A Coast Guard Air Facility Charleston helicopter crew successfully rescued a man and his dog on Friday, February 13, 2026, after their 37-foot sailboat, Chusan, ran aground on rocks near Winyah Bay in Georgetown County, South Carolina.​
Rescue Operation
Watchstanders received the distress call via VHF-FM Channel 16 at 6:16 p.m., prompting a swift MH-65 Dolphin helicopter response since boat crews couldn’t reach the site due to water depth. The man and dog were safely transported to Georgetown Airport with no medical issues reported.
Safety Emphasis
Lt. Josh Hamilton highlighted the mariner’s working VHF radio as critical, urging boaters to monitor Channel 16 and carry reliable communication gear amid risks like rocky, shifting conditions. This incident underscores coastal safety near your South Carolina Lowcountry interests.​
