UPDATE: Coast Guard locates missing dredge mariner near Charleston

News Release

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 PA Detachment Jacksonville online newsroom

UPDATE: Coast Guard locates missing dredge mariner near Charleston 

 

CHARLESTON, S.C. — Coast Guard crews suspended their search Friday for a missing mariner near Charleston Harbor after locating the mariner's body near Orangegrove Creek.

The mariner went missing after a dredge workboat capsized Thursday evening.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Charleston received notification from a fisherman that they found at approximately 7:50 a.m. Watchstanders diverted Coast Guard crews to the location but were unable to recover the mariner due to water depth. Charleston County Sheriff's used an airboat to reach him. 

“While the response was immediate and involved eight agencies, we were ultimately unable to locate the mariner in time. Our condolences go out to the family, friends, and coworkers dealing with this heartbreaking loss," said Capt. John Reed, commander of Coast Guard Sector Charleston. 

Coast Guard rescue crews were composed of an Air Facility Charleston MH-65 Helicopter crew and three Station Charleston response boat crews. Crews searched throughout the night and conducted first light searches. 

Other agencies involved with the search were Charleston City Fire, North Charleston Fire, Charleston Police, Mount Pleasant Police, Mount Pleasant Fire, Charleston County Sheriffs, and South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.

The cause of the incident is under investigation.

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-USCG-