Coast Guard Rescues 2 People After Boat Capsizes Off Hilton Head Island

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. – Two people rescued off Hilton Head Island

In a daring sea rescue operation, the United States Coast Guard Station Tybee came to the aid of two people after their boat capsized off the coast of Hilton Head Island. The twenty-two foot boat tragically overturned approximately 10 miles from the island on Saturday.

Good Samaritan Responds to the Urgent Call

According to officials, a good Samaritan, who was in the vicinity, quickly responded to the urgent broadcast put out by the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Charleston. The Samaritan successfully managed to pluck the two boaters out of the swirling waters, both of whom were thankfully wearing life jackets at the time of the incident.

Safety Recommendations

In the wake of this incident, Lt. Michael Allen, the Sector Charleston Command Duty Officer, issued a statement reminding the public about the importance of maintaining safety while at sea. “We remind the public to ensure their equipment is in serviceable condition before getting on the water.”

Lt. Allen further recommended the use of an emergency position indication radio beacon (EPIRB) or a personal locator beacon (PLB) which could play an instrumental role in rescue operations. “They can help take the search out of search and rescue,” he advised. The rapid rescue of the boaters underlined the effectiveness of having such devices on board.

The Aftermath

With the boaters now safe, the Coast Guard continues to investigate the cause of the boat’s capsize. The sea can be a dangerous place, and it is truly commendable that those involved in the rescue operation managed to minimize the potential consequences of this tragic event. Although, the boaters were not named, both are said to be doing well after the harrowing experience.

Other Instances

In recent news, a 10-foot shark has been spotted offshore on Tybee Island, further highlighting the dangers that exist for mariners or even casual boaters. Moreover, there was also a recent report of a head-on collision in Evans County, resulting in three deaths and three injuries. These incidents underline the reason why we need to remain vigilant, whether on land or on sea.