CAPE ROMAIN, S.C. — A missing boater has been located Wednesday in the vicinity of Raccoon Key, South Carolina.
The man was found by a Department of Natural Resources officer searching on foot on the island of Raccoon Key at approximately 12:20 a.m. The boater was reported to have no injuries and suffered from being cold. He was taken to McClellanville, South Carolina.
"We are very happy with the turnout of this search and rescue mission," said Lt. Cmdr. Derek Beatty, the Coast Guard Sector Charleston public affairs officer. “The Coast Guard frequently collaborates with its local, state and federal partners in various missions. We are truly happy to be a part of this team effort and help return the loved ones just in time for the Christmas holiday.”
Coast Guard crews were assisting in the search for the man Tuesday night. Initially, two of the three mariners were located on Raccoon Key by Charleston County Rescue personnel with no reported injuries, but suffered from symptoms of hypothermia.
Watchstanders in the Coast Guard Sector Charleston Command Center were notified of the case at 7:30 p.m., by one of the mariners’ girlfriend. She reported the three mariners were fishing aboard a 16-foot skiff in the vicinity of Muddy Bay at 8:20 p.m., when they became disoriented due to foggy conditions in the area. All three individuals vacated their vessel on Raccoon Key. Two of the mariners stayed together but one of the three reportedly separated from the group. The vessel reportedly drifted away to a nearby sandbar, with no persons aboard.
Charleston County Rescue crews led the search using surface assets and South Carolina DNR crewmembers were also on scene. The Coast Guard launched an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Air Facility Charleston at 9:28 p.m. The helicopter crew arrived on scene at 10:20 p.m., and began searching in the vicinity of Raccoon Key.
For more information on Charleston County Rescue, contact 843-209-1833 or 843-303-0122.
For more information contact the Coast Guard Public Affairs Detachment North at 305-318-1864.