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Press Release | Oct. 24, 2023

MEDIA AVAILABILITY: Rescue Reunion - Coast Guard to host return of 4 divers saved off the coast of North Carolina

WILMINGTON, N.C. — Coast Guard Sector North Carolina invites local media to a special reunion Thursday between Coast Guard rescue crews and 4 divers who were saved after being separated from their dive boat in August. (Original press release here)

The divers are eager to share their story and highlight the safety and survival measures they took after being in the water for almost 24 hours before finally being rescued.

After the speaking event, members of the media are invited to the Sector North Carolina command center in Wilmington where they will see a behind-the-scenes view of search and rescue operations. There, they will also have the opportunity to meet and discuss with the Coast Guard crews who coordinated the rescue.

WHO:

  • Commander, Coast Guard Sector North Carolina Capt. Timothy List
  • Commanding Officer, Air Station Elizabeth City Capt. Catherine T. Carabine
  • Coast Guard air and rescue crews
  • Rescued divers Ben Wiggins, Luke Lodge, Daniel Williams, and Evan Williams

WHAT:  Reunion of the rescue crews and divers

WHEN: Thursday, October 26, 2023, at 10:30 a.m.

WHERE: Modern Aviation ILM, 1817 Aviation Drive, Wilmington, NC 28405

WHY: To discuss safety, lessons learned, best practices at sea, and search and rescue operations

Editor’s Note: Media interested in attending must contact D5 Public Affairs office at 757-202-3429 no later than 9 a.m. Thursday. Media attending should plan to arrive at the airport no later than 10:15 a.m.