Charleston, South Carolina, September 2, 2025
News Summary
Charleston, South Carolina’s coastline has offered a fascinating array of unusual finds over the years, from bizarre marine life to historical artifacts. Noteworthy discoveries include a two-headed loggerhead sea turtle and Civil War cannonballs. Beachgoers continue to stumble upon intriguing messages in bottles and strange marine incidents, adding to the unique narrative of the area. These discoveries highlight both the natural and historical significance of Charleston’s beaches, making them a treasure trove for curious citizens and visitors alike.
Charleston, South Carolina: Unusual Beach Finds Over the Years
South Carolina’s scenic coastline has become a treasure trove of unusual finds, with beachgoers encountering a wide array of remarkable items over the years. Notable discoveries range from bizarre marine life to historical artifacts, and each finding has captured the attention of residents and visitors alike.
Recent Notable Discoveries
One of the more peculiar discoveries was a 200-pound mass that washed up on a South Carolina beach in 2018. Despite investigation by the Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network and Seabrook Island officials, the origin of the mass could not be determined. It was ultimately transported to a maintenance site for further assessment.
Marine life has also made headlines, such as a rare two-headed loggerhead sea turtle found alive on Hilton Head Island in 2019 and subsequently released back into the ocean. Conversely, beachgoers encountered marine casualties as well, with thousands of dead menhaden fish washing ashore on Folly Beach in January 2011, prompting cleanup efforts.
Additional marine finds included a Portuguese man-of-war on Isle of Palms in 2010 and thousands of stranded starfish on the same beach in 2015, showcasing the diverse and sometimes troubling nature of marine life along the coast.
Historical Artifacts and Human Remains
In a significant historical find, two Civil War cannonballs were discovered on Folly Beach in October 2016, a direct result of Hurricane Matthew’s eroding tides. Unfortunately, 15 of the 17 retrieved shells had to be destroyed safely using C-4 explosives by an ordnance disposal technician due to safety concerns.
Additionally, a human bone was found near the Folly Beach pier in 2010 by a College of Charleston student, raising concerns that led to an assessment by Charleston County Deputy Coroner Dottie Lindsay.
Unusual Objects, Messages, and Artifacts
Beachgoers have also reported odd messages and finds, such as a unique message in a bottle discovered on Cumberland Island National Seashore in Georgia in 2024. The note was written by 8-year-old Parker Early from Mount Pleasant, filling the find with a sense of wonder.
Moreover, South Carolina’s beaches have witnessed more than their share of lost items, ranging from wedding rings to historical artifacts uncovered due to erosion. Drug bales, referred to as “square grouper,” and large amounts of cocaine worth approximately $600,000 were found on Fripp Island in 2019, highlighting the diverse range of items that wash ashore.
Various Marine and Coastal Incidents
The coastline has been a repository for numerous marine and coastal incidents, including an abandoned sailboat named “Canaille,” which washed ashore on Kiawah Island in 2016 after losing its mast and radio during a storm. A sailor was rescued by a passing cruise ship after the mishap.
In an alarming trend, human body parts, including severed feet and a leg bone, have also been reported to wash ashore, alarming local authorities. The recent finding of a sperm whale that washed up on Hilton Head Beach in 2025 necessitated cleanup efforts involving an excavator to bury the creature.
Conclusion
From peculiar marine life to significant historical artifacts, South Carolina’s coastline is rich with unusual finds. Beach lovers continue to marvel at the discoveries that wash ashore, providing both intrigue and a deepened understanding of the coastal ecosystem and its history.
FAQ
- What are some notable marine finds on South Carolina beaches?
- Notable marine finds include a two-headed loggerhead sea turtle, thousands of dead menhaden fish, and a Portuguese man-of-war.
- What historical artifacts have been discovered along the coast?
- Cannonballs from the Civil War and human bones have been among the historical artifacts found.
- Have there been any unusual messages found on the beach?
- A message in a bottle written by an 8-year-old boy was discovered on Cumberland Island in 2024.
- What are some notable incidents involving human remains on South Carolina beaches?
- Instances of severed feet and leg bones have washed ashore, causing concern for local authorities.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: South Carolina Beach Cannonballs, Whales, Drugs
- Southern Thing: 3 Million Year Old Oyster Shells Found
- ABC News: Tourists Find Human Remains
- Myrtle Beach Online: Notable Beach Discoveries
- CBS News: Tourists Find Skeletal Remains
- Wikipedia: South Carolina
- Google Search: Marine Life in South Carolina
- Google Scholar: Beach Finds South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina
- Google News: South Carolina Beach Discoveries
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.
