4 People, Dog Rescued By Helicopter Off NC Coast

CAPE LOOKOUT, N.C. — Four adults and their dog were rescued by helicopter Sunday evening after their boat ran aground on a shoal along the North Carolina shore and began taking water.

The rescue highlights the boaters “great judgement” in deciding to call for help and not try to swim through dangerous currents, according to a U.S. Coast Guard official.

The rescue occurred around 10 p.m. June 17 at Shark Island, which sits in the Atlantic Ocean about 500 yards south of Cape Lookout. Coast Guard crews from Atlantic Beach and Air Station Elizabeth City were dispatched in a 47-foot motor lifeboat and a MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter, and found the distressed boats stranded in knee-deep water on the edge of the island.

The adults and the dog were all hoisted into the helicopter and taken to Michael J. Smith Field in Beaufort, NC, according to a statement issued by the U.S. Coast Guard. No injuries were reported.

“We are thankful that the individuals did not attempt to swim back to shore. The current is significantly strong in that area, and it could have put them in a dangerous situation,” said Coast Guard Lt. J.G. Nicholas Kealy, who was a co-pilot of the helicopter crew. “We are glad they showed great judgement and called for help.”

Check out this video showing Shark Island:

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Photo via Shutterstock