Witnesses tried to save SC man after his kayak flipped off Outer Banks, NC park says

A 72-year-old South Carolina man died after his kayak capsized off Cape Hatteras National Seashore in North Carolina, according to the National Park Service.

His identity has not been released. He was visiting from Florence, park officials said in a news release.

It happened early Saturday, July 20, east of the Point Campground near Buxton, a 240-mile drive southeast from Raleigh.

“Bystanders reported seeing the kayak capsize while attempting to ride a wave approximately 50 yards from the beach,” the park reported.

“They swam out to help pull the man from the kayak and brought him to the beach. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation efforts were initiated. However, they were unsuccessful.”

Commenters on the park’s Facebook page said the man was known as a “world class sea kayaker” and was “loved by the local surf community.”

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is investigating the incident, officials said.

The Point is a spot where the string of barrier islands take a sharp turn to the west. Waters off the island are known to be rough due to colliding north and southbound currents.

This story was originally published July 21, 2024 at 5:40 AM with the headline "Witnesses tried to save SC man after his kayak flipped off Outer Banks, NC park says."