Idiots On The Water

CHARLESTON, S.C. - Three people are safe after their 17-foot recreational boat almost collided with the container ship Sealand Atlantic Friday November 7, 2008 at 10 a.m. on the Wando River.


Container Ship Sealand Atlantic

The three men were aboard their recreational boat when it lost power in the shipping channel near Hobcaw Creek on the Wando River. The men jumped over the side of their boat as the Sealand Atlantic, a 940-foot container vessel coming from Bremerhaven, Germany, came within 10 feet of their boat. Following the near miss, the men made it back aboard their vessel with the help of a Charleston City Police Department small boat.

The three men, Larry, Moe and Curly were escorted to Remley's Point Boat Landing by the Charleston City Police Boat and a Coast Guard small boat. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources and Charleston County Sheriff's Office also responded.

There were no injuries reported, and the Coast Guard is investigating the incident.

You can track Sealand Atlanic at Sailwx.

In response to the increasing number of idiots on the Charleston Harbor, the Charleston Harbor Pilots Association has developed a new method (shown in the video below) for dealing with boaters who get a little too close.



Or you can read the State Ports Guide to Safe Boating in the Charleston Harbor