Five Rescued After Yacht Sinks Off North Carolina

Five individuals were brought to safety after their yacht sank hundreds of miles off the North Carolina coast. This occurred on Thursday, as confirmed by the Coast Guard.

According to reports, the crew of the sailing vessel known as the Magic Bus sent out a mayday signal when they were approximately 260 nautical miles from Cape Hatteras. They indicated that the yacht was taking on water, prompting them to abandon ship and board life rafts.

In response, the Coast Guard deployed several resources, including the cutter Angela McShann from Elizabeth City, an HC-130 Hercules aircraft, and an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter.

While responding to the incident, images captured show the Jayhawk hovering above the turbulent waters, where a small orange life raft was visible below, bobbing in the rough sea.

Another photograph reveals the yacht leaning precariously, nearly submerged in water.

Given the distance from shore, the Coast Guard coordinated with the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush to ensure that the helicopters had enough fuel for their operations.

The HC-130 crew was ultimately able to locate the liferaft, confirming that it was “stable and in good condition,” and that all five individuals aboard were safe. Shortly thereafter, the Jayhawk crew rescued them.

After refueling on the USS George H.W. Bush, the helicopter returned the survivors to the Coast Guard Air Station in Elizabeth City. Officials stated that everyone appeared to be in good health.

While it’s unclear why they ventured so far from shore—more than 400 miles— it certainly raises questions about the circumstances of their voyage.

The Coast Guard has shared photos and videos from the rescue, highlighting the challenging conditions faced during the operation.