11/May/2013 – Drowning Incident – “A” Shift

Incident # 13-02492 – A 13 year old Beaufort County boy drown at Crosby’s Landing on the Ashepoo River Saturday afternoon 11-May. The rural landing in southern Colleton County, is located off of ACE Basin Parkway (US Hwy 17) at the intersection of Clover Hill Road just north of the Green Pond Community. Fire-Rescue was notified of the incident at 18:31 reporting the child had been missing for ten minutes. Medic 6 and Engine 6, stationed a mile from the scene, arrived minutes later and met with family members. Fire-Rescue divers had been alerted at the same time and responded to the rural boat landing from several locations. A DNR Wildlife Officer and the Sheriff’s Office also responded with boats. It was reported that the child was swimming with family members in about seven to ten feet of water when he went under and never came up. They advised that he was not in any distress. The family initially attempted to locate him without success and they and other boaters were searching when rescuers arrived. The tide was outgoing when the incident occurred, producing a noticeable current. 

The Ashepoo River is a black water river that provides only a few inches of visibility. The family reported he was a good swimmer. Fire-Rescue divers entered the water shortly after 19:15 and began searching the area where witnesses said he went under the water. Firefighter Ray Delonge located him less than ten minutes later approximately 40 feet east of the dock. He had no signs of life and the Coroner’s Office was notified. The boy’s father and mother are Beaufort County firefighters with the Burton Fire Department.

Engine 6, Medic 6, Squad 27, Marine 27, Battalion 1, Car 12, Car 110 and Car 107 responded. Firefighter-Paramedic KC Campbell served as Incident Commander.

Incident # 13-02482 - The above incident was the second river rescue conducted Saturday. Fire-Rescue Divers responded to Good Hope Landing in eastern Colleton County, east of Cottageville at 14:33. A small group of people tubing on the Edisto River became tangled in the trees and pinned by the swift current. 

They reported they were hanging on to trees and having problems staying above the water.  Firefighters launched Marine 27 at Good Hope Landing, then traveled north on the Edisto River until they located the subjects. One female had been retrieved by another boater before Marine 27 arrived. A woman in the party kept 9-1-1 Operators advised of their situation via a cell phone. The information was relayed to crews on the river. A 9-1-1 Operator remained on the line with the caller until all three people were rescued. They were brought back to Good Hope Landing. None required medical attention.

Engine 9, Medic 9, Squad 27, Marine 27 and Battalion 1 responded. Battalion Chief Brent Dalton served as Incident Commander.