Archive image: A Coast Guard Air Station Savannah MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew conducts a search and rescue demonstration in front of the Coast Guard Cutter James in Charleston, South Carolina.
The demonstration was performed for members of the media attending the State of the Coast Guard Address in Charleston.
U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Ryan Dickinson.
CHARLESTON, S.C. – A Coast Guard Air Facility Charleston MH-65E Dolphin helicopter aircrew, from Coast Guard Air Station Savannah, conducted the rescue of a sailor and his dog after their vessel ran aground near Winyah Bay. Friday, February 13, 2026.
The man and his dog were transported to Georgetown Airport with no reported medical concerns.
Coast Guard Sector Charleston watchstanders received a distress call on VHF-FM channel 16 from the man aboard the 37-foot sailing vessel, Chusan, at 6:16 p.m. stating his vessel ran aground on the rocks.
Sector Charleston watchstanders launched a Coast Guard Air Facility Charleston MH-65E Dolphin Short-Range Recovery Helicopter aircrew to conduct the rescue mission.
The man and his dog were transported to Georgetown Airport with no reported medical concerns.
U.S. Coast Guard video edited by Petty Officer 3rd Class Kace White.
U.S. Coast Guard Sector Charleston.
U.S. Coast Guard Air Facility Charleston.
U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Savannah.
U.S. Coast Guard Southeast.
U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area Command.
Once on the scene, the MH-65 Dolphin aircrew deployed the rescue swimmer and safely hoisted the sailor and his dog using a rescue basket.
“Our crews train extensively to respond to situations like this, and we’re grateful the mariner had a working VHF radio to call for help,” said Lt. Josh Hamilton, a Coast Guard Air Station Savannah pilot. “Running aground can quickly become dangerous, especially near rocks and shifting conditions. We encourage all boaters to carry proper communication equipment and continuously monitor Channel 16 so we can respond without delay when every second counts.”
–USCG–
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