Virginia Man Dies in Atlantic Ocean Near Hatteras, NC

Additional details:

●        A 911 call was received by Dare County Dispatch at 5:25 pm.

●        The water-related fatality occurred 1.5 miles north of Ramp 55 near Flambu Road.

●        A bystander observed the swimmer in apparent distress and attempted rescue.

●        The bystander brought the 61 year old male visitor from Oak Hills, Virginia closer to shore where he was met by  rescue personnel.

●        CPR efforts were initiated by rescue personnel. The CPR efforts were unsuccessful.

●        National Park Service Rangers, Hatteras Island Ocean Rescue, Dare County Emergency Medical Services, and Dare County Sheriff Officers responded to the incident.

●        The victim was not using a flotation device.

●        Cause of death is unknown until a medical examination is performed.

●        A high risk of rip currents was forecast for most of the beaches along the Seashore today, and rip currents were observed in the area. A high risk of rip currents means that “wind and/or wave conditions support dangerous rip currents. Rip currents are life-threatening to anyone entering the surf.”

●        This is the second water-related fatality off Cape Hatteras National Seashore this year. There were five fatalities in 2018, seven in 2017, and eight in 2016.

“Our staff offer our deepest sympathies to his family and friends,” said National Parks of Eastern North Carolina Superintendent David Hallac. “We urge all visitors to be very careful when swimming in the Atlantic Ocean, especially with the approaching storm. Additionally we would like to thank the Hatteras Island Rescue Squad for their swift response.”

Ocean safety links/info:

●        Daily rip current forecast: www.weather.gov/beach/mhx

●        Rip current safety information: www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov

●        Daily Seashore ocean and beach messages: http://go.nps.gov/beachaccess

●        Text “Join OBXBeachConditions” to 30890 to sign up for text alerts