HATTERAS, N.C. (AP) -- A Mississippi River pilot took over the helm of a North Carolina ferry after the captain collapsed during a run across Hatteras Inlet on the Outer Banks.

The Virginian-Pilot reported Thursday that Jason Bosley of New Orleans was aboard the ferry Cape Point when a crew member shouted that the captain was down. Bosley went to the wheelhouse, found the captain unconscious and held the boat steady in 35 mph winds.

Bosley said it was just instinct on his part to take the wheel, but he wasn't familiar with the shifting inlet channel.

The Coast Guard is investigating the Sept. 19 incident.

Authorities said 64-year-old ferry captain Lowell Schroder died from a heart attack.

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