Coast Guard rescues stranded boater on Folly Beach

Image by Flickr user HOEI.com

The Coast Guard rescued a boater near Folly Beach on Sunday, July 18, after he went missing late Saturday night.

Baker Dickson, 28, of Charleston fell overboard from a 21-foot scout boat that Dickson fell overboard and was missing at approximately 11:35 p.m., Saturday.

Coast Guard Station Charleston deployed a 28-foot boat rescue crew and Air Facility Charleston launched an MH-65 Dolphin air rescue crew to search the scene. Charleston County Fire and Rescue and Charleston County Sheriff's Office also participated in the search.

A person heard Dickson yelling from the shore while transiting the Stono River and contacted the Coast Guard Sector Charleston. The operational watchstanders directed all rescue assets to investigate the area.

The Coast Guard boat rescue crew located Dickson at approximately 12:23 a.m., and transported him to awaiting Emergency Medical Services at the Folly Beach boat landing.

No major injuries were reported.

The Coast Guard reminds all boaters that in the event of a maritime emergency, the use of a float plan, VHF radio, life jackets and an Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon are critical to ensuring a swift rescue. For information on boating safety, please visit http://www.safeboatingcampaign.com.

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