A Coast Guard helicopter crew successfully rescued a man and his dog after their sailboat ran aground near Winyah Bay in Georgetown County, South Carolina. The pair was safely transported to Georgetown Airport with no reported injuries.
Rescue Details
The incident occurred on Friday, February 13, 2026, when Coast Guard Sector Charleston watchstanders received a distress call at approximately 6:16 p.m. via VHF-FM Channel 16. The 37-foot sailboat, named Chusan, had run aground on rocks, prompting a swift response from a Coast Guard Air Facility Charleston MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew.
Official Statement
Lt. Josh Hamilton, a pilot with Coast Guard Air Station Savannah, emphasized the crews’ extensive training and the critical role of the mariner’s working VHF radio in enabling the rescue. He noted that running aground near rocks can escalate dangers rapidly due to shifting conditions, urging boaters to carry proper communication gear and monitor Channel 16 continuously.
