(Tybee Island, GA) When the Tybee Island Marine Science Center needed help unloading two massive tractor trailer loads of office furnishings and other items for its new facility, they reached out to a group that’s known for helping people: the Tybee Island Marine Rescue Squadron. 

“We could not have done this without our island’s Marine Rescue Squadron, “ Maria Procopio, executive director of the Marine Science Center said.  “They are our neighbors and our friends, and they went above and beyond the call of duty. Their volunteers unloaded two, 53’ long tractor trailers that were filled to the ceiling with office furnishings, cabinetry, and other items. We are so grateful for their assistance.”

According to Procopio, the Tybee Marine Rescue volunteers unloaded everything by hand, without the benefit of pallet jacks or forklifts in 91-degree weather on June 24 at the Marine Science Center’s new facility location at 37 Meddin Drive. As it continues to prepare for the official opening of its new facility which will be this fall, the Marine Science Center is still accepting donations to fund exhibits. While donations of any amount will be appreciated and acknowledged, naming opportunities begin at $5,000. Please make donations to the Tybee Island Marine Science Foundation and send to P.O. Box 1879, Tybee Island, GA, 31328.

The Marine Rescue Squadron is a group of volunteers banded together at various coastal areas which responds to local authorities’ requests to search for boaters in distress. With very short notice, Marine Rescue Squadron volunteers quickly organize and use their  private vessels and unique knowledge of local waters to search for these boaters. Tybee’s Marine Rescue Squadron is one of 10 squadrons whose coverage areas overlap to cover a great part of Georgia and South Carolina. The Marine Rescue Squadrons of America is incorporated and has bimonthly meetings as a national organization, with representatives from all of the squadrons (reference: https://www.facebook.com/mrstybee/ )