Cape Hatteras National Seashore officials have launched a webpage to keep track of grounded vessels on seashore property.
In fewer than two weeks, three vessels have grounded on beaches at the national seashore. Those on board were not injured. Two of the three have been removed.
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The waters surrounding the seashore have historically been known the Graveyard of the Atlantic because the water and weather conditions are constantly changing, making navigation challenging for mariners both past and present, according to the National Park Service.
“Even with the advent of modern technology and accurate mapping, it is always possible for vessels to become grounded, or beached at Cape Hatteras National Seashore,” officials said.
When a vessel is grounded on the seashore, the National Park Service said it works with the Coast Guard and boat owners to ensure vessels are removed as quickly and safely as possible while protecting natural resources and ecosystems.
The webpage listed the three vessels with the information below.
The 35-foot Reel Lucky, registered in New Jersey, and the 32-foot-long Bite Me, registered in Pennsylvania, grounded at about the same time Wednesday near the north side of Oregon Inlet. The Bite Me and Reel Lucky reportedly bumped into each other a few times during their grounding. Both were removed Friday.
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The 55-foot-long Vivens Aqua, registered in Maryland, grounded Jan. 25 on the beach near Ocracoke Inlet. The National Park Service initially issued a special use permit to the boat’s owner for removal directly over water. After that failed, officials decided to remove all fuel oil from the vessel. The Park Service then issued a special use permit Thursday for removal attempts across the beach and into the Pamlico Sound. That work began Saturday and is expected to take until the end of the day Tuesday, the Park Service said. The permit for these removal activities ends at 11:59 p.m. Thursday.
