Charleston, S.C. – A vessel that ran aground near the Charleston jetties over the weekend was successfully stabilized and moved to safety following a coordinated response by local and federal agencies. The incident occurred outside the northern jetty with three people and a pet on board, all of whom were safely removed prior to further risk.
A Coordinated Rescue Operation
The Charleston Fire Department’s Marine Division responded promptly after the boat became stranded. By the time local crews arrived, the U.S. Coast Guard had already evacuated all occupants without injury. The boat, however, was taking on water in its forward berthing area, raising concerns about its potential sinking and creating a navigation hazard.
Quick Action to Prevent Further Risk
Upon assessment, fire department personnel aboard Marine 101 initiated an emergency tow and deployed dewatering pumps to control the flooding. The water levels inside the vessel were reduced from about a foot to just a few inches, significantly decreasing the immediate risk of sinking. The boat was then moved to a safer location for further evaluation.
Recovery and Coordination Among Agencies
The vessel was eventually turned over to a commercial salvage company for continued recovery efforts. Officials emphasized that the swift and coordinated action between maritime agencies played a key role in preventing more severe consequences from the incident.
Authorities highlighted the importance of such rapid responses and inter-agency cooperation in mitigating the risks associated with maritime accidents.
