Coast Guard Station Hatteras Inlet

• Established in 1964: Coast Guard Station Hatteras Inlet was commissioned in 1964, replacing earlier life-saving stations that had been operational in the area since the late 19th century. • Successor to Multiple Life-Saving Stations: The station traces its roots to the Cape Hatteras and Hatteras Inlet Life-Saving Stations, part of the U.S. Life-Saving Service, which merged into the Coast Guard in 1915. • Strategic Location: The station is situated near the southern tip of Hatteras Island, North Carolina, at the entrance to Hatteras Inlet, a vital and hazardous passage between Pamlico Sound and the Atlantic Ocean. • “Graveyard of the Atlantic”: The waters around Hatteras Inlet are infamous for shipwrecks due to shifting sandbars, strong currents, and frequent storms, making the station’s role crucial for maritime safety. • Hurricane Response: Coast Guard Station Hatteras Inlet has played a vital role in hurricane response and rescue operations, especially during major storms like Hurricane Isabel in 2003 and Hurricane Dorian in 2019. • Support for Commercial and Recreational Boating: The station aids the busy commercial and sport fishing industries in the Outer Banks, performing numerous search and rescue missions annually. • Iconic 47-foot Motor Lifeboat: The station operates the 47-foot Motor Lifeboat, capable of withstanding extreme surf and weather, essential for rescues in the challenging conditions of Hatteras Inlet. • Historic Rescue Operations: Over the decades, station crews have saved countless lives, including dramatic rescues of fishermen, sailors, and recreational boaters caught in sudden storms or groundings. • Training Ground: Due to the hazardous local waters, Station Hatteras Inlet is known as a challenging and valuable training post for Coast Guard personnel, honing their skills in real-world conditions. • Community Engagement: The station maintains strong ties with the local Outer Banks community, participating in maritime safety education and community events, and serving as a symbol of security for residents and visitors alike.