Coast Guard rescues two people, cat, dog off the coast of Cape Hatteras

CAPE HATTERAS, N.C. (WITN) - Tuesday morning, the U.S. Coast Guard conducted a successful rescue from a disabled boat in Cape Hatteras.

The Coast Guard in Elizabeth City says they sent an MH-60 helicopter crew to rescue two people, their cat, and their dog from a disabled 40-foot catamaran around 65 miles from the Cape Hatteras shore.

According to a press release, the vessel had a torn jib sail but was able to head toward land using its diesel engine.

After discovering a small hole in the boat and worsening weather conditions, the crew signaled that they needed assistance.

The Coast Guard encourages boaters to create a float plan, check weather conditions, ensure the proper safety gear, and have at least two communication methods.