USCG rescues 5 fishermen after vessel capsizes near Pawleys Island

The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) reports that its crews rescued five fishermen Thursday after their vessel capsized 6-miles east of Pawleys Island. The fisherman contacted the Freedom Boat Club after the 22-foot vessel Salty Dog began taking on water.

Coast Guard Sector Charleston Command Center watchstanders were alerted of the distress by the boat club at 10:16 a.m. and dispatched a 29-foot Response Boat-Small crew from Coast Guard Station Georgetown and an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Facility Charleston. The response boat arrived on scene and recovered all five fishermen, who were wearing life jackets.

The fishermen were taken to Murrell’s Inlet where EMS was waiting. All fishermen were reported to be in good condition.

“The rescued fisherman were prepared, able to communicate their distress, and survived until they were rescued by wearing their lifejackets,” said Capt. John Reed, the Sector Charleston Commander. “As the boating season picks up, we want our maritime community to be ready for anything.”

The owner is planning to salvage the vessel.