A Coast Guard helicopter crew executed a dramatic rescue in South Carolina on Monday, airlifting a boater to safety after his 24-foot vessel ran aground in Bulls Bay, approximately 30 miles northeast of Charleston.

The Coast Guard was alerted to the stranded boater around 5 p.m. by a commercial salvage company that had spotted the vessel in distress. The quick response by the Coast Guard helicopter crew proved crucial, as the challenging tidal conditions in the area hampered rescue efforts by other means. An Isle of Palms Fire Department airboat crew that also responded to the scene was unable to reach the man due to the shallow water depth.

Lt. Tucker Williams, an Air Station Savannah copilot involved in the rescue, emphasized the importance of checking tide charts and navigating unfamiliar waters with caution. "The tidal fluctuations in our area can be significant and can create hazardous situations, even for shallow-draft rescue boats," he explained. "Boaters should always be aware of the tides and exercise prudent speed, especially in areas they are not familiar with."

The Coast Guard released video footage of the daring rescue, showing the helicopter crew skillfully hoisting the boater from his grounded vessel. The rescued individual was transported to Mount Pleasant Regional Airport and reported no medical concerns.

A Coast Guard crew pictured with the rescued boater in South Carolina. (U.S. Coast Guard)

The grounded boat in Bulls Bay, South Carolina. (U.S. Coast Guard)