SEA LEVEL — James “Marc” Hamric, 52, of Atlantic Beach, drowned Wednesday while collecting water samples in Turnagain Bay, the Carteret County Sheriff’s Office reported after responding to the emergency.
The sheriff’s office said at the time of the announcement that no foul play is suspected, but local law enforcement is actively investigating the incident in cooperation with the North Carolina Marine Patrol and the local medical examiner’s office.
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While Hamric was collecting water samples, the boat he and his colleagues were working from began to drift away. Hamric reportedly began swimming while wearing waders and went underwater while trying to reach the vessel. He was recovered from the water within minutes by his colleagues, who began CPR, officials said.
County deputies and officers with N.C. Marine Patrol and N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission officers and emergency responders arrived on scene shortly after, but lifesaving efforts were ultimately unsuccessful, officials said.
Hamric had been a marine fisheries technician for 20 years based in the division’s headquarters in Morehead City. He handled local data collection for commercial fishery and field sampling programs while maintaining boats and equipment, according to the division. He was recognized in 2024 with the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality Distinguished Employee Award.
