Three rescued after yacht collision in Charleston Harbor

A yacht sank in Charleston Harbor after hitting a jetty early on March 18. The vessel had three people on board, including a child. Thankfully, all were rescued without injuries. The 58-foot yacht collided with the North Jetty, a rock breakwater that protects the harbor's entrance. When rescue crews arrived, the yacht was already taking on water and was sitting on top of the rocks. The rescue was carried out by a Charleston Harbor pilot. The pilot boat brought the family safely to shore. Shortly after their rescue, the yacht washed over the jetty and sank in the ocean. Captain Crayton Walters, president of the Charleston Branch Pilots' Association, praised the pilots for their quick and professional response. Although the sunk yacht won't obstruct other vessels, it may need to be removed for environmental reasons. Experts warn that abandoned boats can leak fuel and cause harm to marine life. While collisions with the jetty are rare, they do happen. The jetties can be hard to see, especially at night, but captains are responsible for navigating safely. Modern navigation tools usually help captains avoid hazards.