FRIPP ISLAND SEA RESCUE

Otter Island Rescue

by Fripp Island Sea Rescue Crew Members

Rescue Missions. We’ve had quite a few this summer, but here’s one we’ll remember and be talking to ourselves and each other about for quite a while.

Otter Island – A Rescue in 3 Parts.

SOME CONTENT EDITED BY FISR.

Wednesday, July 7 – Prologue… In prior Trawler articles, FISR highlighted the cooperation First Responders in Beaufort County provide to each other. It multiplies the results a single organization could achieve on their own. Beaufort Water Search and Rescue is the Marine Rescue Organization (MRO) that handles response in the north and west parts of Beaufort County. FISR covers the south and east portions and out into the Atlantic. DNR, Coast Guard, Sheriff’s Office, Dispatch, Fire, EMS and others have similar, though different, assignments for land-based and water rescues.

Early on Wednesday a family of 4 set out in a small boat from Edisto Island to picnic, explore and fish. Destination was Otter Island, not a difficult trip, with fine weather that morning. However, there were small craft warnings, and a serious, life-threatening storm was heading north past Savannah toward Edisto and the NC Outer Banks. That afternoon Tropical Storm Elsa shifted further east and would cross Otter Island that evening.

Lots of things could have been different and might have avoided the emergency, but sometimes even the most experienced boater can get into trouble. (SEE RESOURCES LINKS)

Here is how the rest of the story unfolded.

1) Wed July 7, 2021, 9:30 PM FISR First Mate Eric Roberts, email and text to FISR Crew. If you have an 800MHz Rescue Radio, tune to ch4 (BWS&R search channel). I heard the call come in about sunset on VHF ch16 from a shrimp boat in the Ashepoo River off Otter Island. Skiff had overturned, father rescued by shrimper, wife and 3 or 4 girls stranded on beach on Otter Island. I called Brooke Pearson (FISR Base) and BWS&R duty phone. No page from Dispatch. Clay Emminger (BWS&R Skipper) called USCG Charleston and then launched 2 boats in support. CG Helo picked up wife and kids from Otter Island. BWS&R is tasked with picking up the father off shrimper. Dad wants them to take him to Edisto - not happening per Clay - too risky - “conditions are worsening by the minute.” They’re taking dad back to Lucy Creek Landing on Sam’s Point - and will figure out how to reunite dad with family.

2) Fri, Jul 9, 2021 at 12:10 AM Roberts wrote: Here’s the article the USCG released, along with a photo of the hoisted family in towels and the CG swimmer in the wet shirt. https:// content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDHSCG/ bulletins/2e75389?s=01 The article recognizes Beaufort County Sheriff’s Department Marine Rescue Unit. BWS&R boats R2 and R7 transported the father back to Lucy Creek Landing with DNR boats providing backup. They retrieved the dad from the Holly Marie at 10:10 PM and arrived safely at Lucy Creek Landing at about 11:00 PM. DNR arranged ground transport to CG Air Facility Charleston to reunite dad with his family. Fortunately, all boats were back to Sam’s Point before that wall of weather arrived about an hour later.

When I talked earlier to BWS&R’s Beachmaster (BASE OFFICER), as their boats made their way to Otter Island, I gave them a weather update and offered them our help (short of launching our smaller boats) which they appreciated. But, they were good-to-go as you would expect. I could hardly believe they launched at night with a tropical storm approaching, but that must have been at USCG Charleston request after Emminger called them.

These guys are either nuts or heroic – or some of each – to pull off a Rescue like this in these conditions. I lean towards heroic. On ch4 R2 and R7 reported to Beachmaster periods of near zero visibility. R7 has a small cuddy cabin that kept the father out of the wind after his ordeal. Waves and rain battered the crew. As the storm intensified R2’s VHF antenna was ripped off by an 8’ wave over the bow. Thankfully both boats have radar. Plus, a single CG helo swimmer and crew hoisted mom and five girls in the dark? Amazing! We probably helped train some or all of that CG crew - makes all those cold wet winter nights in Fripp Inlet on helo duty worthwhile.

3) July 9, 8:32 AM – FISR Skipper, Angie Diemont writes: 100 % Hero status in my book as well. Great teamwork all around. September 1, 2021 – Epilogue… As we now know, the dad couldn’t swim to reach his boat after it blew off the beach, so climbed aboard the shrimper Holly Marie that was anchored in sheltered waters nearby. The captain hailed the Coast Guard on VHF channel 16 just as darkness and the storm were closing in. High winds, and torrential rain caused significant damage in Port Royal, Edisto and Beaufort. Ten minutes after parking their trailered boats in their service were their BWS&R boats, mobile communications center and meeting room are located, a tornado touched down. It ripped up Paris Avenue for several blocks. Fortunately none of the BWS&R assets were seriously damaged. The next morning first responders and residents alike started the cleanup. A happy, reunited family made everyone’s day brighter as the storm rolled on.

The Coast Guard crew from Savannah that assisted in the Otter Island rescue,and the family reunited at the Charleston Coast Guard flight facility.

REPORTING a WATER EMERGENCY: CALL 911 and Provide Your Location, Phone # and Details of the Emergency.

Resources: • Fripp Inlet Tide Tables. https://www.usharbors.com/harbor/southcarolina/fripps-inlet-sc/tides/ • Beaufort Sail and Power Sail Squadron. On-line info and training: https://www.usps.org/beaufort/index.htm • Visit Eisenhower Museum, Abilene, KS. On-line: https://www. eisenhowerlibrary.gov/about-us • ELSA – search information on this particularTropical Storm on

Facebook. • FISR on social media: www.FISeaRescue.org, https://www. facebook.com/FrippIslandSeaRescue/