US Coast Guard saves 2 people, cat, dog from disabled catamaran miles off Cape Hatteras

CAPE HATTERAS, N.C. (WTVD) -- The U.S. Coast Guard rescued two people and their cat and dog from a disabled boat located 65 miles off Cape Hatteras.

According to the U.S. Coast Guard East's Facebook page, the 40-foot catamaran, which had a torn jib sail, was initially making progress toward land using its diesel engine. However, the passengers discovered a small hole in the boat and encountered worsening weather conditions, including 18-foot waves.

At that point, they activated the Emergency Positioning Indicator Radio Beacon (EPIRB) to signal the Coast Guard for assistance.

James Butz, a member of the four-person air station Elizabeth City MH-60 helicopter crew, swam to the vessel where the couple and their pets were waiting. He reported that the first survivor carried the cat in a dry bag, while the second survivor, accompanied by a dog wearing a flotation device, followed shortly after.

"They were well prepared," Butz noted.

He described the rescue as a true team effort and an unforgettable experience, emphasizing the satisfaction of responding to such a critical call.

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