2 retrieved from water near Breach Inlet; both were unconscious, officials say

SULLIVAN’S ISLAND, S.C. (WCBD) – Two people were retrieved from the water at Breach Inlet on Tuesday afternoon. Both were unconscious.

Sullivan’s Island Fire Rescue responded to an emergency call around 3:18 p.m. after someone saw a male and female struggling in the water at the eastern end of Sullivan’s Island.

Crews at the scene told News 2 that one of the two people made it to a buoy and then started going underwater. A good Samaritan helped pull one of the individuals back to shore, and fire-rescue personnel picked up the other person via jet skis.

“Sullivan’s Island Fire rescue retrieved one unconscious female, and another unconscious male was retrieved on the IOP side of Breach Inlet,” said Sullivan’s Island Town Administrator Joe Henderson.

Both were brought to the shore around 3:35 p.m. Officials said they were unconscious when they returned to shore, and CPR was administered. Both were taken to area hospitals via EMS.

Sullivan’s Island Fire Chief Anthony Stith said the jet skis were launched by Sullivan’s Island and Isle of Palms fire departments.

Henderson said the identity of both victims is unknown to Sullivan’s Island staff; however, he said personal items were collected on the Isle of Palms beach along with a vehicle.

The condition of both individuals is unknown. An investigation is underway.