On Thursday October 19, 2023, at approximately 5:50 p.m., a sailing vessel was anchored just outside of Rutman Creek, south of Back Landing Bay, approximiately 9 miles east of Belhaven, NC. 

Another vessel headed North East, towards the anchored vessel, was attempting to set anchor. While the operator was below in the cabin of the vessel, the operator quickly realized he was very close to the anchored vessel. The operator attempted to put the vessel in reverse but did not have enough time to slow down and collided with the starboard side of the anchored vessel.

The anchored vessel suffered damage to 3 stanchions, 3 sections of rails, cracked stanchion bases, and one stanchion smashed a hole in the deck of the boat.
PUNGO RIVER
BELHAVEN                      