Dramatic video shows Coast Guard pluck five people, pet pup, from rocky South Carolina shoreline

South Carolina – Five Lives and a Pup Safe Thanks to Coast Guard Rescue

A dramatic video emerged, today, demonstrating the heroism and quick action of the US Coast Guard team as they intervened in a crisis situation wherein five people and their pet pup found themselves stranded on a rocky part of a South Carolina barrier island known as Fripp Island.

Reports indicate that their 23-foot vessel ran aground on rocks around 2 pm, leaving them helpless amid the rugged terrain. The Coast Guard subsequently received a distress call from the crew. Acting swiftly, an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter was dispatched from the Savannah air station for the rescue mission.

A Challenge Due to the Number of Individuals

Lt. Commander Carl Luxhoj, the aircraft commander, acknowledged the situation’s complexity due to the group’s size. “Due to the high number of people, this turned out to be a fairly complex evolution that requires multiple trips to the vessel in distress,” stated Lt. Luxhoj.

However, this did not hinder the rescue team’s determination. Upon the chopper’s arrival at the site, a crew member and a stretcher were lowered successively. As a result, the stranded individuals, including their furry friend, were hoisted safely to the hovering helicopter.

A Hopeful Reminder for Mariners

The incident serves as a cautionary tale for other boaters. Lt. Luxhoj advised mariners to verify tides and currents before venturing into the water, especially in areas like the Lowcountry region known for their extensive tide range.

Ground Assistance from Beaufort County Marine Rescue

During the course of this daring rescue operation, assistance was also provided from the ground. A two-member team from Beaufort County Marine Rescue joined the mission on an airboat, reaching the stranded boat to aid in the rescue process.

Narrating the successful rescue mission, the spokesperson said, “Our crew did a great job of managing aircraft weight and power margin to conduct the hoists.”

Homeward Bound: Crew and Pup Safe and Sound

Post-rescue, both the stranded boat and the airboat were recovered by the marine rescue group while the rescued crew was flown to Beaufort Executive Airport. Fortunately, there were no reports of any injuries. The diligent efforts of the US Coast Guard ensured that both human lives and the pet pup were returned safely, thereby turning a potential disaster into a story of successful rescue and survival.