News Release

Massachusetts Man Dies in the Atlantic Ocean Near Ramp 70 on Ocracoke Island

Date: June 6, 2018
Contact: Boone Vandzura, 252-475-8307

This afternoon, a 55 year old male died while swimming in the Atlantic Ocean off Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Seashore). Resuscitation measures were attempted on the beach near Ramp 70 on Ocracoke Island, but were unsuccessful.

Additional details:

• 911 call was received at 4:47 p.m.
• 55 year old male visiting from North Brookfield, Massachusetts was found floating three feet from the shore near Ramp 70 on Ocracoke Island without a flotation device.
• Bystanders discovered the 55 year old male after answering a family member’s call for assistance in locating him. The family member also called 911.
• CPR was immediately performed by the bystander after the male was brought to the beach.
• Ocracoke Emergency Medical Services, Hyde County Sheriff’s Office, Ocracoke Volunteer Fire Department, National Park Service Surf Rescue Lifeguards, and Seashore Rangers responded to the incident and continued the bystander’s initial resuscitation efforts.
• This is the third swimming-related fatality off the Seashore this year, the second fatality today, and third within the last four days. There were seven swimming-related fatalities in 2017 and eight in 2016.

“Today has been a very hard day at Cape Hatteras National Seashore,” said National Parks of Eastern North Carolina Superintendent David Hallac. “Our staff offer our sincere condolences for the loss of two visitors. We urge everyone to be very careful when swimming in the Atlantic Ocean.”