Editor’s note: We have contacted the U.S. Coast Guard to ask for additional information about what the two men struck in their boat, and if there are any areas that should be avoided. According to spokesman Nathan Littlejohn, the boaters reported striking what appeared to be a submerged refrigerator or cooler. Its specific location is not currently known.
CAROLINA BEACH — The Coast Guard rescued two men after their boat struck something off the coast of Carolina Beach.
The two men were about 13 miles off the coast of Carolina Beach when their boat started to take on water. At around 9:10 a.m. on Wednesday morning, Feb. 21, the two contacted watchstanders at Wrightsville Beach by marine radio, reporting their bilge pump had failed and their vessel was sinking.
A Coast Guard crew aboard a 45-foot response boat left from Wrightsville Beach to assist. The crew found the floundering boat, and a Coast Guard crew member went aboard with a pump to get the boat afloat.
“Anything can happen, anywhere, at any time when out on the water,” Coast Guard Fireman Nolan Jackson said. “Know your boat, know your safety gear and be prepared to contact the Coast Guard as soon as possible if anything were to happen.”
The Coast Guard crew were able to keep the boat afloat long enough to reach the Wrightsville Beach Wildlife boat ramp. After removing the boat from the water, a large gash was clearly visible in its hull.
