News Summary
A boat crash in Skull Creek led to the drowning of Rick and Patsy Montgomery, a couple from North Carolina, due to poor visibility conditions. While returning from dinner with friends, their boating group experienced chaos after their vessel capsized. The couple’s bodies, along with their pet dogs, were later recovered. Survivors John and Debra Zentmeyer faced a difficult wait for rescue. This tragic incident underscores the importance of boating safety in adverse conditions, prompting ongoing investigations into the accident’s cause.
Hilton Head Island – A tragic boat crash in Skull Creek claimed the lives of two North Carolina residents, Rick Montgomery, 76, and his wife Patsy, 73, during poor visibility conditions on June 27, 2023. The couple drowned after being trapped beneath their overturned fishing boat while returning from dinner with friends.
The incident occurred around 9:15 p.m. as the group was travelling on a Grady-White boat, driven by Rick Montgomery. The Zentmeyers, John, 65, and Debra, were also aboard. Following the collision, John Zentmeyer reported experiencing chaos as he struck his head multiple times and became submerged in the warm waters of the creek. He found himself trapped underneath the capsized boat, unsure if he was above the water or in an air pocket inside the vessel.
After resurfacing, John saw Debra treading water, which brought him indescribable relief. Meanwhile, friends Rick and Patsy, sitting at the bow of the boat during the accident, were not as fortunate and drowned. The bodies of Rick and Patsy Montgomery, along with their two pet dogs, were later recovered during an extensive search effort.
According to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), the crash was attributed to poor visibility at night and the captain’s lack of proper lookout. An investigation revealed that all navigational lights on the boat were operational, and it was equipped with necessary safety gear.
After the crash, John and Debra faced a nearly hour-long wait for rescue. During this time, they feared for the safety of their friends and desperately called for help. John retrieved his cellphone and contacted emergency services after searching for the Montgomerys. Their rescue came around 10 p.m. when a nearby boat arrived, allowing them to reach out to authorities. SCDNR and U.S. Coast Guard rescue teams responded soon after, transporting the surviving couple to the Skull Creek Dockside ramp for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
Rick Montgomery was described as a kind and generous individual, known for aiding friends, including helping Debra secure a job years ago. Both Rick and Patsy were active members of their community, volunteering their time at Community Bible Church in Beaufort. Their funeral services held on July 11 witnessed over 150 attendees, and Rick received military honors for his service in the U.S. Navy.
The tragic reunion of the families came after nearly a decade apart, as Rick Montgomery invited the Zentmeyers for a visit at the end of June. This planned weekend gathering turned into a devastating ordeal that forever changed the lives of those involved. Despite the experience, the survival of John and Debra has allowed them to cherish their memories of the Montgomerys while reflecting on the importance of their bond.
As investigations continue, authorities are focused on determining the precise cause of the accident, as well as emphasizing the significance of boating safety in adverse conditions.
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Tragic Boat Crash on Hilton Head
- Wikipedia: Boating Safety
- WTOC: Hilton Head Boat Captain Mourns
- Google Search: Boating Accidents Near Hilton Head
- WJCL: Hilton Head Boat Crash Victims
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Accident
- People: Couple Dies in Boat Capsize
- Google News: Hilton Head Boat Accident
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
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