Historically, the waters surrounding Cape Hatteras National Seashore and the associated inlets into Pamlico Sound can be treacherous for mariners. Known historically as “The Graveyard of the Atlantic” the water and weather conditions are constantly changing, making navigation challenging for mariners both past and present. Even with the advent of modern technology and accurate mapping, it is always possible for vessels to become grounded, or beached at Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
The National Park Service works collaboratively with the United States Coast Guard and boat owners during each grounding to ensure that grounded vessels are removed as quickly and safely as possible while protecting natural resources and ecosystems.
There are currently 0 grounded vessels at Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
See below for brief information about most recent vessel groundings and visit our Flickr page to view an assortment of photos.
Photo of the Turn Back the morning of September 6, 2023.
NPS Photo
Turn Back (2023)
Vessel was removed by 11:30 a.m. September 6, 2023.
A 42-foot vessel named Turn Back grounded on the beach the morning of September 6, 2023, at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, approximately one mile north of Oregon Inlet. There were no reported injuries to the three people who were on board the vessel when it came to shore at some time after 7:30 a.m.
A nearby vessel helped tow the Turn Back off the beach and back into the ocean the same morning that it grounded.
Photo of the Carol-ina taken the morning of Monday, June 19.
NPS Photo
Carol-ina (2023)
Vessel was removed on Wednesday, June 21, 2023.
During the early evening hours of Sunday, June 18, 2023, a 28-foot vessel named the Carol-ina grounded on the beach at Cape Hatteras National Seashore near the northeastern entrance to Hatteras Village. There were no reported injuries to the four people who were on board the vessel when it came to shore.
A special use permit was issued to the boat's owner and his salvage contractor on June 21, 2023, for removal of the vessel. Prior to approving the permit, the National Park Service reviewed the work plan and coordinated with the N.C. Department of Transportation, N.C. State Highway Patrol, Dare County's Sheriff's Office, and Dare County Emergency Management.
At approximately 11 a.m. June 21, 2023, the contractor used a crane to lift the vessel over the dune and onto a trailer on the northbound lane of N.C. Highway 12, between Hatteras and Frisco. The southbound lane was used to alternate the flow of traffic for less than an hour.
Vivens Aqua sits grounded on beach near Ocracoke Inlet on January 28, 2022.
NPS photo
Vivens Aqua (2022)
Vessel removed on Wednesday, February 9, 2022
On January 25, 2022, a 55-foot-long vessel named the Vivens Aqua, registered in Maryland, grounded on the beach near Ocracoke Inlet. Both passengers on the vessel made it safety to shore.
The National Park Service initially issued a special use permit to the boat's owner for removal directly over water. Unfortunately, those efforts failed, which led to a decision to remove all fuel oil from the vessel.
Another special use permit was issued to the boat's owner and his salvage contractor on February 3 for removal attempts across the beach and into the Pamlico Sound. The Vivens Aqua was successfully removed via the Pamlico Sound at around 12:30 p.m. on February 9, 2022.
After a special use permit was issued on February 3, heavy equipment was used to drag the vessel across the beach to ORV Ramp 4, where it was later picked up and placed on a trailer.
Pictured, from left, Reel Lucky and Bite Me sit grounded on the beach near Oregon Inlet on February 3, 2022.
NPS photo
Bite Me (2022)
Vessel removed on Friday, February 4, 2022
A 32-foot-long vessel named Bite Me, registered in Pennsylvania, grounded on the beach near the north side of Oregon Inlet around the same time as the Reel Lucky grounding, on the evening of February 2, 2022. Three passengers aboard the Bite Me made it safely to the beach.
The Bite Me and Reel Lucky reportedly bumped into each other a few times during the grounding incident.
Grounded sailing vessel named the Alhambra on Dec. 11, 2021.
National Park Service photo
Alhambra (2021)
Vessel removed on Wednesday, December 15, 2021
On the morning of December 11, 2021, a 37-foot-long sailing vessel named the Alhambra safely grounded just north of Cape Hatteras National Seashore's Avon Fishing Pier in Avon, N.C.
Jonathan Ryan on the morning of November 29, 2021.
National Park Service photo
Jonathan Ryan (2021)
Vessel removed on Monday, November 29, 2021
On November 29, 2021, a commercial fishing vessel named the Jonathan Ryan grounded near off-road vehicle ramp 48, approximately 1.25 miles southeast of the Frisco Campground.
