News Summary
A boating accident in Skull Creek led to the tragic deaths of two individuals and injuries to two others. The vessel capsized, prompting a rapid response from emergency services. The two deceased have been identified as residents of Bluffton, South Carolina. Investigations reveal the vessel collided with a day marker, raising concerns over boating safety in the area. Authorities are now emphasizing the importance of safety measures and encouraging boat inspections to prevent future tragedies.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina – A tragic boating accident occurred on Friday night, June 27, 2025, in Skull Creek, claiming the lives of two individuals and injuring two others. The incident, which involved a 23-foot vessel that capsized around 9:45 p.m. EDT, prompted a rapid response from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR).
Emergency responders found two individuals injured at the scene and transported them to Hilton Head Hospital for treatment. Initially, two individuals and two dogs were reported missing following the accident, which led SCDNR divers to conduct a search operation. Unfortunately, the divers later recovered the bodies of the two missing individuals, identified as Patsy Montgomery, 73, and James Montgomery, 76, both residents of Bluffton, South Carolina.
The accident is currently under investigation by the SCDNR and the U.S. Coast Guard. Preliminary findings indicate that the vessel collided with a day marker that marks the Intracoastal Waterway. It has been confirmed that the vessel operator was among the deceased, and at this time, there are no pending criminal charges related to the incident.
Investigation and Safety Measures
In the wake of this incident, authorities are focused on ensuring boating safety. According to SCDNR statistics, South Carolina recorded 23 boating fatalities from 150 boating accidents in 2023, compared to the previous year’s total of 22 fatalities from 170 incidents. This data highlights a concerning trend in boating accidents. The peak occurred in 2021, when there were 201 accidents, resulting in 21 fatalities.
In response to the increasing number of boating accidents across the state, the SCDNR is offering free courtesy boat inspections to boaters. These inspections will check for essential safety equipment and registration compliance. Participants will also receive valuable safety tips aimed at preventing similar tragedies in the future.
Resources for Boat Safety
For further information regarding boating safety, individuals can reach out to the SCDNR Boating Safety Office. Additionally, anyone wishing to report boating violations is encouraged to use a dedicated hotline provided by the department. The Beaufort County Coroner’s Office will be involved in notifying the next of kin of the deceased individuals as the investigation continues.
Background Context
This incident comes amidst ongoing concerns over boating safety in South Carolina, as the number of boating accidents has consistently remained high in recent years. With the summer season peaking, many families and individuals take to the water, making safety best practices more critical than ever.
As investigations proceed, the local community mourns the loss of Patsy and James Montgomery, whose lives were tragically cut short in this accident. Efforts are ongoing to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future, highlighting the importance of adhering to safety guidelines while boating.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet
- Wikipedia: Boating Safety
- WYFF4
- Google Search: boating accidents South Carolina
- WJCL
- Google Scholar: boating safety statistics South Carolina
- WTOC
- Encyclopedia Britannica: boating accidents
- WLTX
- Google News: Hilton Head boating accident
- WSAV
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
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.
