News Summary
A tragic boating accident in Beaufort County, South Carolina, on Friday evening resulted in two fatalities and injuries to two others. The incident occurred in the Skull Creek area near Hilton Head Island, where a vessel capsized. Emergency responders recovered the victims’ bodies, along with two dogs that were onboard. Investigations are ongoing as authorities focus on enhancing boating safety amid rising fatalities in the state. The SCDNR is offering free safety inspections to promote awareness and compliance on the water.
Beaufort County
A tragic boating accident occurred on Friday evening, June 27, 2025, claiming the lives of two individuals and injuring two others in Beaufort County, South Carolina. The incident transpired around 9:45 p.m. EDT in the Skull Creek area near Hilton Head Island when a single vessel capsized.
Emergency responders from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) were dispatched to the scene shortly after the incident was reported. Two individuals sustained injuries and were transported to Hilton Head Hospital for medical treatment. Amid the search efforts, divers recovered the bodies of the deceased victims alongside two dogs that were also onboard the capsized boat.
The Beaufort County Coroner’s Office has confirmed that the identities of the victims will be released to the public once their next of kin have been notified. The SCDNR and the U.S. Coast Guard are currently conducting an investigation to determine the circumstances that led to this tragic accident.
Boating Fatalities on the Rise
The accident highlights a concerning trend in South Carolina’s boating safety, with a significant number of incidents reported in recent years. In 2023, there were 23 fatalities resulting from 150 reported boating accidents, a slight increase from the 22 fatalities linked to 170 accidents the previous year. The highest number of accidents was recorded in 2021, with 201 incidents leading to 21 fatalities.
Free Safety Inspections Offered
As the summer season approaches, the SCDNR is emphasizing the importance of boating safety by providing free courtesy boat inspections statewide. These inspections are designed to promote boating safety and compliance with regulations. Officers will check for proper safety equipment and registration compliance and provide essential safety tips to boaters.
According to SCDNR officials, these inspections are crucial in reducing the number of accidents and fatalities on the water. The agency encourages boaters to take advantage of these safety checks to ensure their vessels are in compliance and equipped with the necessary safety gear.
Report Violations and Seek Assistance
The SCDNR also urges the public to report any boating violations they may witness, including reckless operations or intoxicated driving on the water. Individuals can contact the SCDNR Boating Safety Office for inquiries regarding boating laws in South Carolina. Additionally, a 24-hour hotline is available for reporting violations, enhancing public safety on the waterways.
Stay Safe on the Water
As boating activities increase during the summer months, it is vital for all boat operators and passengers to prioritize safety. Being aware of regulations, understanding safe boating practices, and utilizing available resources can significantly contribute to a safer experience on the water.
As investigations into the Skull Creek collision continue, the community is reminded of the importance of adhering to safety standards and remaining vigilant while enjoying boating activities.
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Additional Resources
- WJCL: Hilton Head Boat Crash – Two Dead
- Wikipedia: Boating Safety
- WSAV: Fatal Boating Accident on Skull Creek
- Google Search: Boating Accident Skull Creek
- Island Packet: Boating Accident Update
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Boating
- WLTX: Boating Accident Capsize Deaths
- Google News: Hilton Head Boating Accident
- WTOC: 2 Dead, 2 Injured After Boating Accident
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
