Rescue workers respond to boating accident on the Cape Fear River

ELIZABETHTOWN, NC (WECT) – Calls began coming in in Bladen County at 7 p.m. Friday about a boating accident on the Cape Fear River, about a mile from the Lock No. 2 boat ramp.

“An assistant chief from our department had left this boat ramp just moments earlier after spending the afternoon on the water. After returning to the ramp, our member and an EMS paramedic were the first to arrive on the scene and began to render aid,” the Elizabethtown Fire Department wrote on its Facebook page.

Apparently there had been a mechanical failure that had caused the boat to crash into the river bank and a tree.

Two people were still in the boat, one of whom had suffered a serious leg injury. Both were safely returned to the boat ramp where they were cared for by a waiting rescue unit. One person was transported by land to a nearby trauma center with non-life-threatening injuries.

The NC Wildlife Resources Commission assisted and conducted an investigation.

“We are pleased to report that both patients were wearing their life jackets and had taken all necessary steps to navigate safely. As summer continues, we ask everyone to remember the importance of being mindful of boater safety,” EFD wrote.

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