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The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission has reported that at approximately 6:50 p.m. on Friday, July 17, it received a report of a pontoon boat in distress with 12 people in the water, including children.

WRC, Currituck County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Currituck Fire Station 5 responded. CCSO deputies and fire department crews arrived on scene first and rescued the 12 occupants from the water, according to WRC Law Enforcement Division Sgt. John Beardsley. The vessel was also recovered.

“No one suffered any injuries beyond first aid and the vessel was able to be driven back to the dock,” stated Beardsley. “The incident occurred due to rough water conditions and too many people sitting in the forward portion of the vessel. Pontoon boats are not well equipped to handle rough water.”

The WRC reminded boaters that it is vital to distribute the weight in a vessel evenly and to slow down, especially in rough conditions.

“The Currituck County Sheriff Deputies and Fire Department deserve all the recognition for the rescue!” stated Beardsley.

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