News Release

National Park Service Reopens Access to Cape Point After Receiving All Clear from U.S. Navy

Date: July 14, 2017
Contact: Boone Vandzura, 252-475-8307

Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Seashore) has reopened off-road vehicle (ORV) and pedestrian access to the Cape Point area in Buxton, North Carolina after receiving an all clear from the U.S. Navy’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit team leader from Little Creek, Virginia. Earlier today, based on a report by Hatteras Island Rescue Squad of what appeared to be an old, unidentified military device on the sandbar off Cape Point, a call for assistance from the EOD unit was placed by Dare County Emergency Management. The EOD unit asked that a one mile safety perimeter be established until they could arrive and determine the exact nature of the item, and a portion of the perimeter fell within the boundaries of the Seashore, which resulted in the temporary closure of Cape Point to ORVs and pedestrians.

The EOD unit, after conducting a preliminary examination, determined that the item was a World War II era training ordnance. The item is being transported to Virginia for further examination and disposal.

Outer Banks Group Superintendent David Hallac said, “the National Park Service appreciates the U.S. Navy’s and U.S. Coast Guard’s role in keeping park visitors and nearby vessels safely away from the unidentified item while it was being examined and removed by the EOD unit. We also appreciate our partnerships with the Dare County Sheriff's office, Hatteras Island Rescue Squad, and N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission in keeping everyone safe.”