The United States Coast Guard is searching for a possible missing people in the water approximately one mile offshore of Buxton, Thursday. Coast Guard Sector North Carolina watchstanders received a relayed report from crewmembers at Coast Guard Station Hatteras Inlet regarding a good Samaritan who reported an adrift orange life raft one mile offshore.
Sector North Carolina watchstanders issued an urgent marine information broadcast and diverted an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, N.C., who were conducting training in the area to the scene.
Once on scene, the aircrew deployed a rescue swimmer into the water to observe the life raft more closely. The life raft is reported to be a six-man orange life raft with a sea anchor inside and no visible marine growth or markings.
Crews from the Coast Guard Cutter Nathan Bruckenthal (WPC 1128) and a 47-foot Motor Lifeboat boat crew from Station Hatteras Inlet were launched to conduct a search of the area.
The current weather on scene is 70 degrees with the water temperature at 76 degrees and two to six-foot seas.
Anyone with information regarding the possible origin of the life raft is asked to contact Coast Guard Sector North Carolina watchstanders at (910) 343-3880.
Reference: USCG / govdelivery.com
