Dangerous marine conditions threaten coast due to Hurricane Erin

by Brontë Sorotsky

TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. (WTOC) - Marine conditions will remain dangerous throughout the week as Erin passes near the coast. Large waves and rip currents are a major risk.

With marine conditions worsening, the Coast Guard says preparation is key for anyone heading out to the water.

“Don’t underestimate the weather,” said Coast Guard Station Tybee Petty Officer 2nd Class BM2, Jacob Candelaria.

That’s the main message to any boaters this week, as Erin creates rough and even dangerous conditions on the coast. Wave heights are expected to be anywhere from five to seven feet over the next few days.

“Our biggest message to people is check the weather, use NOAA, use your local weather stations. It might look beautiful at the beginning of the day. It doesn’t mean what it’s going to look like in the afternoon,” said Coast Guard Station Tybee Petty Officer 2nd Class, Emma Fliszar.

On Tuesday, a Coast Guard Station Tybee boat crew and a Coast Guard Air Station Savannah helicopter crew helped two people aboard a disabled sailboat near Ossabaw Island.

“They had some injuries. One of the gentlemen wasn’t able to move very much, and the woman on board also had an injury to her leg. So we got on board... we took them to safety over at Kilkenny Marina,” said Candelaria.

With Erin worsening conditions on the coast, they say to make sure you’re ready for any scenario.

Be sure to turn your radio to channel 16 to get ahold of the Coast Guard if needed, keep a distress signal on you, as well as extra food water, and medical equipment.

“It will save your life,” said Fliszar.