ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. — The Coast Guard and Currituck County emergency services rescued three missing children who were kayaking near Corolla, North Carolina, Wednesday night.
Coast Guard Sector North Carolina Command Center watchstanders received a call at approximately 8:30 p.m. from the missing kayakers’ father, reporting his children, ages 15, 13, and 12, intended to paddle around a nearby island but had not returned.
The watchstanders issued an urgent marine information broadcast (UMIB) and directed the launch of a Coast Guard Station Elizabeth City 29-foot Response Boat-Small boatcrew. as well as coordinated assistance from the Currituck County sheriff’s office, fire department, and ocean rescue. A nearby Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew also diverted to the scene.
The rescue helicopter crew arrived on scene and located one of the children on a kayak. Two of the children had fallen overboard and were unable to get back on. The third could not assist the two children in the water due to the wind, and was paddling to a nearby house in an attempt to alert authorities. Weather conditions at the time of the rescue were 10 mph winds with gusts of 16 mph and approximately 1-foot seas.
Approximately 30 minutes later, the other two children were located wading in three to four feet of water.
The helicopter crew directed nearby ocean rescue small boats to the children’s location.
All three children were rescued and transported to safety. No injuries were reported.
"This case highlights the critical importance of having a float plan and preparing for the unexpected before heading out on the water especially when kayaking,” said Lt. Cmdr. Brian Waters, a Sector North Carolina search and rescue mission coordinator. “A float plan shared with a friend or family member can be the difference between life and death. We also want to recognize and thank our incredible partners who’s rapid and coordinated response alongside the Coast Guard was vital to this operation. Their support underscores just how essential our collaborative efforts are when time matters most."
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