TOPSAIL BEACH, N.C. (WECT) – A 69-year-old man from Harnett County drowned Sunday in the New Topsail Inlet, according to police.
Police Chief Samuel Gervase says he was notified around 2:30 p.m. Sunday that crews pulled a man’s body from the inlet between Topsail Beach and Lea Island.
Investigators are in the process of notifying the victim’s family, so his identity has not yet been released.
A kayak was recovered near the man Sunday and Gervase said officials believe the man might have been in it before the deadly incident.
This is the second drowning in Topsail Beach this week. On Wednesday, first responders pulled the body of 62-year-old Jerry Thompson from the ocean near ocean access three.
Water rescue crews from Pender County were not active Sunday. According to Chief Gervase, the water rescue team that monitors Topsail Beach and Surf City are only active from Memorial to Labor Day.
The New Topsail Inlet is known to be a dangerous place. In the past, boats have capsized in the inlet due to rough conditions and changes to the inlet that aren’t marked.
In March, one man died and two others had to swim ashore when their boat capsized in the breakers off of Lea Island.
Town officials urge people to swim with caution.
Copyright 2019 WECT. All rights reserved.
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