Hovercraft Mud Rescue of 2 Boys and Their Father

Описание: Just after 3:00 PM on March 6, 2022, OIWR, OIFD, OIPD, BC EMS, and USCG Station Oak Island were dispatched for 3-4 persons who were kayaking and now out of their kayaks and stuck in the mud/marsh in the vicinity of NE 65th St. at Yacht Dr.

Reports from Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office Central Communications- CCOM (the 911 center) were that one person may be under the mud and others were calling for help.

The BCSO Airboat and a second ambulance (St. James FD EMS) were dispatched to assist. OIWR Chief Grendze arrived and became the incident commander. OIFD and OIPD quickly arrived and a unified command was established.

OIWR responded with the hovercraft (4493) and Boat 4490. The hovercraft launched at the 55th St. boat ramp and was guided into position by our drone and personnel on shore. The drone was able to get a close in view of the victims and determine their exact location.

The hovercraft arrived at the location of the victims and found three persons, two being stuck in the mud chest high. No victims had submerged.

Boat 4490 launched from 55th St. and stationed in the ICW near the entrance to the creek. The hovercraft extricated two victims and then transferred them to Boat 4490. USCG Station Oak Island’s 29’ Small Response Boat arrived on scene in the ICW as well.

The hovercraft entered the swamp a second time to rescue the third victim while Boat 4490 transported two victims to EMS waiting at the boat ramp. The third victim was extricated from the mud and transported to the boat ramp via hovercraft where EMS was waiting for their arrival.

This operation is a perfect example of the excellent interagency coordination that occurs between the many public safety agencies on Oak Island and in Brunswick County.

As for OIWR, our hovercraft and drone saved three lives today. With a rising tide and two victims chest deep in mud and unable to escape, this was a deadly situation.

We are grateful for our donated hovercraft, which saved the day.