News Release

Lost woman found at Cape Hatteras National Seashore in Buxton, N.C.

Date: September 26, 2020
Contact: Boone Vandzura, 252-475-8307

After receiving a 911 call at around 9:00 p.m., on Friday, September 25, 2020, Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Seashore) Rangers worked with the U.S. Coast Guard, Dare County Sheriff's Office, Hatteras Island Rescue Squad, and the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission as part of a search and rescue operation to locate a 31-year-old missing woman.

It was reported that the woman became lost while walking in the woods near the boundary of the Buxton Woods Reserve, managed by the N.C. Coastal Reserve, and the Seashore.

A Seashore Ranger began searching for the lost woman shortly after receiving the 911 call, followed by the Hatteras Island Rescue Squad formally initiating and leading a search and rescue operation.

The woman was temporarily located by a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter, but she became lost again. Search and rescue efforts were suspended later last night until this morning.

After restarting the search this morning, at around 7:30 am, a Seashore Ranger reported finding the individual walking near the Seashore's administrative housing area on Loggerhead Lane.

"The Seashore appreciates being part of such a dedicated team of county, state, federal, and volunteer organizations that help to protect public safety. I thank all of the emergency services personnel that spent the night searching through thick woods and in the air to search for the lost individual,” stated David Hallac, Superintendent of the National Parks of Eastern North Carolina.