Tybee Island Mayor gives update on beached channel marker buoy removal plan

by WTOC Staff, Stephanie Adkisson, Dylan Smith

TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. (WTOC) - [UPDATE 5:45 p.m. 10/08/25] A representative from the U.S. military has confirmed to WTOC that the beached channel marker will be airlifted Thursday by a U.S. Army helicopter.

The marker will be removed from Tybee and transferred to Hutchinson Island.

Military personnel were seen on the beach Wednesday afternoon site surveying the area.

The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, U.S. Coast Guard and the Combat Aviation Brigade will work together to relocate the channel marker.

[UPDATE 1:54 p.m. 10/08/25] The Mayor of Tybee Island, Brian West, has provided WTOC with an update on the removal of the channel buoy which beached on Tybee earlier this week.

According to Mayor West, “the tentative plan is for the Army to air lift the marker out around 4 p.m. tomorrow.”

However, Mayor West says “That time likely won’t be firmed up until tomorrow morning.”

Locals are reminded that the buoy is extremely heavy and can shift unexpectedly.

Officials recommend not sitting on, playing on, or standing too close to the channel marker.

Is the current government shutdown impacting buoy removal efforts?

WTOC asked Tybee Island Mayor Brian West if the government shutdown is impacting efforts to remove the channel marker.

“I’m not hearing the conversations between the Coast Guard and the Army, but I imagine there is an impact from the government shutdown,” said Mayor West.

West also said this is the first time that he can remember anything of this size washing ashore.

[UPDATE 10/07/25] The Channel Buoy 8 is still on Tybee Island’s beach near 14th Street.

“Please do not climb, sit, or play on it, it’s extremely heavy and can shift, especially when it’s in water! Feel free to snap a photo with it, it’s not every day something like this washes up on Tybee,” reminded Tybee Island Ocean Rescue in a social post.

Facts about the marker:

It drifted here from Port Royal
It weighs around 13,900 pounds
The U.S. Coast Guard is coordinating its removal, which will likely happen later this week by Chinook helicopter!

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Dangerous coastal conditions persist on Tybee Island after weekend rain

[ORIGINAL STORY] A channel marker has washed ashore on Tybee Island, prompting lifeguards to warn beachgoers to keep a safe distance due to potential safety hazards.

In a Facebook post, Tybee Island Ocean Rescue said the channel marker is extremely heavy and can shift or roll, posing risk a of injury. TIFR encourages visitors to look at the marker from a safe distance.