BUXTON, N.C. — The Coast Guard is searching for people who possibly went missing in the water about a mile offshore of Buxton, North Carolina, Thursday.
Coast Guard Sector North Carolina watchstanders received a relayed report from crewmembers at Coast Guard Station Hatteras Inlet about a good Samaritan who reported an adrift orange life raft a mile offshore.
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 to the scene. The aircrew was conducting training in the area.
Once on scene, the aircrew deployed a rescue swimmer into the water to get a closer look at the life raft more. 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.
Crews from the Coast Guard Cutter Nathan Bruckenthal (WPC 1128) and a 47-foot Motor Lifeboat boatcrew from Station Hatteras Inlet were launched to conduct a search of the area.
Current weather on scene is 70 degrees, with the water temperature at 76 degrees and two- to six-foot seas.
Anyone who has information about where the life raft possibly is asked to contact Coast Guard Sector North Carolina watchstanders at (910) 343-3880.
