Chatham County Marine Patrol

12/18/2025

OVERTURNED BOAT UPDATE

The Chatham County Police Department's Marine Patrol is working to facilitate the removal of a boat that overturned last night in the Moon River/Skidaway River area near Burnside Island.

The operator of the vessel was rescued, checked out at a local hospital, and is now at home.

The U.S. Coast Guard has been alerted and will be marking the area so boaters in the vicinity are aware as they approach.

*** 12/18/25 2:08 p.m. update: We're very sorry to report that the dog who was accompanying its owner in the boat was found deceased in the area of the overturned vessel a short time ago. The dog's owner has been notified. We know many people have been concerned about the pup, and we are heartbroken to have to share this news with you.

04/18/2024

OPENINGS STILL AVAILABLE FOR DNR BOATER SAFETY COURSE!

There is still time to register for this weekend’s DNR Boater Safety Course.

The Chatham County Police Department’s Marine Patrol is offering the state-mandated boater safety course required for everyone born after January 1, 1998, to operate any motorized watercraft in Georgia waterways.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) course will be offered throughout the spring and summer. The course is free and open to the public, and participants must be at least 12-years-old.

Participants will be issued a boater education card if they pass the exam given at the end of the class. Students must have a copy of their Social Security card or know their Social Security number in order to receive the card.

Class size is limited to thirty students, and registration is required for the one-day course. To register or to receive more information, please visit www.gooutdoorsgeorgia.com (http://www.gooutdoorsgeorgia.com/) or call the Georgia DNR at 912-264-7237.

Classes will be held at the Moose Lodge at 2202 Norwood Avenue. Classes are from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., with a break for lunch.

07/08/2023

Chatham county Marine Patrol is looking to identify the owner of this sailboat that is becoming stranded in the marsh near Skidaway island. If anyone knows who owns it please contact Marine Patrol at 912-353-1004 or IM us on this page. Thanks.

06/08/2023

An FYI as we move through the summer…

Attention ⚠ Chatham County ⚠

Georgia DOT’s contractors on the Islands Expressway Bridge replacement project will begin this week with the removal of the two draw bridges over the Wilmington River. This work will not impede vehicular traffic. Currently the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway remains open to maritime traffic.

Later during the bridge demolition period, a five week Wilmington River channel closure will be required with notification forthcoming. Follow us for future closure notifications.

Chatham County Police Department

04/14/2023

WJCL News here is video Reporter wanted. This is not video from today, it is from several years ago.

04/14/2023

This video is from a couple years ago. We rescued another today near Causton Bluff bridge.

03/16/2023

Looking for the owner of this sail boat currently docked at the Turners Creek boat ramp docks. Contact Marine Patrol ASAP. 912-353-1004

04/27/2022

Costa Kandros here is our page

03/17/2022

If you are planning on bringing your boat down to river street for the festivities all docks are close and you will not be able to dock unless you have reservations with a private dock.

06/11/2021

If anyone has or knows who has a small catamaran anchored in the back river of Tybee Island across from alley 3. It’s has broken its anchor and needs to be attended too. You can contact Chatham County Marine Patrol for more information.

06/02/2021

Public service Announcement. Tow insurance is cheap. And good for one year. If you swamp your boat on a barrier island it is your responsibility to have it removed or you will be charged with illegal dumping. Over the holiday weekend we had 5 boats that could have been saved with tow insurance and not cost the owners a dime. Please be smart and responsible.