You can imagine that over the centuries South Carolina has seen its fair share of residents whose lives have been claimed by the Atlantic while at sea. Our fishing communities alone have experienced the turmoil of loved ones who never returned from commercial fishing ventures. The next time you’re traveling to or even just through Murrells Inlet, be sure to carve out enough time to visit the Lost at Sea Memorial. It’s hauntingly beautiful.

Found at Morse Landing Park right off the business route of Highway 17 passing through the commercial district of Murrells Inlet, the memorial couldn’t have a more fitting location.

Google Maps/Ana Duggan

It also couldn’t be more appropriate for a modern day hero and Murrells Inlet resident who lost his life aboard a commercial fishing vessel in 2005.

Google Maps

The fisherman was Johnny Brown.

Google Maps/Helen Josephine A young 38 years of age, Brown was aboard a commercial fishing boat based out of Murrells Inlet when an unexpected large wave hit the vessel. Johnny’s fishing mates were all rescued, but Johnny’s fate was sealed that day. And he was lost at sea.

Wrought with despair, his family and friends rose to the occasion and erected this memorial to Brown…

Google Maps/Scot Blosser It’s a three-sided black marble structure with a life-sized etching of Johnny Brown on one of those three sides.

The remaining two sides are dedicated to other South Carolinians who are lost at sea.

Google Maps/Jeff Wilson In 2006, when the memorial was unveiled, it had more than 17 names on it.

We can’t think of a more fitting and beautiful place for a lost at sea memorial than overlooking the jetties here at Morse Park Landing.

Google Maps/Jeff Wilson It’s both haunting and uplifting.

Morse Park Landing also has a crabbing dock, a small vessel launch, and picnic tables.

Google Maps/Michael Marty It’s open from dawn to dusk and admission is free.

Have you ever visited this lost at sea memorial in South Carolina? Know of another lost at sea memorial in the Palmetto State? Let us know about it here!

Google Maps/Ana Duggan

Google Maps

Google Maps/Helen Josephine

A young 38 years of age, Brown was aboard a commercial fishing boat based out of Murrells Inlet when an unexpected large wave hit the vessel. Johnny’s fishing mates were all rescued, but Johnny’s fate was sealed that day. And he was lost at sea.

Google Maps/Scot Blosser

It’s a three-sided black marble structure with a life-sized etching of Johnny Brown on one of those three sides.

Google Maps/Jeff Wilson

In 2006, when the memorial was unveiled, it had more than 17 names on it.

It’s both haunting and uplifting.

Google Maps/Michael Marty

It’s open from dawn to dusk and admission is free.

For another gut-wrenching memorial park in South Carolina, visit the Charleston Nine Memorial.

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Address: 4939 US-17 BUS, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576, USA