On 1/8/10 the operator was duck hunting from the vessel nc 0104 ct.  The operator of nc 0104 ct a 16 ft lake raider aluminum boat with a 50 hp outboard motor left an anchored or beached position to retrieve some duck decoys that had blown away from the area being hunted.  The wind was west approximately 30 miles per hour.  Operator was headed east and traveling at slow speed.  The operator attempted to turn around to and pick up the decoys.  A large wave came over the stern and flooded the boat, ignition system shorted out and motor cut off, another wave came over the stern and filled the boat with water.  The operator reported that the "pop up" type blind was still up at the time they were trying to retrieve the decoys.  The boat capsized and the operator and the passenger were thrown in the water.  The operator and the passenger were able to climb on to the overturned boat.  The operator had cell phone in sealed bag and the phone still worked. The operator contacted officer by cell phone.

Officer responded to thelma access area and contacted a local duck hunter who was at the ramp.  Officer and another person rescued the operator and the passenger.  The operator and the passenger did not seek or request medical treatment.  Officer responded to the scene and assisted.  The boat was retrieved. The motor had been submerged, numerous items were lost when the boat capsized.

The operator reported that a shotgun and a pistol and several items of hunting equipment were lost or missing.

ROANOKE RAPIDS                