CHARLESTON, S.C. – Crewmembers from Coast Guard Sector Charleston responded after a 71-foot recreational yacht sank at the Isle of Palms Marina with approximately 150 gallons of fuel aboard Wednesday.
Peter Sparrow, 52, of Toronto and his crewman Robert Whittet were able to get to a pier at Isle of Palms Marina before the vessel sank and were not injured. Containment boom was placed around the vessel to prevent the release of any oil or gasoline.
The vessel owner has taken full responsibility of the salvage operation, which is scheduled to begin today, and is engaged in the response effort.
Coast Guard investigators, the Isle of Palms Fire Department, and South Carolina Department of Natural Resources continue to investigate the incident and to oversee the salvage operation.
