New island appears off the coast of North Carolina

Dubbed “Shelly Island”, the island appeared almost overnight at the popular Cape Hatteras National Seashore

A new island has surfaced in the sea off the coast of North Carolina, drawing locals and tourists to its shores.

Dubbed “Shelly Island” because of the abundance of shells found there, the island appeared almost overnight at the popular Cape Hatteras National Seashore, according to locals.

Photographer Chad Koczera, vacationing in the area with his fiancee, was also on the hunt for shells went he spotted the island.

“We originally headed that way to collect shells after a storm,” Koczera said.



The photographer spotted the mysterious island, but realised he couldn't access it by foot. So, he sent his drone up to take some photos.

The island is roughly one mile long and located in surfing hotspot Cape Point.

But officials have warned that people should not attempt to swim to the island because the waters are deep and the current is strong.

Dave Hallac, superintendent of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, told local media that Cape Point’s shoreline is constantly changing, and the island could disappear as quickly as it arrived.

 

This article originally appeared on CNN Travel.