Coast Guard rescues five people from sinking sailboat off Cape Hatteras

A U.S. Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Air Station Elizabeth City rescued five individuals from a life raft after their sailboat, Magic Bus, began taking on water 260 nautical miles offshore Cape Hatteras, N.C., Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025. The Coast Guard coordinated with the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush for refueling support during the long-distance rescue. All five individuals were recovered in good health and transported safely to Air Station Elizabeth City. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Air Station Elizabeth City)

By staff reports

The U.S. Coast Guard reported that it rescued five people after their sailboat began taking on water 260 nautical miles offshore Cape Hatteras on Thursday.

“Coast Guard Sector North Carolina Command Center watchstanders received a distress call from the crew of the sailing vessel Magic Bus, reporting their vessel was taking on water and all five people aboard were abandoning ship into their life raft,” a Coast Guard press release issued around 5:45 p.m. Thursday said.

“The Coast Guard diverted the Cutter Angela McShan (WPC 1135) and launched an Air Station Elizabeth City HC-130 Hercules aircraft crew and an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew,” the release continued. “The HC-130 Hercules aircraft crew located the life raft, with all five people aboard, established communications, and confirmed everyone was stable and in good condition.”

The Coast Guard coordinated with the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush to provide fueling support for the helicopter crew enroute to the rescue because of the long distance from shore, according to the release.

The helicopter crew arrived on scene and successfully recovered all five individuals from the life raft in good health, the release said.

After returning to the aircraft carrier for further refueling, the helicopter crew then transported the rescued people safely to Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, according to the release.

No further information was immediately available.

 A U.S. Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Air Station Elizabeth City rescued five individuals from a life raft after their sailboat, Magic Bus, began taking on water 260 nautical miles offshore Cape Hatteras, N.C., Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025. The Coast Guard coordinated with the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush for refueling support during the long-distance rescue. All five individuals were recovered in good health and transported safely to Air Station Elizabeth City. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Fireman Madilynn Herrell)

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