NCWRC Law Enforcement Major and Basic Academy Recruit Save Boaters
On the morning of May 17, 2023, boating instructors from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) Law Enforcement Division were administering boat operations training for NCWRC recruits of the 59th Basic School. During this training course, 16 recruits from the 59th class were receiving instruction on close quarter maneuvers, throttle control, and vessel approaches in the Dutchman Creek area near the Fish Factory Boating Access area, located in Brunswick County.
While conducting training on boat operations, North Carolina Boating Law Administrator (BLA) Major Mark Dutton instructed Recruit Jacob Pattison to drive to the mouth of the creek. Pattison operated the Kencraft Bayrider 239 patrol boat for an additional 300 yards down the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW). As they turned around Major Dutton spotted a boat with two passengers frantically waving their arms in distress. The boat was rapidly taking on water and beginning to sink. This is where Pattison’s basic training turned into a real-life rescue operation.
Major Dutton quickly took control of the patrol boat, making his way to the sinking vessel. With the stern of the distressed vessel rapidly taking on water and the intense current pulling it down the waterway, Major Dutton and Recruit Pattison had to react without delay. Major Dutton made his approach, instructing the first individual to get onto the patrol boat. As life jackets floated throughout the sinking vessel, Major Dutton instructed the remaining passenger to put one on. The boater soon began to struggle, showing signs of panic and confusion. As the passenger attempted to board the patrol boat, the weight shifted causing the vessel to capsize and eject the second passenger into the swift water. As the water rushed down the ICW, Recruit Pattison was able to grab and hold onto the man. Pattison then worked to pull the passenger into the patrol boat, bringing him to safety. While in a state of shock, the victims began to look around, regaining their breath. They had gone from being in fear for their lives to being safe in a matter of seconds. The boaters soon realized that 14 wildlife officers, 16 NCWRC recruits, and 10 patrol boats had come to their aid.
Every day at the NCWRC Basic Academy is an opportunity to learn and grow. Major Dutton and Recruit Pattison ventured out on what appeared to be a normal day of training that quickly turned into Recruit Pattison’s first lifesaving water rescue. Major Dutton and Recruit Pattison’s ability to adapt in a high stress environment further shows the importance of Wildlife Officers and the role they play in providing public safety efforts throughout North Carolina.