Emerald Isle man dies after being pulled from the water

An Emerald Isle man died Wednesday afternoon after being pulled from the waters off Cedar Point.

Ronald Metzger, 61, was out boating and reportedly began struggling in the water while attempting to get back in the boat after a swim, the Carteret County Sheriff's Office reported.

His wife and a friend attempted to keep Metzger afloat while help was en route.

U.S. Coast Guard rescue personnel pulled Metzger from Bogue Sound near Sharks Tooth Island off Cedar Point and Western Carteret EMS met the rescue boats at the Cedar Point Wildlife Ramp. He was pronounced dead by Western Carteret EMS once he was transported to shore, the sheriff's office said.

Carteret County Chief Detective Jason Wank said Metzger may have suffered a heart attack or some other medical condition may have contributed to the drowning.

At this time, sheriff's detectives do not suspect foul play although alcohol was a factor in the case, authorities said.

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission was called in to investigate the alcohol-related boating issues, the Sheriff's Office said.