Cabin cruiser slams into bridge over Croatan Sound, injuring one, NC officials say

A 62-foot cabin cruiser slammed into a bridge over the Croatan Sound in eastern North Carolina, sending one passenger to the hospital, according to the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission.

It happened around 10 p.m. Thursday, June 15, along U.S. 64 at the “Old Manns Harbor” Bridge, officials said in a news release. The 3.8 mile-long span carries traffic from the mainland to Roanoke Island and the Outer Banks.

“The vessel was traveling north through the Croatan Sound when it experienced engine trouble. The momentum and current pushed the vessel into the bridge collapsing the vessel’s flying bridge onto the two occupants on board,” state investigators said.

“The captain ... restored power long enough to navigate away from the bridge and drop anchor. The vessel remains in that location.”

A 42-year-old passenger from Costa Rica was taken to Outer Banks Hospital, officials said. Details of her injuries were not released.

The captain was a 46-year-old from Florida, and he was not injured, officials said.

No significant damage to the bridge was seen Thursday night, but the N.C. Department of Transportation was conducting a more thorough examination Friday, June 16, officials said.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation, officials said.

“Old Manns Harbor” Bridge is officially known as the William B. Umstead Bridge, and it runs parallel to the newer Virginia Dare Bridge on U.S. 64 Bypass.

This story was originally published June 16, 2023 at 11:08 AM with the headline "Cabin cruiser slams into bridge over Croatan Sound, injuring one, NC officials say."