BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. — A grandmother from Moncks Corner has been charged with unlawful conduct towards a minor after she allowed her 12-year-old granddaughter to swim through alligator-infested waters while attempting to get help for a stranded jet ski. The incident unfolded on July 1 at Bushy Park Boat Landing, drawing a large rescue response.
The Emergency Call
Anne Lachell Sellers, 53, made the initial call to the Berkeley County Dispatch line, describing the situation as a “non-emergency, sorta.” In the call, Sellers explained that she was stranded on her jet ski and her granddaughter had attempted to swim back to shore to get help. “Yeah, I’m hoping she’s up at the dock,” Sellers said to the operator, expressing concern but downplaying the urgency. “I just want to make sure she’s alright. The wind was just so hard out here. It just kinda happened.”
Sellers mentioned that her granddaughter had left about 30 minutes earlier, stating, “I know it might not mean nothing, but we’re both avid swimmers.” Despite the challenging conditions, she reassured the dispatcher that both of them were experienced swimmers.
The Rescue Effort
The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol quickly responded to the scene, joined by the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, the US Coast Guard, the Naval Weapons Station Fire Department, and the Pimlico Fire Department. Multiple rescue units, including marine vessels and drones, were deployed to search for the missing granddaughter.
After an extensive search, the young girl was eventually found about 600 yards from the boat ramp in marshland. She had suffered injuries but was thankfully located alive.
Arrest and Charges
Following the rescue, Sellers was arrested and charged with unlawful conduct towards a minor. Authorities believe her decision to allow her granddaughter to swim in dangerous, alligator-infested waters and without supervision contributed to the incident. Sellers was granted a $50,000 bond. She will only need to pay the bond if she fails to appear in court for the charges.
“I love her to death. I’m scared,” Sellers said during the call, her voice filled with emotion. “So many emotions going through.”
Reflection on the Incident
The situation has raised concerns about safety in areas with known hazards like alligators and strong currents. Sellers’ decision to allow her granddaughter to swim through dangerous waters, even with swimming experience, has sparked discussions about the responsibility of adults in overseeing the safety of minors during potentially life-threatening situations.
