Abandoned Life Raft Prompts Coast Guard Search Off North Carolina

The Coast Guard is searching for a possible person or persons in the water approximately one mile offshore of Buxton, N.C., Nov. 5, 2020. U.S. Coast Guard photo/Released

A search is underway for possible missing people after a six-person liferaft was spotted in the ocean about a mile off North Carolina.

The life raft was reported by a good samaritan approximately one mile off Buxton on Thursday.

Coast Guard Sector North Carolina watchstanders issued an urgent marine information broadcast and diverted an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, N.C., who happened to be conducting training in the area. Once on scene, a rescue swimmer was sent observe the life raft more closely.

The life raft is reported to be a six-man orange life raft with a sea anchor inside and no visible marine growth or markings, according to the Coast Guard.

The Coast Guard Cutter Nathan Bruckenthal (WPC 1128) and a 47-foot Motor Lifeboat boatcrew from Station Hatteras Inlet are conducting a search of the area.

Weather on scene was reported to be 70 degrees with the water temperature at 76 degrees and two to six foot seas.

Anyone with information regarding the possible origin of the life raft is urged to contact Coast Guard Sector North Carolina watchstanders at (910) 343-3880.

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