US Coast Guard Release
Published: August 28, 2009

CHARLESTON, S.C. – The Coast Guard and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources rescued 25 people from a disabled 65-foot fishing vessel one-half mile east of Murrells Inlet, S.C., Friday at approximately 12:30 p.m.

The commercial fishing vessel, Sea Thunder, sent out a distress call at approximately 10:37 a.m. via VHF channel 16, the international distress channel monitored by the Coast Guard, after extinguishing an engine fire that left the vessel completely disabled and unstable in the water.

A Coast Guard 41-foot rescue boat crew and two 25-foot rescue boat crews from Station Georgetown, S.C., and an HH-65 helicopter crew from Air Facility Charleston responded to the distress.

The Coast Guard rescued 11 survivors. South Carolina DNR rescued 12 survivors. The Sea Thunder’s captain and first mate will remain aboard the vessel while it’s towed to shore.

All survivors were transported to Captain Dick’s Marina in Murrells Inlet where emergency medical personnel were available if needed.

There are no reported injuries.