News Summary
After a boating accident left many worried, Rocky, a golden retriever, was found safe and sound two miles from the incident site in Charleston. The Wiseman family’s heartfelt plea on social media sparked community-wide efforts for Rocky’s rescue. His joyful reunion highlights the importance of pet safety on water. Rocky’s astonishing journey back home showcases the unwavering spirit of the Charleston community.
Rocky the Golden Retriever Makes a Splashing Comeback in Charleston!
Charleston, a beautiful coastal city, recently witnessed a heartwarming tale of resilience after a boating accident led to a frantic search for a beloved golden retriever named Rocky. The adventure began on a Tuesday when a 58-foot yacht accidentally collided with the jetties, causing quite a stir.
According to reports from the U.S. Coast Guard, the yacht started taking on water, prompting the crew aboard to transfer to a dinghy. Thankfully, a nearby Charleston Harbor Pilots vessel swooped in to the rescue, bringing the individuals to safety without any reported injuries. Meanwhile, the owner of the yacht began coordinating salvage efforts, addressing the aftermath of the incident.
Rocky’s Daring Escape
But the drama didn’t end with the rescue of the yacht’s crew. Jeff Wiseman, the owner of Rocky, faced a moment of sheer panic when he accidentally hit an abandoned concrete dock while distracted by his phone. The collision resulted in both Jeff and his loyal companion, Rocky, being thrown into the water. Tragically, Jeff suffered seven broken ribs during this harrowing incident.
After finding himself in the chilly waters, Jeff swam to shore, desperately searching for Rocky but to no avail. As night fell, emergency responders launched a search for the furry friend, but they were forced to suspend operations due to poor visibility.
A Community Rallies
Meanwhile, Kim Wiseman, Jeff’s wife, turned to social media to rally the local community for help. She shared Rocky’s story on Facebook, sparking a wave of support and concern. The search shifted its focus to the right side of the Ashley River, where volunteers took to the waters using jet skis, kayaks, drones, and boats to locate Rocky.
In an incredible twist of fate, approximately 36 hours later, Rocky was discovered on a West Ashley couple’s dock—chasing a raccoon! In a remarkable display of bravery, he had swum across the Ashley River, making his way nearly two miles from the crash site, all while still managing to wear his trusty life jacket.
Back Home, Safe and Sound
The reunion was nothing short of a joyful miracle for the Wiseman family. Overjoyed and in disbelief, they couldn’t believe their furry companion had survived the ordeal. After a quick trip to the vet, Rocky received a thumbs-up on his health, with only a slight ankle injury to nurse. Now, he’s recovering beautifully in the comfort of his home, surrounded by love.
In the aftermath of their adventure, the Wisemans extended a heartfelt message to other pet owners, emphasizing the importance of considering life jackets for dogs when enjoying water activities. Rocky’s experience resonated with the community, leading many others to purchase dog life vests, highlighting a significant awareness around canine safety while boating.
Community Spirit Shines Bright
The response from the Charleston community has been nothing short of inspiring. Individuals who had never met the Wiseman family joined in the search efforts, showcasing the kindness and support that makes this coastal city truly special. The Charleston Animal Society also played a role in amplifying Rocky’s story, ensuring that many more people were aware of his plight.
Ultimately, this incident serves as a powerful reminder of the need for boater safety and the importance of keeping pets safe while enjoying the great outdoors. With Rocky back home safe, Charleston has not only celebrated a miraculous reunion but has also taken crucial steps towards enhancing the safety of pets during aquatic adventures.
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Live 5 News
- Wikipedia: Dog Life Jacket
- ABC News 4
- Google Search: Boater Safety
- Post and Courier
- Google Scholar: Drowning Dog Rescues
- Newsweek
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dog Safety
- The State
- Google News: Charleston Dog Rescue
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
