Hilton Head, October 10, 2025
News Summary
A vessel caught fire approximately 17 miles off the coast of Hilton Head, but all occupants were reported safe. This incident comes on the heels of a prior tragic boating accident near Hilton Head Island that claimed two lives. Investigations reveal no errors contributed to the collision. The local community mourns the loss of the Montgomery couple, who were known for their deep faith and community involvement.
Hilton Head
A vessel caught fire approximately 17 miles off the coast of Hilton Head, but all occupants were reportedly rescued and are safe, according to Beaufort Water Search and Rescue (BWSAR). The fire incident was announced via social media, and the United States Coast Guard (USCG) is currently managing the situation.
This incident follows a tragic boating accident that occurred last month near Hilton Head Island, resulting in two fatalities. The accident involved a 2024 Grady-White sport fishing boat that capsized after striking a wooden channel marker. The victims were identified as Rick Montgomery, 76, and Patsy Montgomery, 73, who both drowned after being trapped in their overturned vessel.
The accident transpired at approximately 9:45 p.m. on June 27 when the Montgomerys’ boat, traveling at a speed between 30-39 mph, hit a green reflective day marker. The collision caused the boat to capsize, trapping three individuals underneath. Only one occupant was able to free themselves and locate another survivor, who communicated with emergency services while treading water.
Rescue operations following the accident lasted several hours and involved helicopters and water teams to locate the Montgomerys. Tragically, their bodies were later found, along with their two pet dogs. The surviving occupants, who are both 65 years old and visiting from China Grove, North Carolina, sustained head injuries and lacerations and were transported to Hilton Head Medical Center. Their condition remained unknown as of Thursday after the accident.
Investigators stated there were no errors by watercraft or human contributing to the collision. The boat’s safety equipment and lights were operational during the incident, and boating conditions were reported as relatively safe with good visibility and moderate winds. Rick Montgomery had over 100 hours of experience operating the boat. The accident resulted in an estimated $90,000 of damage to the Grady-White.
The Montgomery couple was known for their deep devotion to faith and community involvement. Their funeral services attended by over 150 people reflected their impact on those around them. Additionally, Rick Montgomery was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, and he received military honors during his burial at Beaufort National Cemetery.
In a separate incident at Shelter Cove Marina, a fire involving a 41-foot Mainship Mediterranean boat resulted in minor injuries to two workers who attempted to extinguish the flames. The cause of this fire is still under investigation.
Summary of Key Incidents
| Incident Type | Date | Location | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vessel Fire | Present | 17 miles off Hilton Head | All occupants rescued |
| Boating Accident | June 27 | Hilton Head Island | Couple deceased, two injured |
| Marina Fire | Recent | Shelter Cove Marina | Two minor injuries |
FAQ
What happened to the vessel off Hilton Head?
A vessel is on fire approximately 17 miles off the coast of Hilton Head. The fire was reported by Beaufort Water Search and Rescue (BWSAR) via social media. First responders confirmed that all occupants of the burning boat were rescued and are safe.
What were the details about the recent boating accident?
A separate boating accident occurred last month off Hilton Head Island, resulting in two fatalities. The boat involved in the fatal collision was a 2024 Grady-White sport fishing boat. The boat’s operator, Rick Montgomery, 76, and his wife, Patsy Montgomery, 73, died from drowning after their boat capsized.
What were the conditions like at the time of the accident?
Boating conditions were deemed relatively safe, with good visibility and moderate winds. The crash report noted no errors by watercraft or human contributing to the collision, and stated that the boat’s lights and safety equipment were operational.
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Additional Resources
- WTOC: Coast Guard Responds to Boat Fire Off Hilton Head Coast
- Island Packet: Recent News on Local Crime
- Post and Courier: Two Suffer Minor Injuries in Hilton Head Boat Fire
- Wikipedia: Hilton Head Island
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hilton Head Island
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.
