SULLIVAN’S ISLAND, S.C. (WCBD) – A Charleston Pilot Fleet Captain rescued two men who were in ‘serious peril’ being stranded on a jetty this weekend.
Capt. John Miles saw the two men stranded about a mile in the ocean off the coast of Sullivan’s Island around 6 p.m. Saturday. Capt. Miles was headed to pick up a harbor pilot from a ship at sea when he saw the men waving from the jagged rocks.
Strong winds were blowing, creating rough seas, but Capt. Miles navigated the risky conditions, getting close enough for the men to swim safely to his boat.
Once aboard, the men said they were kayaking with two others launching from Sullivan’s Island that afternoon. When they attempted to return, the current was strong, and dark rain clouds were approaching, so the group split up, according to a harbor pilot release.
The two men on the jetties who were rescued were attempting to walk up the rocks back to the shore without a lifejacket, shoes, radio, or cell phone. The other two were paddling to shore for help.