Coast Guard notes life vest’s role in 70-year-old’s rescue

After a multi-agency search Monday evening near Nags Head to rescue a 70-year-old male who had departed aboard an inflatable vessel, the U.S. Coast Guard is reminding boaters of the importance of wearing a life vest.

The crew of Nags Head Fire Rescue Fireboat 16 located and recovered the individual, who was wearing a life jacket, but showing signs of severe hypothermia west of Jockey’s Ridge State Park. The man was then treated by emergency medical services on-site and transported to Outer Banks Hospital, according to the Coast Guard.

“If he was not wearing a lifejacket, he may have not survived out there,” said Lt. Cmdr. Nicholas M. Pavlik, the search and rescue mission coordinator for Coast Guard Sector North Carolina. “His diligence to wear protective gear while on the water contributed to his life being saved. As we approach the warmer months of the year, it should be noted that warmer temperatures do not mean warmer water. Always be prepared and check the weather before going out.”

A family member had notified the Coast Guard that the man, who had been aboard an inflatable sailing vessel, was overdue.

Watchstanders issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast, directed the launch of a Coast Guard Station Oregon Inlet 27-foot Shallow-Water Response Craft, a Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew, along with local rescue crews.

Nags Head Fire and Rescue officials said they were called at 6:42 p.m. Monday to assist in the search.

The man had launched a small sailboat from the public sound access at 6912 South Croatan Highway, and the boat had washed ashore north of the access at Jockey’s Ridge State Park, according to Nags Head Fire and Rescue. “With strong west/southwest winds, two to three feet of swell, and cold water, the situation was very serious.”

“Our rescue boat was deployed and we worked to understand the wind and drift pattern. After initiating a search grid, we heard someone yelling from the water. Thanks to swift coordination, we were able to safely bring him aboard our vessel in less than an hour from being called to the scene. He was responsive and we were able to quickly assess his condition and provide medical care,” states a Nags Head Fire Rescue Facebook post from Monday.

The station crew found a pontoon from the vessel lodged in the marsh near Jockey’s Ridge and the helicopter crew located the rest of the vessel capsized in the middle of Roanoke Sound, with no one aboard.

As summer boating season approaches, Coast Guard officials encourage the public to review the following safe boating tips:

• Always wear a life jacket. There is usually very little time to reach for stowed vests when accidents occur. Wearing one at all times reduces the risk of drowning. Federal law requires mariners to have a personal flotation device aboard for each passenger.
• Have sufficient means of communication including a VHF radio. VHF channel 16 is the international hailing and distress frequency and can be used to reach the Coast Guard during emergencies.
• Never boat under the influence. It is illegal to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. There are stringent penalties for violating BUI/BWI laws, which can include large fines, suspension or revocation of boat operator privileges and jail terms.
• Never turn your back on the water. There are strong rip currents along the Atlantic coast, and sneaker waves are common.
• Dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature.
• Even if boaters do not plan to enter the water, they should be prepared for an emergency. Paddleboarders, kayakers and wind surfers who are likely to go in the water should wear a wetsuit to decrease their risk of hypothermia and a life jacket to prevent them from drowning before rescuers can get on scene.
• File a float plan. A float plan is simply letting family and friends know where you are going and your expected time of return. File a float plan with someone who is not getting underway with you and stick to the plan. A float plan assists responders in the search of an overdue boater who may be in distress.

For more boating information, go to http://www.uscgboating.org/ and for weather conditions please visit http://www.weather.gov/.