U.S. Coast Guard Sector Charleston

08/08/2026

HURRICANE 🌀 SEASON IS ON ITS WAY

It’s time to practice like we play! Over 50 members from Coast Guard Sector Charleston participated in a joint agency Hurricane Exercise to ensure an effective continuity of operations will be seamless in the event a major storm makes landfall and disrupts our area.

In cooperation with South Carolina Law Enforcement Division - SLED, South Carolina Ports Authority, U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Savannah and Charleston Fire Department, attendees ran through multiple Incident Command Structure (ICS) scenarios likely to be encountered before, during and after a storm ⛈️

In the event Charleston is impacted by a disruptive hurricane, we stand ready to respond!

08/07/2026

On Wednesday August 5th, USCG Sector Charleston Incident Management Division working with South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, removed fuel from a 30ft sailboat ⛵️ at the Brighton Beach Boat Landing in Blufton, SC.

The sailing vessel had been derelict as well as two other boats after its owner had passed away. Since the vessel was partially submerged, it was a substantial threat to the environment and the USCG was able to use funds to remove the fuel and other hazardous substances onboard. The sailboat was then handed over to DNR so it could be properly disposed of with the other 2 sail boats. DNR oversaw the destruction of the sailboats the following day which were subsequently removed in dumpsters.

08/07/2026

🚨⛵️ Uncrewed Sailing Vessel Removed from Ashley River Memorial Bridge

A Coast Guard Station Charleston boat crew responded to an uncrewed sailing vessel pinned against the Ashley River Memorial Bridge in Charleston, South Carolina, Thursday.

An independent pusher boat operator assisted voluntarily by pushing the vessel clear of the bridge, allowing the Station Charleston crew to safely tow it to an anchorage near a local marina. The South Carolina Department of Transportation confirmed there was no risk to the structural integrity of the bridge.

Sector Charleston watchstanders received report of the displaced vessel at 11:45 a.m. Watchstanders contacted the vessel’s owner, who confirmed the vessel had been anchored in the river and was not in use.

The U.S. Coast Guard is proud to work alongside good Samaritans, commercial companies and our federal, state and local partner agencies to protect lives and ensure the safety of the maritime community. Coast Guard Southeast District reminds mariners to regularly inspect their anchors and ground tackle, monitor changing weather and tidal conditions, and ensure vessels left at anchor are properly secured to help prevent them from becoming hazards to navigation.



U.S. Coast Guard U.S. Coast Guard Sector Charleston U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area Command SCDOT

08/04/2026

After weeks of coordinated efforts, salvage operations for the crane collapse in the Cooper River are now complete.

Thanks to the professionalism and teamwork of the U.S. Coast Guard, the contracted salvage team, port stakeholders, and our federal, state, and local partners, the waterway has been safely cleared, the pollution threat has been eliminated, and normal vessel traffic has resumed.

This operation reflects the strength of collaboration in protecting our waterways, supporting commerce, and ensuring the safety of the maritime community.

Read the full release below. ⬇️

07/31/2026

Know before you go!! If you’re paying to get on a boat🚤 , whether fishing, sunset tour, dolphin 🐬 watching, or just cruising the harbor…two easiest things to ask to see;

1. A valid Coast Guard Merchant Mariners Credential (aka MMC or Captain’s License) of the Captain.

2. If your boat has more than 6 passengers (not including the crew), ask to see a valid Certificate of Inspection from the Coast Guard or if they conform to Uninspected Passenger Vessel regulations.

If the operator cannot produce appropriate credentials, passengers should not get on the boat.

Contact your local Coast Guard office for any questions.

Illegal boat charters are surging on Charleston’s waterways, and the U.S. Coast Guard says passengers need to know their rights before they ever set foot on a boat.

07/27/2026

07/26/2026

Another day, another buoy transformed 🌊⚓
Our ANT Charleston crew tackled some serious marine growth today, keeping the aids to navigation clear and reliable for mariners along the coast.

07/18/2026

U.S. Coast Guard Sector Charleston response personnel continue to work closely with port stakeholders and the salvage company to support ongoing salvage operations at Pier G following the shipyard crane collapse.

On Friday, U.S. Coast Guard personnel arrived on scene to monitor salvage preparation efforts, collect aerial imagery, and assess environmental conditions. No visible sheening was observed during the assessment.

Commercial divers continue extensive dive operations to prepare the submerged crane for removal. A small crane and barge arrived on scene Thursday to support lift operations, while additional heavy-lift equipment is expected to arrive Monday. Active lifting operations are scheduled to begin Wednesday, July 22.

Salvage operations are expected to continue for at least another week. Throughout the operation, the Coast Guard will work to ensure the safety of response personnel while minimizing impacts to the surrounding waterway.

A 100-yard safety zone remains in effect around the submerged crane. Mariners are reminded to stay clear of the area and exercise extreme caution while transiting nearby for the safety of dive and salvage personnel.

Continue following U.S. Coast Guard Sector Charleston for the latest updates as they become available.

Coast Guard Southeast District crews protect the Nation’s marine environment through coordinated pollution response, environmental stewardship and oversight of complex salvage operations. By working alongside industry and partner agencies, we reduce environmental risk, restore safe waterways and ensure America’s ports remain resilient, secure and open for commerce.

07/17/2026

Building partnerships through preparedness. 🌎🤝

This week, Sector Charleston’s Emergency Management and Force Readiness team welcomed Colombian Military Officers for an exchange focused on emergency management and contingency planning. Guests received briefings on U.S. national, regional, and local emergency response plans, while gaining insight into emergency management operations across South Carolina’s Lowcountry. These engagements strengthen international partnerships and promote the sharing of best practices to enhance readiness and resilience.

07/17/2026

A U.S. Coast Guard Station Charleston law enforcement crew terminated an illegal charter vessel that was acting as a bareboat charter with 18 passengers for hire, June 29, in Charleston Harbor.

After investigation, Coast Guard officers deemed the 47-foot vessel, Triple Net, operated as an illegal small passenger vessel and terminated the charter’s voyage.

The U.S. Coast Guard urges anyone paying for a trip on a vessel to verify the captain has a safety plan and a Merchant Mariner Credential. For larger charter boats or those with more than six passengers, ask to see a Coast Guard-issued Certificate of Inspection, or if they conform to Uninspected Passenger Vessel regulations. If the operator cannot produce appropriate credentials, passengers should not get on the boat.