13/06/2026
🚤 A Long Night. Challenging Multiple Missions. A Successful Outcome. 🚤
What began as a report of an aground boater in Harbor River turned into one of the most challenging missions Fripp Island Sea Rescue has faced in recent memory.
On Tuesday June 9th, shortly after 7:00 PM, Beaufort 911 notified FISR of a boater in distress whose vessel had become stranded in shallow water and oyster beds in the SW section of the Harbor River. Our Rescue 1 crew launched and responded immediately, while an additional FISR member launching their personal watercraft to attempt access from a different direction.
Unfortunately, the stranded vessel was completely inaccessible from all directions due to extremely shallow water and oyster beds. Communications were lost when the boater's phone battery died. Working alongside Beaufort Water Search & Rescue, and the U.S. Coast Guard, efforts continued throughout the evening to monitor the situation and ensure the boater's safety.
Then, at 4:29 AM, the second mission began again.
At the request of the USCG, FISR launched Rescue 1 before dawn to conduct a wellness check. With updated information provided through the coordinated efforts of BWSAR and the USCG, our crew located the boater. He had attempted to free his vessel as the tide returned but became stranded a second time. He was dehydrated, disoriented, and lost after spending the night alone on the mud flats. After a health assessment, an FISR crew member boarded the vessel, guided it safely through the shallow waters, and together with Rescue 1 escorted the boater home to his rental dock on Port Royal Sound.
This mission required the efforts of multiple FISR volunteers over two separate operations, including members aboard Rescue 1, members assisting remotely by phone, members using their own vessels to help gather information, and ongoing coordination with our emergency response partners.
It is also a reminder that Island Sea Rescue is only one part of the larger team of first responders serving Fripp Island and the surrounding waters. We are grateful for the support and partnership of Beaufort Water Search & Rescue, Beaufort County 911, the U.S. Coast Guard, Fripp Island Security, Fire Department, EMS, and the many others who work together to keep our community safe.
Most importantly, the story ended with a safe outcome.
Fripp Island Sea Rescue is an all-volunteer organization. Every member who responded to this mission did so as an unpaid volunteer dedicated to helping others. We receive no funding from Beaufort County and rely on the support of our community to continue serving as "911 On The Water.”
To everyone involved—thank you for your teamwork, perseverance, and commitment to serving others.
💙 If you appreciate the work of our volunteers, please consider liking, following, and sharing our page so more people can learn about the mission of Fripp Island Sea Rescue. You can also go to our website at https://fisearescue.org/ to make a donation.
U.S. Coast Guard
