CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Coast Guard and local rescue crews responded to and rescued an injured boater following a collision with the Charleston Harbor North Jetty Sunday morning.
Rescued was Kenneth Bear.
The Coast Guard was initially notified of the jetty collision at about 1:18 a.m. when Bear made a maritime distress call via VHF Channel 16.
A Coast Guard Air Facility Charleston HH-65 Dolphin helicopter rescue crew hoisted Bear at approximately 2:38 a.m. and transported him to the Medical University of South Carolina. Also responding was a 25-foot rescue boat crew from Coast Guard Station Charleston and a boat crew from Charleston County Rescue.
In the event of a maritime emergency, the use of a float plan, VHF channel 16, life jackets and an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon greatly enhances survival.