A Hilton Head father and son were pulled to safety by the US Coast Guard after their 36-foot sail boat got off course three quarters of a mile off of Morris Island. 

"They could have been in a really bad spot so it feels good to be able to help somebody out," said Brian Antel, with the US Coast Guard.

It all started around 8 o'clock and took about an hour.  Crews had to deal with stormy weather and darkness as they pulled the boaters into the helicopter.

"The winds were pretty strong about 35 to 30 knots and waves breaking two to four feet," Antel said.

Those who've sailed the area say it can be dangerous if you're not careful.

"It's so important for people to avoid the shore, because it's the worst thing to end up with no water under your keel," said avid sailer David Chapman.

Fortunately everyone walked away from this rescue unharmed.  Coast Guard officials say this should serve as a good lesson to all boaters.

"Even when you launch on a nice day things can turn pretty bad quickly, winds can come up quickly, thunderstorms can come out of no where.  Having the right equipment on board is essential," said Antel.

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