News Release

New York man dies in Atlantic Ocean near Hatteras, NC

Date: September 28, 2019
Contact: Boone Vandzura, 252-475-8307

This afternoon a 75-year-old male from Downsville, New York died in the Atlantic Ocean off Cape Hatteras National Seashore (Seashore) near Hatteras, North Carolina.

Additional details:

• 911 call was received at 2:50 p.m.

• The water-related fatality occurred near the northern boundary of Hatteras Village.

• A companion swimmer reported that the 75-year-old male became unconscious while attempting to escape a rip current. He was not using a flotation device. 

• The companion swimmer pulled him from the ocean with help from two bystanders.

• National Park Service Rangers, Hatteras Island Ocean Rescue, and Dare County Emergency Medical Services responded to the incident.

• Cause of death is unknown until a medical examination is performed.

• A moderate risk of rip currents was forecast for all Outer Banks beaches today. A moderate risk of rip currents means that “wind and/or wave conditions support stronger or more frequent rip currents. Only experienced surf swimmers should enter the surf on moderate risk days.”

• This is the third water-related fatality off Cape Hatteras National Seashore this year. There were five fatalities in 2018, seven in 2017, and eight in 2016.

“Our staff offer our sincere condolences to his family and friends,” said National Parks of Eastern North Carolina Superintendent David Hallac.