A kayaking trip turned into an overnight ordeal near McClellanville, South Carolina, when a man became stranded in pluff mud before being rescued early Wednesday morning.
Overnight Ordeal
According to Charleston County fire officials, the kayaker became disoriented while paddling Tuesday and ended up stuck in thick pluff mud, unable to free himself. He remained there through the night until help arrived the next day.
At around 6 a.m. Wednesday, a passerby preparing to launch his boat at the McClellanville Boat Landing heard calls for help. He located the man and was able to pull him safely from the mud before emergency crews arrived.
Response and Condition
Assistant Fire Chief Christopher Nash of the Charleston County Public Safety Directorate confirmed that first responders assisted the kayaker once he was freed and transported him to a local hospital for precautionary evaluation.
Officials said the man was not injured despite spending hours trapped outdoors.
Community Reminder
Authorities are reminding residents and visitors that Lowcountry waterways can be dangerous, particularly at low tide when soft pluff mud makes it nearly impossible to walk or escape without help. Boaters and kayakers are encouraged to:
Check tides and weather before setting out
Carry a phone or radio for emergencies
Avoid unfamiliar creeks and marshes during low tide
Thanks to a passerby’s quick action and first responders’ assistance, a kayaker stranded overnight in pluff mud near McClellanville was safely rescued with no injuries. Officials stress the importance of preparation and awareness when exploring the marshlands to prevent similar incidents.
