If you awoke on Father’s Day morning to the sounds of roaring thunder on the marsh at Fripp Island, it was a sea rescue mission.
A Scout center-console boat was in distress in the marsh at Fripp Island with two boaters aboard, a young man and his father-in-law.
The boaters launched from the Marina to fish at about 8pm on Saturday night. They lost their way back to the Marina and had hoped if they waited for an incoming tide, they might have enough water to safely return.
When the incoming tide came, but was of no assistance, they called for help.
Fripp Island Sea Rescue (FISR) was dispatched at 3:37am.
After arriving at the dock shortly thereafter, and with coordinates confirmed, FISR and its partner, Beaufort Water Search and Rescue, assessed the feasibility of launching its primary rescue vessel, R 1.
This was not practical considering the boaters’ location deep in the marsh. Instead, FISR launched R 2, stationed on the canal, which created a better opportunity to reach the boaters.
R 2 was not able to reach the stranded vessel, which was 50 or so yards off the canal in the spartina. R 2 found them in the dark of night; but could not get close enough for a safe rescue.
Based on a report from the boaters about the feasibility of getting any vessel close enough to remove and transport them, the decision was made to launch the BWSAR Airboat.
Airboats are flat-bottomed watercraft that are used to navigate challenging terrains and are powered by an air-craft type propeller. While the airboat was on the way from Port Royal to launch at Fripp Island, FISR also deployed its WaveRunner, R 3, but it too could not get close enough to assist the boaters.
BWSAR then arrived and launched its Airboat at about 6:45 AM.
While enroute, the Airboat encountered unexpected mechanical difficulties. R 3 was again deployed to bring materials and equipment to assist with fixing the Airboat’s mechanical issues. Thereafter, the Airboat was able to reach the boaters, who then safely boarded.
After several efforts to get the Airboat operational for the return trip, regrettably, it would not operate. At this juncture, the USCG deployed a Helicopter with crew out of Air Station Charleston to remove the boaters and BWSAR crew to safety at the Ocean Creek Golf Course.
FISR also deployed R 2 again on the canal to pause any boating traffic from coming on to the rescue scene. One of rescued boaters had a cut on his foot and was mildly dehydrated; he was assessed by EMS on the scene.
FISR regularly engages in training exercises with the USCG for rescue operations such as these. This operation went through all the customary sequential steps. All necessary resources were brought to bear to ensure the safety of these boaters and the rescue crew.
According to Fripp Island Sea Rescue, some rescue missions are just more complicated than others. Fortunately, this one, despite the nine hours it lasted and the steps required, resulted in a safe return for the boaters in distress and the rescue crew who responded.
FISR is grateful for our partners at BWSAR and the USCG, as well as to the Fripp Island Resort & Security, for working with us coordinating rescue efforts.
FISR assists those in distress on the waters surrounding Fripp Island and its neighboring barrier islands.
To learn more about FISR, visit them at www.fisearescue.org
