains under investigation.

“Its illegal to allow passengers to ride anywhere but the seating compartment of any vessel,” Beardsley said.

“The chances of falling off a boat are higher when not riding in the seating area, and more often than not you are going to be hit by the prop,” Beardsley said.

“We have had a number of people killed and injured while bow riding on all types of waters in our state in recent years,” Beardsley added.