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Historically, the waters surrounding Cape Hatteras National Seashore and the associated inlets into Pamlico Sound can be treacherous for mariners. Known historically as “The Graveyard of the Atlantic” the water and weather conditions are constantly changing, making navigation challenging for mariners both past and present. Even with the advent of modern technology and accurate mapping, it is always possible for vessels to become grounded, or beached at Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

The National Park Service works collaboratively with the United States Coast Guard and boat owners during each grounding to ensure that grounded vessels are removed as quickly and safely as possible while protecting natural resources and ecosystems.

There is currently 1 grounded vessel at Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore (CHNS) was notified on Wednesday evening, February 2, of a grounding incident involving two fishing vessels near Oregon Inlet, per a recent update from the National Park Service.

The vessels are located on the beach north of Oregon Inlet, approximately 0.8 miles south of off-road vehicle ramp 4, close to where the Ocean Pursuit grounded in early March of 2020.

Per preliminary info from CHNS, there may have been a collision between the two vessels prior to the grounding. The two vessels involved are a 32-foot-long Albemarle recreational boat from out of the area, and a 35-foot-long JC recreational/commercial boat from New Jersey, according to OBX Today.

All five passengers on board the two vessels made it safely to shore, and salvage activities have already removed one vessel.

See below for brief information about most recent vessel groundings and visit our Flickr page to view an assortment of photos.

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