CHARLESTON, S.C.— A Coast Guard Air Station Savannah MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew rescue a 35-year-old diver (male) after he drifted away from his vessel while diving 75 nautical miles offshore Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Coast Guard 7th District command center watchstanders in Miami, Florida received a notification from an emergency GPS beacon around 1:50 p.m., activated by the dive boat crewmembers aboard the 28-foot vessel when he didn’t resurface.
Coast Guard District Seven (Southeast) command center watchstanders launched multiple air and surface crews to assist in the search and Rescue efforts and developed search patterns near the diver’s last known position, based on the prevailing weather conditions. An MH-65E Dolphin Short-Range Recovery Helicopter aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Savannah located the diver and deployed the rescue swimmer to hoist him into the aircraft. The MH-65 Dolphin SRR Helicopter aircrew safely transferred the diver to Cape Fear Regional Jetport, where emergency medical services (EMS) awaited.
“It was a miracle that our rescue swimmer spotted him while we were on the last leg of our sector search,” said Lt. Jeff Davis, Coast Guard Air Station Savannah aircraft commander. “The diver’s yellow surface marker buoy helped us spot him despite the rough seas and strong winds, which limited visibility.»
The diver drifted away from his vessel while diving, prompting his boat crew to activate their emergency GPS beacon to notify Coast Guard 7th District watch standards they needed assistance.
U.S. Coast Guard video.
U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Savannah.
U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City.
U.S. Coast Guard Southeast.
U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area.
Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard.
Department of Homeland Security.
No medical concerns were reported.
On-scene weather consisted of eight to nine-foot seas, with winds coming from the north at 15 knots.
Coast Guard assets that responded:
- Coast Guard Air Station Savannah MH-65 Dolphin rescue helicopter aircrew
The Coast Guard suggests the following practices to help increase recreational diver safety:
- Carry an emergency transmitter like a personal locator beacon in the event you get separated or experience distress
- Plan the dive, ensure you have the appropriate gear, and conduct a safety check on the diving equipment
- At depth, follow dive table parameters to prevent decompression sickness and air embolisms
- Seek medical advice on your health concerns or medications taken prior to diving
- Do not consume alcohol or drugs before diving
- Always dive with a buddy, qualified instructor, or experienced guide
- Consider the marine weather forecast prior to heading out. Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June 1 through November 30, and conditions on the water can change quickly with developing storm systems
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–USCG–
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