A tragic boating accident near Hilton Head Island, S.C. has resulted in the deaths of a married couple and two dogs, with two others sustaining injuries, as reported by authorities. The incident occurred on June 27, when a 23-foot boat capsized in the Skull Creek area of the island around 9:45 p.m. local time. Emergency responders swiftly arrived at the scene following reports of the boat crash, according to a statement from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office posted on Facebook.
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Upon arrival, responders found four individuals on board the vessel. Two of the passengers were injured and were promptly taken to a local hospital for medical treatment, while the other two individuals tragically lost their lives at the scene, the sheriff’s office confirmed. The deceased were identified as Patsy Montgomery, 73, and her husband James Montgomery, 76, residents of Bluffton, as revealed by the Beaufort County Coroner’s Office.
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), said in a statement shared with ABC affiliate WJCL, provided further details on the incident. The agency disclosed that preliminary findings suggest the vessel collided with a day marker that denotes the Intracoastal Waterway. Investigative efforts are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the accident, with the vessel operator no longer alive, and no criminal charges currently pending.
Divers from multiple agencies swiftly responded to the scene of the boat crash, entering the water to conduct a search. During the operation, the missing individuals as well as two dogs were discovered submerged within the capsized vessel. The SCDNR expressed their condolences to the affected families and loved ones in the wake of the tragic incident.
Mayor Alan Perry of Hilton Head Island took to Facebook to express his dismay over the incident, stating, “My heart and prayers are with the families of the deceased and those who are injured. May God’s hand provide comfort during these trying times.” The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office and the SCDNR have continued with their investigations into the accident, with no further comments provided by either department.
This harrowing event serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with boating and the importance of adhering to safety protocols while on the water. The community mourns the loss of lives and extends its support to the affected families during this difficult time. Stay tuned for further updates as authorities work to unravel the circumstances surrounding this tragic boating incident.