Coast Guard rescues 4 boaters 2 miles east of Pritchards Island

News Release

May 24, 2017 U.S. Coast Guard 7th District PA Detachment Jacksonville Contact: Coast Guard PA Detachment Jacksonville Office: (904) 714-7606/7607 After Hours: (305) 318-1864

Coast Guard rescues 4 boaters 2 miles east of Pritchards Island

 

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CHARLESTON, S.C. — The Coast Guard rescued four boaters Wednesday after their vessel became disabled two miles east of Pritchards Island.

Coast Guard Sector Charleston Command Center watch standers were notified via VHF Channel 16 at 2:45 a.m., by the crew of the Gracie Bell, an 80-foot fishing vessel, stating they had become disabled due to a broken mast.

An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Facility Charleston was diverted to assist at 3:11 a.m. 

The helicopter crew arrived on scene at 3:16 a.m., lowered a rescue swimmer and hoisted two crew members. The rescue swimmer and the remaining two crew members stayed aboard the vessel.

The first two crew members were transported to Coast Guard Air Station Savannah at 3:30 a.m. The helicopter crew, after refueling, hoisted the remaining crew members and the rescue swimmer at 5:21 a.m., and landed at the air station at 5:36 a.m., where EMS were waiting.

There were no reported injuries.

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-USCG-