Operator of disabled PWC rescued from Pamlico Sound
The operator of a personal watercraft that suffered an engine failure Monday evening in the Pamlico Sound was safely returned to shore after a multi-agency rescue effort.
According to a social media update from Chicamacomico Banks Fire and Rescue, crews were dispatched at 7:50 p.m. on the report of a PWC operator that was overdue.
The watercraft was last seen west of Oregon Inlet around 5 p.m.
CBFR launched a pair of their PWCs from Rodanthe Harbor to conduct a northbound search, Dare MedFlight took off from Manteo and headed southbound, and a helicopter from U.S. Coast Guard Base Elizabeth City and a boat from Station Oregon Inlet was also launched.
Crews onboard Dare MedFlight were able to locate the missing operator and watercraft northwest of Rodanthe Harbor around 11 p.m.
A CBFR boat located the vessel with assistance from Dare MedFlight, and returned the PWC operator to Rodanthe Harbor. No injuries were reported.
“This was a great example of multi-agency teamwork which resulted in a good outcome,” CBFR said in the post. “Thanks to all agencies involved.”
Also assisting with the incident were personnel from the Dare County Sheriff’s Office and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
All of the emergency response folks here are awesome both local and federal (like the Coast Guard). A hearty thanks to all involved in this rescue and all of the others.