CHARLESTON, S.C. — Coast Guard and partner agency crews rescued a woman and two dogs Sunday after they became stranded on Bay Point Island.
Coast Guard Sector Charleston watchstanders received a notification at 5:15 p.m. from a good Samaritan stating he rescued a 60-year-old man wearing a lifejacket from the water.
The rescued man reported that after he beached his vessel on Bay Point Island, it drifted away, and he attempted to swim after it. He stated he was in the water for approximately seven hours, while his wife and two dogs remained stranded on the island with no means of communication.
A Coast Guard Station Tybee boat crew and a Coast Guard Air Station Savannah helicopter crew launched to assist. A Beaufort Water Search and Rescue crew also responded.
The helicopter crew located the woman and dogs on the island and lowered a rescue swimmer to assess the situation.
The Beaufort rescue crew arrived on scene, took aboard the woman and dogs and transported them to Port Royal boat ramp.
The Station Tybee boat crew, with assistance from the helicopter crew, located the adrift vessel and towed it to the boat ramp.
No injuries were reported.
"Checking the weather and having dependable communications equipment aren’t just good practices—they’re essential steps to safeguard you and your loved ones,” said Lt. Michael Allen, Sector Charleston search and rescue mission coordinator. “While out on the water, preparation is your best defense, ensuring help is never out of reach when you need it most."
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