Boat was 100 miles off NC coast when crew realized it was beyond saving, rescuers say

Two men adrift off the North Carolina coast needed to be rescued when it became clear their sailboat was beyond saving, according to the U.S Coast Guard.

It happened Tuesday, Jan. 28, approximately 103 miles east of Wilmington, and the crew called for help after realizing they “were unable to keep up with flooding.”

A C-130 Hercules airplane and MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter based out of Air Station Elizabeth City, North Carolina, found the 32-foot boat in the Atlantic Ocean.

“The C-130 was first on the scene, assessed the situation, and deployed a dewatering pump to help manage the flooding aboard the vessel. Despite these efforts, the boat remained at risk of sinking, prompting the need for immediate extraction of the mariners,” USCG officials said.

“The Jayhawk helicopter crew arrived shortly afterward, hoisted the 2 individuals from the sinking vessel, and transported them to shore. The men were reported in stable condition with no injuries.”

Identities for the crewmen and details of their destination were not released.

They were taken to Wilmington International Airport “to assist with their journey home,” officials said.

“The vessel was abandoned at sea,” officials said.

This story was originally published January 30, 2025 at 8:16 AM with the headline "Boat was 100 miles off NC coast when crew realized it was beyond saving, rescuers say."