Couple rescued by helicopter after getting stuck

A Beaufort couple had to be rescued by helicopter Sunday after their personal watercraft ran aground on an oyster bed near Fripp Island, rescuers said.

The couple became stranded near the Harbor Island bridge soon after noon when they tried to cross a mud flat, said Paul Field, skipper of Fripp Island Sea Rescue.

The husband received several cuts to his legs from the oyster bed after he tried to free the craft, Field said. Rescuers tried to get to the couple but were unable to reach them because of the shallow water.

They called a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter to airlift the couple to awaiting paramedics at about 1:30 p.m., officials said.

The man was taken to Beaufort Memorial Hospital for his injuries, Field said.

An update on his medical status and further information about the couple were not available Sunday afternoon.