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FRIPP ISLAND, S.C. — The Coast Guard, along with members from Fripp Island Rescue, responded to a family in distress, Thursday, after their vessel ran aground in the vicinity of Fripp Island.
The family of three, including an 11-year-old boy, is in good condition with no reported injuries.
Watchstanders in the Coast Guard Sector Charleston command center were notified of the situation at 1 p.m., by phone call from Fripp Island Rescue. The report stated that a 13-foot pleasure craft was aground, and due to the shallow water in the area, the responding vessel was unable to get to the distressed boaters. With severe storms rolling through the area, it was determined the best course of action was to remove the passengers before the situation worsened.
A crew aboard an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Air Station Savannah was launched. Once on scene, the helicopter crew hoisted the family off their vessel and took them to Hilton Head Airport.
The boat the family was operating reportedly suffered no damage due to the grounding.
For more information contact the Coast Guard 7th District Public Affairs Detachment Jacksonville at 305-318-1864.
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