CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Coast Guard rescued two overdue boaters aboard a 15-foot Jon boat near Georgetown, S.C., Wednesday.
Rescued were Frances Zuhcer, 56, and David Cusack, 28.
Search and rescue controllers at Coast Guard Sector Charleston received notification of the overdue boaters from Horry County, S.C., 911 dispatch, Tuesday, at 9 p.m. The boaters had filed a float plan with family prior to departing for a fishing trip. When they did not return to shore, family members contacted local authorities.
The crew of a Coast Guard Station Georgetown 25-foot response boat-small, an Air Facility Charleston MH-65 Dolphin rescue helicopter crew and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources participated in the search. The boaters were located aboard thier boat in a secluded marsh near Georgetown by the helicopter crew shortly after midnight, Wednesday. A rescue swimmer was lowered and remained with the boaters while the helicopter refueled. The boaters were hoisted and transported to Georgetown Airport where they were met by family.
Float planning is critical to boating safety. Without a float plan recreational boaters are counting on someone else, a friend, neighbor, or family member to remember detailed information that rescue personnel need during a search and rescue attempt. Please click here to download a Coast Guard approved float plan.
