CHARLESTON, S.C., Sept. 5 (UPI) -- Four adults and three children who abandoned their sinking boat off the coast of South Carolina were rescued Sunday by the U.S. Coast Guard, officials said.

WTOC-TV in Savannah, Ga., reported the party's 38-foot powerboat started taking on water 30 miles from shore. The boaters were hoisted to safety by two Coast Guard helicopters.

They were transported to the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston.

The news Web site South Carolina Now reported the Coast Guard got a call at 10 p.m. Saturday from the boat owner's wife, who expressed concern that the group was overdue. The seven boaters were found about 6 a.m. Sunday, not far from their capsized boat.

It wasn't known why the boat started taking on water.