Three people rescued after their boat capsized at the Oregon Inlet Bar

The boat was flipped over by waves breaking on the bar outside the inlet. [USCG photo]

Three people were rescued on Wednesday afternoon after their center-console boat capsized while trying to cross the ocean bar off Oregon Inlet.

The incident happened around 3:53 p.m., according to a post on the Coast Guard Station Oregon Inlet Facebook page.

The Coast Guard stands watch over boats navigating the bar. [USCG photo]

The crew of the Blackjack recovered the trio who were clinging to the overturned hull and met up with a 47-foot Coast Guard boat, who then transferred the victims to a 24-foot USCG vessel for the trip back to shore. No one was hurt, and the overturned hull was towed-in.

The 47-footer stayed on scene at the bar because several other returning boats were having trouble navigating the 3-to-5 foot swells breaking on the naturally-forming sand bar that sits outside the inlet.

No other incidents were reported.

“Bravo Zulu to the Blackjack, as they are a true reflection of our great boating community,” the Coast Guard said via Facebook. “Events such as this are a reminder for all intending to transit the bar to proceed with caution, stay informed and do not hesitate to call us at (252) 441-6260 for the most recent information about the bar.”

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Sam Walker was news director for OBXToday.com, Beach 104, 99.1 The Sound, Big 94.5 WCMS and Z 92.3 from August 2011 to March 2022.