Second drowning in 2 days at Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Deadly Labor Day weekend at Cape Hatteras

One day after a 28-year-old died while swimming at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, a 68-year-old man passed away there on Sept. 5, 2023.

According to the National Parks Service, two other visitors noticed the man shouting for help before beginning to slip under water as he swam just off the beach of southern Hatteras Island close to Ramp 55. The visitors swam out to help the man and pulled him to shore. The man was unresponsive. At about 10:30 a.m., someone called 911 to report the incident.

Members from the Dare County Sheriff’s Office, Dare County Emergency Medical Services, Hatteras Island Rescue Squad and NC Highway Patrol responded to the scene. They tried performing CPR on the man, but his body never responded.

Due to dangerous rip currents and rough water in the surf zone, a Beach Hazards Statement has been implemented to the park.

David Hallac of the National Parks of Eastern NC issued the following statement:

“The Seashore sends condolences to the families and friends of the swimmers that lost their lives over the last two days.

High energy surf conditions, including large waves and life-threatening rip currents, are forecast to be present all week. Visitors wading into the surf, even as shallow as waist deep, may be overcome by large waves, suffer injuries, and may be overtaken by rough ocean conditions making it difficult, if not impossible, for all but the strongest, most experienced swimmers to survive.

We urge visitors to avoid entering the ocean when the rip current risk is moderate or high and when the waves are more than 1-2 feet in height. Moreover, even in the calmest conditions, swimming off the beaches of Cape Hatteras National Seashore is much more difficult than swimming in a pool or lake and only the most experienced should consider entering the water. All swimmers should have leashed floatation with them (body board or surfboard) and a friend or family member on the beach to watch them at all times.

While you may see surfers seemingly effortlessly riding the waves, do not be tempted to enter the ocean during these hazardous conditions. The majority of surfers at Cape Hatteras National Seashore are competent athletes that have developed significant skills and experience or time to engage in their sport. Consider spending time on a sound-side beach at the Seashore, including locations such as the Haulover, Salvo, and Devil Shoals Road sound access sites for a safer opportunity to enjoy the water when hazardous ocean conditions are present.”