Sailboat Washes Ashore on Myrtle Beach, Drawing Crowds and Curiosity
HORRY COUNTY, S.C. — Beachgoers in Myrtle Beach were met with a startling and unusual scene Monday morning when a sailboat washed ashore near the Ocean Creek Resort, forcing police to block off the area while onlookers gathered to take photos.
Police Urge Caution
The Horry County Police Department confirmed that officers received reports of the stranded vessel around 1:30 a.m. Monday. Authorities asked the public to keep a safe distance for safety reasons, though that didn’t stop crowds from walking along the sand to get a closer look.
Photos shared online showed dozens of beachgoers surrounding the boat, some even posing in front of it despite warnings. Police said they remained on-site for much of the morning to keep the area secure.
Witnesses Call It “Unusual”
For many longtime residents, the stranded sailboat was unlike anything they had experienced.
“This is a little unusual; I lived out here most of my life. I’ve never seen a sailboat this close and washed up on the shore like this,” said Elton Johnson, who lives in North Myrtle Beach.
Another local, Cameron Cuperman of Briarcliffe Acres, echoed that sentiment:
“It’s just kind of a surprise seeing it there.”
Some beach visitors reported seeing the vessel offshore Sunday evening, hours before it drifted onto the beach. Officials believe high tide and operator error played a role in the grounding.
Owner Accounted For, No Injuries
The boat’s owner was quickly located and confirmed to be safe. Police said there were no injuries linked to the incident.
Crews worked with a salvage company to remove the vessel before 2:15 p.m. Monday, ensuring no fuel leaked into the ocean and that the shoreline was cleared by the afternoon.
“It’s a relief no one was hurt, and the boat was removed quickly before causing any environmental harm,” said Thomas Bell with Horry County.
Coast Guard Investigation Underway
The U.S. Coast Guard has launched a review to determine exactly how the sailboat ended up beached in Horry County. Officials said a more detailed report will be released once the investigation is complete.
Past Wash-Ups on South Carolina Beaches
While rare, this isn’t the first time unusual vessels and debris have appeared along South Carolina’s coastline:
- In 2019, a shrimp trawler ran aground on Folly Beach after mechanical issues left it stranded. The incident drew hundreds of onlookers before salvage crews eventually towed the vessel away.
- After Hurricane Dorian in 2019, pieces of docks, boats, and even small barges were reported washed ashore across Charleston County beaches.
- In 2020, parts of a World War II–era vessel resurfaced off the coast near Hilton Head Island after shifting sands revealed its remains, sparking local historical interest.
- Most recently in 2023, beachgoers on Pawleys Island spotted a partially sunken fishing boat drifting dangerously close to shore before it was secured by rescue crews.
These incidents highlight how South Carolina’s coastlines, shaped by tides, storms, and heavy boating traffic, occasionally turn into scenes of unexpected maritime drama.
Community Fascination
Despite the inconvenience and potential hazards, locals say these rare events spark fascination and curiosity. For visitors, they often become memorable vacation stories.
“People were out here with their phones all morning. It was like the boat had become part of the tourist attraction,” one bystander remarked Monday.
A Reminder of Coastal Risks
Experts note that while such wash-ups can seem harmless, they highlight the risks of boating along the busy and often unpredictable South Carolina coast. Strong tides, storms, and operator mistakes can quickly turn a routine trip into a dangerous situation.
Authorities remind boaters to check weather conditions, keep emergency equipment on board, and remain vigilant when navigating nearshore waters.
Have you ever witnessed a strange or unusual wash-up along South Carolina’s coast? Share your experiences with us at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
