Coast Guard boat, helicopter assists 2 near New River Inlet, N.C.

FORT MACON, N.C. — A Coast Guard response boat crew rescued two people from their 16-foot boat when it started taking on water one mile off New River Inlet Wednesday.

Coast Guard watchstanders at Sector North Carolina were notified of the distressed boaters at 2:44 p.m by Onslow County dispatch.

A Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk rescue helicopter from Air Station Elizabeth City was diverted to investigate while a rescue boat crew from Station Emerald Isle was dispatched to the last known coordinates of the sinking pleasure craft. The rescue boat crew arrived on scene at 3:39 p.m. and took the two passengers aboard the rescue boat. A vessel from Tow Boat US took the sinking boat into a tow and returned to shore.

With the coordination of Onslow County Dispatch and Coast Guard Station Emerald Isle, we were able to quickly locate the distressed boaters and bring them to safety, said Lt. j.g. Caleb Peacock, Sector North Carolina public affairs officer. As the water temperature decreases, the dangers associated with a boat taking on water greatly increases, so you own a boat, the Coast Guard recommends a free vessel safety examination from the Coast Guard Auxiliary.