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| MH-60 Jayhawk, ©USCG |
WILMINGTON, N.C. — Coast Guard crews assisted four people and their dog after their vessel ran aground near Cape Lookout Sunday evening.
TowBoatUS personnel notified watchstanders at Sector North Carolina's command center in Wilmington at 9:40 p.m. that a 20-foot vessel was taking on water in the vicinity of Shark Island, which is about 500 yards south of Cape Lookout.
A 47-foot Motor Life Boat crew from Station Fort Macon in Atlantic Beach and an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Air Station Elizabeth City launched to assist.
When the Coast Guard crews arrived on scene, they found that the boat had run aground and the people were stranded in knee-deep water on the edge of Shark Island.
The helicopter crew hoisted all four adults and their dog from the island and transported them to Michael J. Smith Field in Beaufort.
There were no reported injuries or pollution. The boat's owner is arranging salvage plans with TowBoatUS.
"We are thankful that the individuals did not attempt to swim back to shore," said Coast Guard Lt. j.g. Nicholas Kealy, co-pilot of the Jayhawk helicopter crew. "The current is significantly strong in that area, and it could have put them in a dangerous situation. We are glad they showed great judgment and called for help."
-USCG-