WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH, N.C. (WECT) - The public boat ramp at Wrightsville Beach is busy ahead of Memorial Day.
“Wrightsville Beach is probably the boating capital of the state,” said Quantra Taylor with N.C. Wildlife.
Instead of being packed with trailers and boats, on Thursday night, it was packed with emergency vehicles.
“It was pandemonium,” said Chris Swain. “Rescue vehicles everywhere, fire and EMS everywhere.”
Swain owns National Jet Ski Rentals next to the ramp. He was working around 5:30 p.m. when emergency responders were called to what Sea Tow officials say was a boat circling out of control.
“We saw Sea Tow go by real fast and then the coast guard went by real fast,” said Swain.
Officials say a Sea Tow captain was in the vicinity and responded to the area near Palm Tree Island, where he found a man in the water.
North Carolina Wildlife officials say the victim, 62-year-old Mark Rosenberg, died.
Officials tell us Rosenberg fell off the boat and hit his head. They also say he wasn’t wearing an ignition cutoff safety switch.
“A boat is not like a car when you let your hand off the throttle on a boat, it’s still going to keep going,” said Taylor.
If you’re wearing a kill switch, it would shut off the boat’s engine if you were to go overboard.
“It’s tragic,” said Swain. “It’s really heartbreaking an accident like this could’ve been avoided.”
Taylor agrees that wearing a kill-switch can be the difference between life and death. But he says it’s something people often choose not to put on or forget.
“You get really really excited to get on the water, lot of people are ready to go,” he said. “I get the excitement but take the extra second, that second can make a difference.”
A difference that wasn’t able to save Rosenberg’s life, but could save yours in the future.
Taylor says through this tragedy, he hopes it’s a reminder to others how important it is to wear a kill switch.
Officials with N.C. Wildlife tells us they’ve now closed the investigation.
We’re told the medical examiner will determine the cause of death.
In a statement from Wrightsville SeaTow it reads:
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic accident that occurred near Wrightsville Beach on May 22. Our hearts go out to the family and friends affected by this heartbreaking loss, and we extend our sincerest condolences during this incredibly difficult time.
As we approach the holiday weekend, we want to take this moment to remind all boaters of the importance of water safety. Please ensure you are familiar with and follow local boating regulations, remain aware of your surroundings, and use essential safety equipment – including life jackets and engine cut-off switches – at all times.
Together, we can help prevent future tragedies and keep our waterways safe for everyone. We hope you have a safe and peaceful holiday weekend, and we continue to hold the victim’s loved ones in our thoughts.”
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