CHARLESTON, S.C. — The Coast Guard is searching for four overdue boaters approximately 13 miles off Charleston, South Carolina, after the spouse of one of the boaters reported they did not return home as expected Sunday evening.
Watchstanders in the Coast Guard Sector Charleston command center were notified Sunday night that the boaters had sent a text message detailing their intended destination for a fishing trip, however the boaters had not been heard from or returned as expected. Mount Pleasant Police officers found the owner’s vehicle, and boat trailer at Remley's Pint Public Boat Landing in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.
The owner of the vessel reportedly sent a text message detailing the intended destination for the offshore fishing trip. The four boaters were on a 23-foot white Mako called the Shock-A-Con.
Crewmembers aboard an HC-130 Hercules airplane from Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, N.C., were launched to search, Monday morning.
At approximately 6:30 a.m., the boat was found overturned by the C-130 crew, approximately 12 miles east of Charleston. Crews from Coast Guard Station Charleston were on scene attempting to right the boat and tow it back to shore.
A crew aboard an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Coast Guard Air Facility Charleston was launched to search, Sunday night. Watchstanders also issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast to notify boaters in the area of the situation.
Also assisting are crews from the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office.
Anyone with information that can help in the search is urged to call the Sector Charleston command center at: 843-740-7050.
For more information contact the Coast Guard 7th District Public Affairs Detachment Jacksonville at 305-318-1864.