Charleston, SC – April 15, 2025 – Quick action by first responders in Charleston, South Carolina, resulted in the safe rescue of boaters whose vessel began to sink in Charleston Harbor on Tuesday, April 15, 2025.
Charleston Harbor rescue in proccess, Fire Department boat pulling boaters out of the water.
The Charleston Fire Department reported that they, in collaboration with their partners from the Charleston Metro Marine Unit, were dispatched to an incident involving a watercraft in distress with individuals in the water. Upon arrival, firefighters and marine unit personnel successfully recovered all boaters from the water and transported them safely back to shore. The exact number of people rescued has not been disclosed by fire officials.
In addition to the rescue efforts, crews also worked diligently to dewater the sinking vessel to stabilize it and explore options for salvage. The cause of the vessel taking on water remains under investigation.
The Charleston Metro Marine Unit is a multi-agency team that standardizes the training and response protocols for various agencies involved in waterborne missions in the Charleston area. This unit includes paramedics trained in basic marine operations, allowing them to work alongside law enforcement on the water. Their capabilities extend to medical support, navigating waterways, and assisting with vessel positioning during emergencies. The Marine Unit is comprised of members from several agencies, including the Charleston County Emergency Medical Services, Charleston County Rescue Squad, Charleston County Sheriff's Office, and local police and fire departments.
Charleston Harbor is a busy waterway serving commercial, recreational, and military vessels. Ensuring safety within the harbor is a collaborative effort involving various agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Charleston, the Charleston Police Department's Harbor Patrol Unit, and the Charleston Area Harbor Safety Committee. These entities work together on waterway safety, search and rescue operations, port security, and managing marine traffic to prevent accidents and respond effectively when incidents occur.
