A Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Air Facility Charleston swiftly rescued a man and his dog Friday evening (Feb 13, 2026) after their 37-foot sailboat, Chusan, ran aground on rocks near Winyah Bay. The mariner radioed distress via VHF Channel 16 at 6:16 p.m., and both were safely hoisted to Georgetown Airport with no injuries.
Rescue Details
Lt. Josh Hamilton, a pilot with Coast Guard Air Station Savannah, emphasized the mariner’s working VHF radio as critical—watchstanders responded immediately. The bay’s rocky, shifting conditions near Georgetown can turn strandings hazardous fast, especially at dusk.
Key Safety Takeaways
Crew training enabled the rapid hoist; no boat crew could reach due to shallow water in similar past ops.
- Always carry/monitor VHF Channel 16 for emergencies.
- File float plans; carry EPIRB/PLBs as backups.
- Check tides/charts for Winyah Bay’s tricky inlets.
Perfect timing with your Lowcountry focus—folks in Mount Pleasant or North Charleston boating here often hit these waters. Any local sailing spots you’re eyeing post-quakes?
