Man, two dogs rescued from disabled boat in Stono River

Image by Coast Guard

The Coast Guard and Charleston County Sheriff's Office rescued an overdue boater and two dogs on the Stono River Friday.

Rescued was Leon Dover, 81, of Johns Island.

Search and rescue controllers at Coast Guard Sector Charleston were notified at 9:16 p.m., Friday, by Dover's daughter after he failed to return home from a fishing trip on the Stono River. Dover had departed earlier in the day from the Limehouse Boat Landing.

An MH-65 Dolphin rescue helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Facility Charleston, a 25-foot rescue boat crew from Station Charleston and the Charleston County Sheriff's Office participated in the search. At about 10:15 p.m., the helicopter rescue crew located Dover and his two dogs aboard a  disabled 14-foot skiff grounded in a mud flat. A rescue swimmer was lowered and Dover was hoisted and transported the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston.

Charleston County Sheriff's Office rescued both dogs and towed the disabled boat to a nearby boat ramp where they were met by awaiting family.

The Coast Guard reminds all boaters to file a float plan before departing offshore. A float plan is an effective tool for the owner of a 10-foot kayak or flat-bottom skiff as it is for a 48-foot express cruiser, or a 90 foot sport-fishing vessel or luxury yacht. To access a Coast Guard approved float plan, please click here.

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