BALD HEAD ISLAND, N.C. (WECT) – The Coast Guard and civilians rescued 54-year-old Steve Oatman 24 miles east of Bald Head Island on Tuesday, Aug. 13.

Per the Coast Guard, Oatman’s wife told the guard at 12:26 p.m. that her husband, a diving instructor, was overdue to return. She told them that he was only supposed to dive for an hour, but did not resurface when he was supposed to.

A Coast Guard helicopter crew and airplane crew launched along with a motor lifeboat crew to the scene. One of the crews spotted him waving his arms at around 2 p.m. The CG crews, along with civilian divers, recovered him from the water about three miles northwest of the initial reported location.

He had a highlighter green safety sausage that helped the aircraft crew find him, a float plan, and safety gear that helped keep him safe and enable the rescue.

“This diver’s preparedness and experience played a major factor in his rescue,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Sparks. “Having the right safety gear, filing a float plan, and staying calm under pressure can help any diver or mariner be in danger. Like the four divers that were rescued to the day this time last year, being prepared for whatever comes your way can result in the Coast Guard reuniting you with your family and friends.”

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