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.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Tragic Boat Crash in Clearwater Leaves One Dead and Many Injured
Beaufort Sailboat Declared Public Hazard After Sinking
Beaufort County Fire Incidents Result in Fatalities and Property Damage
Tragic Boat Capsizing Near Breezy Point Leaves Three Dead
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
The HERE Hilton Head Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Hilton Head community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Hilton Head Our team includes lifelong Hilton Head residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent listings of historic homes 0 , Hilton Head’s Gullah heritage and coastal culture 6 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Technical College of the Lowcountry programs) 10 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Hilton Head Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and...
