OCRACOKE ISLAND, N.C. - A man was found dead ashore Ocracoke island after Cape Hatteras National Seashore Rangers responded to a missing swimmer reports.
Seashore rangers say they received a call at 11:15 a.m., Sunday morning, regarding a swimmer that had been missing near the Pony Pen beach at the Seashore on Ocracoke Island.
Rangers found a 65-year-old man lying face down about 60 yards from the beach. A lifeguard brought him to shore where officials pronounced him dead.
Officials say a large rip current was spotted where the swimmer went missing. The cause of death is still being investigated.
A moderate risk of rip currents was forecast for all Outer Banks beaches Sunday.
According to officials, only experienced surf swimmers should enter the surf on moderate risk days.
“Our team at Cape Hatteras National Seashore sends our most sincere condolences to this man's family following the very sad loss that occurred today off the Seashore's beach on Ocracoke Island. While we don't know the cause of this tragic event, our staff observed rip currents in the area and moderately rough surf conditions. We strongly urge swimmers to take great caution when entering the Atlantic Ocean where swimming can be challenging for even the most experienced swimmers," said National Parks of Eastern North Carolina Superintendent David Hallac.
