At 11:37 a.m. on Friday, April 29, the watchman for the US station Oregon Inlet received a report that a 40-foot vessel with three people on board had lost direction outside the Oregon Inlet bar.

Shortly after, the M/V Bobalou discovered that it was flooded, which was likely due to a grounding that occurred while traversing the bar.

At 11:55 a.m., CG 47291 set out to respond to the incident. After arriving at the scene, the crew of 47291 passed over a bilge pump and placed the Bobalou in a stern tow, and proceeded to tow the Bobalou to the port of Wanchese.

47291 and Bobalou arrived in port at 3:00 p.m., and 47291 returned to Station Oregon Inlet around 4:00 p.m.

“Congratulations to another of our newly qualified coxswains, BM3 Johnson, on completing his first search and rescue case,” Station Oregon Inlet said in an online update.

“It is imperative that all sailors considering transiting the Oregon Gateway Bar stay up to date with the latest Army Corps of Engineers hydrographic surveys. These surveys provide information about shoals and recommended waypoints to cross the bar safely. Surveys can be viewed at https://www.saw.usace.army.mil/Missions/Navigation/Hydrographic-Surveys/Manteo-Oregon-Inlet/.

Additional information can also be found in the local Notice to Mariners or by contacting the Oregon Inlet Coast Guard Station.