News Release

Cape Lookout National Seashore Reports Fatality on Shackleford Banks

Date: May 29, 2023
Contact: Nate Toering, 252-838-8909

HARKERS ISLAND, NC – At approximately 4:30 PM on Sunday, May 28th, an accident involving three individuals in a rented boat occurred in the ocean south of Shackleford Banks. Conditions at the time of the accident were 7-to-9 foot swells, temperatures in the mid-70’s, sporadic rain, and winds out of the SSW at 8-16 MPH. While underway, the boat took a wave that did not completely capsize the vessel but ejected all three passengers. The accident occurred outside of park boundaries, and the United States Coast Guard and NC Wildlife are leading the accident investigation.

After the accident occurred, the three ejected passengers made it to Shackleford Banks. Upon reaching the beach, one male victim in his mid-forties collapsed around the wave line. The two remaining passengers were unable to move the victim. The victim was unresponsive, so the other passengers started CPR and dialed 911 at 4:47 PM. Park Rangers were dispatched but were approximately 2 miles away. They responded via boat and ATV and were on-site within fifteen minutes.

Upon arrival, NPS Rangers moved the victim further inland and began AED-assisted CPR. They continued CPR until paramedics with the Harkers Island Fire Department and Beaufort Fire Department arrived on scene and took over. CPR was conducted for about an hour before medical direction called off efforts. NPS Rangers are handling the fatality investigation in conjunction with the other involved agencies