Coast Guard establishes safety zone on the Whale Branch in Beaufort County, SC
September 28, 2018
CHARLESTON, S.C. —
The Coast Guard Captain of the Port of Charleston has established a temporary safety zone Friday on the waters of Whale Branch in the vicinity of Little Barnwell Island, Long Island, and Bluff Island in Beaufort County, due to potential hazards associated with a military aircraft crash.
The temporary safety zone covers all navigable waters of Whale Branch encompassed within a 1,500-yard radius of position 32°30’32”N, 080°47’23”W.
The safety zone is effective immediately and is expected to continue through Oct. 10, or until salvage operations are complete.
No one shall enter, transit through, anchor in, or remain within the safety zone unless specifically authorized by the COTP or their on-scene designated representative.
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BEAUFORT, S.C. (AP) —
UPDATE 3:02 p.m.
MCAS Beaufort sent the following press release:
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"A 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing F-35B belonging to Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501 (VMFAT-501) stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort crashed in the vicinity of Beaufort, South Carolina at approximately 11:45 a.m. (EST), today.
The U.S. Marine pilot safely ejected from the single-seat aircraft and is currently being evaluated by medical personnel. There were no civilian injuries. Marines from MCAS Beaufort are working with local authorities currently conducting standard mishap operations to secure the crash site and ensure the safety of all personnel in the surrounding area.
The cause of the crash is under investigation."
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UPDATE 2:41 p.m.
BCSO Capt. Bob Bromage said in a press conference that no injuries have been reported in the crash and he was not aware of any structures being hit.
The pilot was also the sole occupant of the plane.
UPDATE 2:16 p.m.
MCAS Beaufort posted the following information to their Facebook page:
"On September 28, at approximately 11:45, a 2D Marine Aircraft Wing F-35B impacted near the Broad River in Beaufort County. The pilot safely ejected and is being examined by medical personnel. To ensure the safety of the general public, as well as officials securing the site, all civilians should remain clear. More information will be provided as it becomes available."
UPDATE 2:02 p.m.
BCSO says the pilot was rescued by emergency services personnel after the crash on Little Barnwell Island.
The pilot was taken to a medical facility for evaluation. No other injuries were reported.
No information has been released so far regarding the pilot's identity or condition.
Authorities are asking people to avoid Little Barnwell Island as well as the Grays Hill Boat Landing while first responders assess the area for safety.
UPDATE 12:55 p.m.
A military official confirms that a Marine F-35B fighter went down close to Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort.
It happened near the Grays Hill community near Claredon Road.
BCSO said in a tweet that the pilot safely ejected.
Whale Branch High School is close to the crash scene but officials tell WJCL 22 News that classes are not affected.
This week CNN reported that the U.S. Marine Corps' stealth F-35B Lightning fighter jet could fly its first combat mission within days.
The aircraft are reportedly being used to conduct airstrikes over Afghanistan.
A military plane has crashed in Beaufort County according to the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office.
The crash was reported at approximately 11:45 a.m. Friday near Clarendon Road and Joe Allen Drive in Grays Hill.
BCSO says the military has confirmed that it was a military plane that went down.