South-Carolina
Near Johns Island, crews dismantle and remove 17 derelict boats from SC waterways
JOHNS ISLAND, S.C. (WCIV) — A major cleanup effort is underway across South Carolina’s waterways, as state officials and volunteers work to remove abandoned and hazardous boats.
On Monday, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, alongside Wounded Nature–Working Veterans, dismantled and hauled away 17 derelict vessels near Johns Island—part of a larger push to restore safety and environmental health on the water.
The effort follows the passage of Senate Bill 367 last year, which allows organizations to remove abandoned vessels more quickly.
SCDNR officials say the work is already making an impact. In addition to the 17 boats removed Monday, crews have cleared 61 other abandoned vessels.
“We’re making real progress on our goal to have every single abandoned boat out of the waters of South Carolina,” said Shannon Bobertz, Chief of Staff for SCDNR.
Bobertz emphasized the environmental and safety risks posed by derelict boats.
“These have been polluting the waterways of South Carolina,” she said. “When you have these boats that are hidden under the water, they’re navigation hazards. They’re also injuring fish and wildlife.”
The cleanup process, however, is far from simple.
“It’s a long process,” said Chris Owen, a volunteer with Wounded Nature–Working Veterans. “SCDNR has to go and tag them, and then you’ve got to try and find out who owned them.”
Divers face particularly dangerous conditions when searching for submerged debris.
“The waters of South Carolina are very dark, so when we go under the water, it’s pretty much like Braille diving,” said Lt. Willis Bowers with SCDNR’s Investigation Section. “There’s entanglements you could be swimming into while you’re diving. There’s all kinds of sharp, pokey things down there that can cut you.”
With visibility near zero in some areas, crews must rely on touch to locate hidden hazards beneath the surface.
Officials say public help is also critical in identifying problem areas. The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services has launched an online tool, MyCoast.org, where residents can report abandoned boats.
SCDNR warns that removing these vessels is both costly and time-consuming—and boat owners who abandon their vessels could face penalties under state law.
BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) – Texas A&M baseball added left-handed pitcher, Logan Prisco, out of South Carolina through the transfer portal on Friday night.
Prisco worked as a relief pitcher for the Gamecocks this past season, appearing in 20 games. He posted a 3.45 ERA while tallying 34 strikeouts.
Prisco is the fifth pitcher the Aggies have picked up in the offseason along with Caleb Kimble (Houston), Johnny Nuanez (Wichita State), Jase Evangelista (UNLV) and Wade Cooper (Texas State). Prisco is the eighth overall player added to the Aggies roster this offseason.
Prisco will have two seasons of eligibility once he is in College Station.
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COLUMBIA, S.C. (WACH) — Advocates, caregivers, patients, and community leaders gathered at the South Carolina State House on Friday for the inaugural South Carolina Sickle Cell Day.
Organizers said the event focused on raising awareness of sickle cell disease.
The South Carolina CBO Collective Caucus hosted the event at 10 a.m., coinciding with World Sickle Cell Day and Juneteenth.
Organizers said the gathering brought together healthcare professionals, legislators, advocates, and supporters from across the state to discuss education, support, and action related to sickle cell disease.
The program is designed to amplify the voices of individuals and families impacted by the disease and encourage conversations about healthcare access, advocacy, research, and community support, organizers said.
Attendees heard personal stories and learned about challenges faced by those living with sickle cell disease.
“World Sickle Cell Day is a powerful call to action for all of us,” said founder and CEO of The B Strong Group Brenda Green. She said the collaboration expands support, strengthens community response, and stands with affected families.
The B Strong Group, founded in 2017 and based in Columbia, is a nonprofit organization focused on sickle cell awareness, advocacy, and caregiver support.
The group organizes blood drives, caregiver workshops, and awareness campaigns under the motto “Educate, Advocate, Empower.”
An 87-year-old businessman in Columbia, South Carolina says he has no plans to retire.
Leonard Fabrizio works as a retailer at Brittons of Columbia, a locally-owned men’s clothing store.
“I’m not the type of person who can sit around by myself,” said Fabrizio. “I just enjoy the interaction and that’s the big thing, is the interaction with people. It’s always been the drive in this business for me, said Fabrizio.
Fabrizio’s retail career began as a college student when he worked at J.C. Penney. He has watched Columbia grow and has owned a store and managed several others.
His advice is to “Be patient. It takes time to build a business. It doesn’t happen overnight, but it’s rewarding. It’s fun. But you have to have compassion for the business.”
Fabrizio recently celebrated another birthday alongside those who have supported his career.
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