GLDD Barge Capsizes Near Surfside Beach

The U.S. Coast Guard responded Wednesday to a capsized barge near Surfside Beach.

Coast Guard Sector Charleston Command Center watchstanders received a National Response Center report stating an unmanned 30-foot construction barge had capsized, said the press release.

Sector Charleston deployed a Coast Guard Station Georgetown 29-foot Response Boat-Small and Coast Guard Air Facility Charleston MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew to assess for pollution threats. No pollution has been reported at this time.

The Coast Guard also reported that is working closely with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control and Great Lakes Dredging and Dock, the owner, to identify potential hazards and remove the barge.

Due to safety concerns, the Coast Guard is requesting the public avoid the area during the salvage operation.

The cause of the incident is under investigation.