News Release

Cape Hatteras National Seashore urges visitors to use caution on the beach between Rodanthe and Salvo, N.C.

Small wooden debris on beach, south of the sites of two fallen houses.

NPS Photo

News Release Date: May 25, 2022

Contact: Michael Barber, 252-270-5389

MANTEO, N.C. — Due to the potential for injury from both sand-covered and fully exposed home debris associated with the two homes that collapsed on May 10, 2022, Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Seashore) encourages visitors to wear hard soled footwear on the beach between Rodanthe and Salvo, N.C. Sharp debris may also be found in areas south of Salvo.

While much of the large debris has been removed by a variety of beach cleanup efforts, miles of small pieces of debris remains on and under the surface of the beach. The Seashore is aware of the presence of wood with exposed nails, splintered wooden fragments and other debris that could be harmful to beachgoers without hard soled footwear.

Additionally, erosion at the Buxton Beach Access has exposed PVC pipes and other previously underground items associated with decommissioned military facilities in the area that were not removed. The Seashore is in the process of cutting the pipes and removing as much of the exposed debris as possible.

Piece of wood containing exposed nails.

NPS Photo

Beach erosion continues to impact Seashore beaches.

NPS Photo