Investigation underway after man dies while kayaking at Cape Hatteras National Seashore

BUXTON, N.C. (WNCT) — An investigation is underway following the death of a kayaker near Buxton, North Carolina.

In a news release, the National Park Service at Cape Hatteras National Seashore reported a 72-year-old man from Florence, South Carolina, died Saturday morning after launching his kayak from the beach near the Cape Point Campground.

“Bystanders reported seeing the kayak capsize while attempting to ride a wave approximately 50 yards from the beach. They swam out to help pull the man from the kayak and brought him to the beach,” the National Park Service said.

CPR was initiated, but efforts to save the man were unsuccessful. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is investigating the kayaking death.

The beach near the Cape Point Campground is about three miles south of the Buxton community.

Various emergency officials responded to the scene, including the Dare County Emergency Medical Service, the Date County Sheriff’s Office, and Hatteras Island Ocean Rescue and Cape Hatteras National Seashore Rangers.

“We send our condolences to the kayaker’s family and friends,” stated Cape Hatteras National Seashore Superintendent David Hallac.

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