Yesterday evening I heard the sad news that a visitor on Ocracoke Island drowned late Saturday afternoon after being caught in a dangerous rip current. Such sobering news always affects Ocracoke residents. We have one of the most beautiful beaches in the country...and ocean swimming is almost always fun and relaxing. However, under certain conditions strong and dangerous currents can form, especially in association with off-shore storms. When visiting the island please stay informed about rip currents and ask our local life guards and park rangers about current conditions.
The full story is available at the island free press web site, along with valuable information about recognizing rip currents, and how to react if caught in one. Click here to read more.
Our hearts go out to the family of the gentleman who died Saturday.
This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the 1913 wreck of the 6-masted schooner, George W. Wells. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072110.htm.
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Well written, Philip.
ReplyDeleteWhen a person passes away on the island, even if it's a tourist, everyone takes it very personally.
I'm praying for this family as they will be returning to Maryland with one less person with them. So tragic.
A vacation that went so wrong....very sad for all.
Thank you for posting this information.
wow some savvy person needs to develop an iphone app that puts them in touch with your blog. As a visitor -- a sign on the ferry could encourage downloading an app for info when on the island. you furnish up to date info --I don't know the half of what an app involves but certainly a grant from the NC tourism department could pave the way to defraying the costs. This social media thing or a facebook page for ocracoke island to offer visitors up to date info on sa ocean situation Oh yes, the red flags could have been up but there are only so many flags and most people now a days have iphones and this broadband wireless initiative (federal dollars funding internet to remote locations) should certainly focus on remote places like your island for dealing with tragedies such as this -- perhaps it could have been avoided,. My condolences go out to the family of the man who lost his life.
ReplyDeleteOh Philip, we were so so sorry to hear that one of our fellow Marylanders lost his life to a rip current. Yes...the waters off Ocracoke are one of the most beautiful but also can be one of the most deadly when rip currents are running. Our hearts are heavy for this family and their loss.
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