EMERALD ISLE, N.C. — The Coast Guard rescued a man Saturday from an capsized boat near Emerald Isle.
Coast Guard Sector North Carolina watchstanders in Wilmington received a report from Carteret 911 about 6 a.m. Saturday, reporting a woman who heard a voice calling for help. Emerald Isle Fire Department personnel were also notified and upon arriving on scene verified a voice calling for help.A 24-foot Special Purpose Craft (SPC) crew launched from Station Emerald Isle at 6:10 a.m. and arrived on scene at 7:16 am. A man, 54, was holding on to a 13-foot capsized boat and showing possible signs of hypothermia.Station Emerald Isle transferred the man to awaiting Emerald Isle EMS personnel. The man was transported to Carteret General Hospital in Morehead City in stable condition.
Station Emerald Isle crew members returned to the capsized vessel and towed it to Station Emerald Isle owner to recover after he is released from Carteret General.
"The cold weather is quickly approaching," said Petty Officer 2nd Class Timothy J. Ryan, boat coxswain for the rescue. "We need to stress to the boating public the importance of being prepared for the elements. The gentleman this morning was not prepared to spend the evening on an island cold and wet, resulting in him becoming near hypothermic. Out there on the water bad situations can arise quickly, it's how you prepare beforehand that makes the difference."For breaking news, follow the Fifth District on Twitter @USCGMidAtlantic .