ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. - In a daring rescue operation, the U.S. Coast Guard successfully saved four individuals from an overturned 60-foot luxury yacht, named Moon Dragon, off the coast of North Carolina on Saturday. The distress signal was received around 12:20 p.m., approximately 140 miles southeast of Wilmington.

According to an official news release from the Coast Guard, the crew of the Moon Dragon reported that both the port and starboard side hatches had broken, causing catastrophic flooding that forced them to abandon the vessel. The yacht, which offers charters between the Mid-Atlantic and the Virgin Islands, was launched in 2021 and boasts six luxury cabins catering to up to 10 passengers.

At the time of the incident, the weather conditions were harsh, with winds reaching 35 miles per hour, and the seas standing at a challenging 11 to 12 feet. The treacherous conditions posed a significant risk to the crew and passengers.

Responding swiftly to the distress beacon call, an HC-130 Hercules airplane crew from Elizabeth City was deployed. The crew arrived at the scene and spotted the capsized yacht, along with a covered life raft. Communication was established between the survivors in the raft and the overhead crew via a radio.

Further reinforcement was sent in the form of an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Elizabeth City. The Jayhawk crew skillfully hoisted all four individuals aboard and returned them safely to Air Station Elizabeth City.

The Coast Guard has issued a hazard-to-navigation safety broadcast, warning mariners transiting in the area about the partially submerged Moon Dragon. The vessel remains a potential danger in the water.

Reflecting on the incident, Petty Officer First Class Austin Lang, the operations unit controller, emphasized the unpredictability and unforgiving nature of the ocean, highlighting the importance of being prepared at sea.

In other news, Hurricane Tammy continues to move northwest at 9 mph, currently situated 60 miles north of Anguilla. Although it is over 1,000 miles away from Wilmington, its progress is being closely monitored by authorities.

As investigations continue into the cause of the hatches breaking and the vessel's subsequent flooding, the courageous rescue serves as a reminder of the risks inherent in marine adventures and the invaluable dedication of the Coast Guard in safeguarding lives at sea.