Aug. 11, 2016 7:08 p.m.
By Connie Leinbach
Ocracoke–A 64-year-old woman died today after being caught in a rip current while swimming off Ramp 67.
A spokesman for the National Park Service’s Cape Hatteras National Seashore said the rescue also involved a female juvenile, the woman’s daughter though did not give her age. While the NPS did not release the pair’s place of residence pending notification of next of kin, a spokesman did confirm that both were visitors to the island.
The NPS said the emergency call came in at 1:15 p.m. today saying two females were caught in a rip current.
According to the press notice sent via email, the husband (and father of the juvenile) attempted a rescue but was unable to reach the pair. The man then called bystanders to assist, who responded and were able to pull both onto shore.
CPR was in progress when two NPS Rangers arrived on the scene and found the woman unresponsive and the female juvenile having breathing difficulties.
NPS Rangers provided CPR until Hyde County EMS arrived. Hyde County EMS, NPS Rangers, Hyde County Sheriffs’ Office, and first-responders from Ocracoke Volunteer Fire Dept. continued CPR and assisted the female juvenile.
The female juvenile was transported via helicopter to Vidant Medical Center in Greenville for further treatment. The woman was pronounced dead on scene by Ocracoke EMS
The Park Service had no further information.
This is the third drowning on the Outer Banks. The first occurred on July 21 on Ocracoke in the airport access area (Ramp 70) and the other July 22 off of Sailfish Drive in Frisco. See story.
For safety, swimmers on Ocracoke are urged to swim at the Lifeguard Beach.
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