Coast Guard rescues two from Shallotte Inlet | News

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WECT) – The Coast Guard rescued two
people from the Shallotte Inlet, after a call from a good Samaritan Sunday
afternoon.

Crews at the Coast Guard Station Oak Island dispatched
Holden Beach and Tri Beach water rescue, according to a news release. A 25-foot
response boat was also sent to assist.

The two people were clinging to the capsized flat-bottomed
skiff when crews arrived. They were showing signs of hypothermia, according to
the release. An ambulance crew waited for and treated the two once they were
brought ashore.

Capt. Anthony Popiel, the Coast Guard Sector North Carolina
commander said life jackets saved their lives, but the floatation devices can't
protect boaters from the drop in temperatures this time of year.

"Hypothermia can set in very quickly, so boaters need to
prepare appropriately for the cold weather," said Popiel in the release.

Sea Tow salvaged the boat.

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