Three duck hunters between the ages of 16 and 18 were rescued just before dawn Wednesday, after their boat overturned in rough conditions in the Currituck Sound.
Lower Currituck Volunteer Fire Department Chief Vernon Hart said the incident happened in The Narrows due east of the Poplar Branch boat landing around 5:40 a.m.
Crew members from LCVFD in a rescue boat, along with several other hunting parties, responded to the 14-foot aluminum johnboat that had overturned.
Waves of 2 to 3 feet, pushed by north winds of 15 to 20 mph and gusts as high as 30, were reported around the time of the incident.
“Once they were underway and approximately a half-mile from the boat ramp they decided it was too rough and attempted to return to shore,” said N.C. Wildlife Law Enforcement Sgt. John Beardsely.
“Their boat began taking water over the stern and capsized, turning over and spilling the boys and their gear into the water,” Beardsley said.
No one was wearing a lifejacket. One of the boys called 911 on his cell phone, and they were able to hang on to the hull until rescuers arrived.
The three were recovered from the water, transported to shore and were being treated for hypothermia by Currituck EMS. They were otherwise unhurt, Hart said.
“We would like to remind hunters and all boaters to check the weather and plan accordingly before leaving the boat ramp,” Beardsley said. “Adding decoys and other hunting gear effects the performance of your vessel and as always wear your lifejacket!”
