VIDEO: Search underway for missing 62-year-old boater in northern Currituck Sound

A Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City Jayhawk helicopter passes off the south end of Church’s Island on July 2, 2021. [Sam Walker photo]

Local, state and federal agencies are searching the Currituck Sound Friday morning after a report of a missing boater.

Crews were dispatched to the north end of Church’s Island around 7:15 a.m. to a report of an overturned boat off Waterlily.

According to N.C. Wildlife Law Enforcement Sgt. Johnathan Beardsley, a 62 year old man was fishing in a 12-foot johnboat near a friend who was within eyesight. After looking elsewhere, the friend said he spotted the boat overturned but no sign of the fisherman.

Beardsley said the man was last seen wearing a black button-up shirt and dark blue gym shorts.

Coast Guard, N.C. Wildlife Law Enforcement, N.C. Marine Patrol, Lower Currituck Fire and Rescue, Currituck County Sheriff’s Office and local residents were searching on water and from the air.

Conditions on the Currituck Sound were choppy this morning, with a southwest wind of 10 to 15 mph and gusts to 20 at times.

Showers and thunderstorms are expected to move into the area by midday, which could hamper the search effort.