GATES COUNTY, N.C. — A 30-year-old Newport News man died Saturday after a canoe overturned in Somerton Creek near the North Carolina-Virginia state line, according to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.
Emergency crews were dispatched around 12:12 p.m. after the Gates County 911 Center received reports of an overturned canoe on Somerton Creek near the Gates County, Hertford County and Virginia state line.
Officials said three men were paddling in a 14-foot canoe when the vessel became unstable and overturned, throwing all three occupants into the water.
Two of the men were able to safely make it to shore. However, 30-year-old Noel Gutierrez of Newport News drowned before reaching land.
A large-scale search operation followed, involving multiple agencies from North Carolina and Virginia. Responders used boats, side-scan sonar and underwater drones in an effort to locate Gutierrez.
Search crews recovered Gutierrez's body from the water at approximately 4:46 p.m. Saturday. Immediate family members were present at the scene and were notified of his death there, officials said.
Responding agencies included the Gates County Sheriff's Office, Gates County Rescue and EMS Station 10, Gates Station 30 Volunteer Fire Department, Eure Station 50 Volunteer Fire Department, Gates County Emergency Management, Hertford County Emergency Management and EMS, Winton Fire Department, North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and specialized resources from the Chesapeake Fire Department.
A preliminary investigation found that none of the men aboard the canoe were wearing personal flotation devices, commonly known as life jackets. Investigators also determined the canoe was not properly equipped with life jackets as required.
The incident remains under investigation by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.
In a statement following the incident, wildlife officials urged boaters to wear properly fitted life jackets at all times while on the water and to ensure vessels are equipped with required safety gear, including personal flotation devices, fire extinguishers and functioning navigation lights.
"Incidents occur quickly and without warning," the agency said, noting the importance of boating safety as summer water recreation activity increases.
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