DNR News** Archived Article - please check for current information. **

Hunters rescued from capsized boat over the weekend December 10, 2018

Stock photo of SCDNR Law Enforcement boat in harbor.

Stock photo of SCDNR Law Enforcement boat in harbor.

At approximately 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018, SCDNR responded to a boat-capsize on the Pee Dee River and Jericho Creek in Georgetown County.

Three duck hunters were retrieving their decoys in a 14-foot boat when the boat started taking on water without their knowledge. When they proceeded the boat forward, the transom went underwater which caused the boat to sink. The three people were in chest-deep water for roughly 90-minutes.

One person was taken to an area hospital and treated for hypothermia and is expected to be okay. The other two were treated at the scene and released.

U.S. Coast Guard and Midway Fire Rescue provided mutual aid.

This incident is an important reminder for people to use extreme caution when hunting because hypothermia can set in within a few minutes. Wear a life preservers at all times and try to keep a cell phone in waterproof bag in case of an emergency. Have a float plan, and let someone know exactly where you’re hunting and when you plan to be back.

DNR Media Contacts

Area Personnel Number
Coastal David Lucas 843-610-0096
Marine Erin Weeks 843-953-9845
Midlands Kaley Nevin 803-917-0398
Upstate Greg Lucas 864-380-5201

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