OAK ISLAND, N.C. (WECT) – Authorities in Oak Island are praising the efforts of a good Samaritan who helped rescue a missing boater Tuesday, June 25.

According to the Oak Island Fire Department, a call was received just before 7:30 p.m. in reference to a boater who had gone missing.

“Upon arriving, the Fire Department launched a drone, and within two minutes located a boat with a single occupant that had run aground in the marsh areas of the Beaverdam Creek, north of the Intracoastal Waterway. The boat had become tangled in lines while surveying crab pots, and medical complications prevented the captain from freeing the boat or communicating visually (standing, shouting, waving, etc.),” the OIFD states in its release.

Another boater noticed the drone and made their way to the stranded boat.

“The drone pilot was able to lower a handheld radio to communicate with both,” the release explains. “The assisting boater then towed the stranded boat back to the ramp, where crews were able to lift the individual out and provide further evaluation / treatment. Members of Water Rescue then assisted in removing the boat from the launch area.

“This response provides yet another example of the caring community of recreational boaters found in this area; and an even better example of how to be a ‘good,’ Good Samaritan when offering assistance during an emergency.”

The Oak Island Police Department, Oak Island Water Rescue and Brunswick County EMS also responded to the scene.

OIFD also shared some tips for future good Samaritans:

• “𝑩𝒆 𝑨𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒆: Emergencies can sometimes be more ‘quiet’ than expected, and are not always met with flailing arms or loud screams as portrayed in media. It helps to take a second look around to make sure neighbors are okay. If there is a problem, don’t assume someone else will notice and take care of it.
• “𝑩𝒆 𝑨𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆: You don’t have to act like an action hero; and in fact it’s better if you don’t. Simply be willing to follow directions. As seen in this response, the ‘good Samaritan’ used the radio to communicate with those onshore before trying to move the individual or take their own action. Whether it’s from a radio dropped by a drone, or 9-1-1 telecommunicator on your phone, following instructions from trained professionals can help ensure the emergency doesn’t grow.
• “𝑩𝒆 𝑨𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆: Don’t be afraid to help. Even if you don’t know what to do, simply taking action to find someone who does can make all the difference. Whether providing direct assistance or not, CALLING 9-1-1 is always the FIRST action you should take.
• “𝑩𝒆 𝑨𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆: Remember, a good response is made up of many moving parts working together as a team. When you assist in an emergency, you become part of that team. As seen here, once the good Samaritan finished towing the boat in, they moved aside to let medical staff do their part. Much like how the Water Rescue boats didn’t try to ‘take over’ from the good Samaritan while towing, everyone listened to one another and served their role respectfully.”

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