Missing Kayaker Swims To Safety In Albemarle Sound

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Posted: 4:04 AM Jul 8, 2008
Last Updated: 10:33 AM Jul 9, 2008

8 comments

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A missing kayaker has been found safe, a day after the Coast Guard spotted his overturned kayak in the Albemarle Sound.

Curtis Cooper fell out of his kayak on Monday. Search crews from the Elizabeth City Coast Guard Station found his boat, but not Cooper around 5:30 p.m. The Coast Guard says Cooper unsuccessfully tried to signal one of the helicopters which passed overhead.

The 19-year-old Richmond man then swam to the north side of the sound, walked to a nearby house where he called 911 around 3:20 Tuesday morning.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Cub Mom on Jul 8, 2008 at 09:00 PM
I'm so glad the young man was found, but he neglected one of the most important boating safety guidelines: stay with the boat/kayak! Anyone contemplating an outing in the water should review safety rules prior to their trip.

Posted by: Christian Location: Plymouth on Jul 8, 2008 at 07:01 PM
I would like to commend the Washington County Sheriff's Office, US Wildlife, US Coastguard, and numerous local residents for their combined efforts in an attempt to locate Curtis Cooper. I also want to commend the family who opened their door to a total stranger in the wee hours of the morning and saw that Curtis was delivered home safe and sound to his parents. Please recognize these people for what they truly are...angels.

Posted by: Craig Location: Richmond on Jul 8, 2008 at 12:46 PM
I am Curtis' Step Dad--Thank God for the Coast Guard and the Washington County Police--they were all awesome and all of our friends at Blair Shores--He is fine after 12 hours in the water-- There is a GOD!!

Posted by: s Location: Greenville on Jul 8, 2008 at 11:57 AM
Kayaker left from approxamitely 1 mile east of the sound bridge on the south side of the sound, his kayak was found off laurel poing which is about 7 miles east of bridge

Posted by: sharon Location: greenville on Jul 8, 2008 at 11:41 AM
what blessing!!

Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 8, 2008 at 10:54 AM
I know of another kayaker that was rescued from the Chowan river on Friday. Must be a dangereous adventure.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: Plymouth on Jul 8, 2008 at 09:53 AM
Please advise as to approx. location he went missing. "Near Albemarle Sound" could mean a lot of areas/space. Is more manpower/boats needed in the search? My prayers to the family for a safe return of loved one.

EDITOR'S NOTE: The kayaker has now been found.

Posted by: SAR ret'd Location: nc on Jul 8, 2008 at 06:37 AM
I am curious, "was overdue after hearing from his girlfriend.", did this person go missing after he talked to his girlfriend or did North Carolina Wildlife file the report after his girlfriend notified him that he was overdue? Also, a description of this person would be helpful, in the off chance that he made it to shore and is wandering around confused and disorientated.

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