Missing couple safe, found in woods

Rescuers late Sunday found two people who were lost in the Croatan National Forest in Jones County.

The couple first called a friend for help shortly after 6 p.m.

The man and woman were lost on a wilderness hiking trail off of Island Creek Rd., east of Pollocksville.

As the couple waited for help, they lit a fire as temperatures dipped.

They called 911 at 7:45 p.m.

Firefighters located the pair at about 9 p.m.

"I just want to go home," said the woman when crews returned her to her car.

She did not identify herself.

They were not hurt.