Local, state and federal agencies are searching the Currituck Sound Friday morning after a report of a missing boater.
Crews were dispatched to the north end of Church’s Island around 7:15 a.m. to a report of an overturned boat off Waterlily.
According to N.C. Wildlife Law Enforcement Sgt. Johnathan Beardsley, a 62 year old man was fishing in a 12-foot johnboat near a friend who was within eyesight. After looking elsewhere, the friend said he spotted the boat overturned but no sign of the fisherman.
Beardsley said the man was last seen wearing a black button-up shirt and dark blue gym shorts.
Happening now: Coast Guard, other agencies searching for missing boater in Currituck Sound. Boat overturned off north end of Church’s Island this morning. (opposite end of where I live) pic.twitter.com/8pq9ifYTQ1
— Sam Walker OBX Today🎙📻📰 (@SamWalkerOBX) July 2, 2021
Coast Guard, N.C. Wildlife Law Enforcement, N.C. Marine Patrol, Lower Currituck Fire and Rescue, Currituck County Sheriff’s Office and local residents were searching on water and from the air.
Conditions on the Currituck Sound were choppy this morning, with a southwest wind of 10 to 15 mph and gusts to 20 at times.
Showers and thunderstorms are expected to move into the area by midday, which could hamper the search effort.