NAGS HEAD, N.C. — Crews rescued a 70-year-old man off the coast of Nags Head, Monday evening, according to a release from the Coast Guard.
The Coast Guard said it conducted a joint rescue with Nags Head Fire Rescue after they received reports of an overdue sailor from family members.
Fireboats located and recovered the man wearing a lifejacket and showing signs of severe hypothermia.
The man was located west of Jockey Ridge State Park and was taken to Outer Banks Hospital for treatment.
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The man was reportedly sailing an inflatable vessel, a ponton from the vessel was found lodged in the marsh near where he was located.
“If he was not wearing a lifejacket, he may have not survived out there,” said Lt. Cmdr. Nicholas M. Pavlik.
The Coast Guard issued a reminder to anyone looking to go boating during the summer season to please follow these key boating safety tips:
- Always wear a life jacket.
- Have sufficient means of communication.
- Never boat under the influence.
- Never turn your back on the water.
- 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.
- File a float plan.
For more information please visit the United States Coast Guard website.
