News Summary
Two vacationers, Brandon and Casey Cozzolino, bravely rescued a woman and a child from dangerous waters off Carova, Outer Banks. Their quick actions and military training were crucial in stabilizing the victim until emergency services arrived. The incident highlights the importance of vigilance in ocean safety.
Carova, Outer Banks, North Carolina — Two vacationing men, Brandon and Casey Cozzolino, displayed remarkable bravery on July 23 when they rescued a woman and a child from treacherous waters off the coast of the Outer Banks. The Cozzolinos were on a family vacation when they noticed the duo struggling in the ocean, prompting a swift response that would ultimately save lives.
As the two men observed the distressing scene, Brandon felt a wave of peace wash over him, compelling him to take action. He swiftly grabbed a boogie board and plunged into the water to assist those in need. Following him into the ocean was Casey, who brought with him valuable military training and emphasized the importance of taking initiative during emergencies. Together, they worked tirelessly to reach the distressed individuals.
Brandon was the first to reach the child, ensuring the young one was unharmed despite the frightening situation. Meanwhile, Casey focused on helping the adult woman, who had swallowed a significant amount of seawater. Leveraging his military skills, he performed lifesaving measures to stabilize her condition until emergency responders could arrive.
Upon their arrival, the emergency services assessed the situation and opted to airlift the woman to a treatment facility in Norfolk, Virginia. Reports indicate that she is currently recovering but faces a long journey to regain her full health. Following the incident, the woman expressed her deep gratitude toward the Cozzolinos for their heroic intervention during a distressing moment.
The Cozzolino family has a long history with the Outer Banks, visiting the area since childhood, which they feel provided a fateful context for their presence on that day. Casey credited divine intervention for their timely arrival at the beach, suggesting that they were meant to be there for the young mother and child.
Despite their courageous actions, Brandon and Casey have maintained a sense of humility, stating they do not consider themselves special for their role in the rescue. Brandon attributes his courage to his upbringing and the strong moral values instilled in him, alongside his faith. Both men highlighted the necessity of being prepared to assist in emergency situations, acknowledging that anyone can find themselves in a position to help if they are equipped to do so.
The remarkable bravery of the Cozzolinos emphasizes the importance of vigilance and readiness when near open waters. Awareness of the dangers posed by ocean currents and the unpredictability of nature can make a significant difference in how quickly someone can respond during an emergency. Their experience serves as a reminder of the critical role that bystanders can play in saving lives when they choose to act decisively.
As the Cozzolinos return to their own families, the gratitude expressed from the rescued woman and the community reflects the positive impact that courageous actions can have in times of crisis. This incident in Carova serves as an inspiring example of how a moment of bravery can lead to life-saving consequences.
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Additional Resources
- WTVR News
- Wikipedia: Outer Banks
- WTKR News
- Google Search: Outer Banks rescue
- CBS17 News
- Google Scholar: Outer Banks rescues
- News Observer
- Encyclopedia Britannica: North Carolina
- The Coastland Times
- Google News: North Carolina beach incidents
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
