Barge capsizes off Surfside Beach, U.S. Coast Guard responds

The U.S. Coast Guard responded to a capsized barge in the waters off Surfside Beach Wednesday.

A Coast Guard boat and helicopter from Georgetown went out to help with the clean up. As of Wednesday afternoon, no pollution has been detected, according to a press release. The Coast Guard says it is working with the barge’s owner to identify any potential hazards.

The barge appeared to be about a half-mile from the beach. The clean-up operation was well in view of people on the beach.

Great Lakes Dredging owned the barge and was on scene. It is unknown how the barge capsized.

The barge was there to help dredge for sand for beach re-nourishment, a company spokesperson told The Sun News. Great Lakes has a pipeline to get sand onto the beach.

No injuries were reported.

This story was originally published August 15, 2018 at 1:17 PM.