News Summary
A tragic boating accident at Skull Creek, Hilton Head Island, resulted in two fatalities and two injuries. Emergency services responded promptly, but the incident raises concerns about boating safety in South Carolina.
Hilton Head Island
A fatal boating accident took place on June 28, 2025, claiming the lives of two individuals and injuring two others in Beaufort County, South Carolina. The incident occurred around 9:45 PM EDT in the Skull Creek area of Hilton Head Island, prompting a swift response from local emergency services.
Emergency responders from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) and the U.S. Coast Guard were dispatched to the scene shortly after the accident was reported. Four individuals were on board the vessel at the time of the crash. Unfortunately, two of the occupants were pronounced dead at the scene, while the other two were transported to a local hospital for medical treatment.
The identity of the deceased individuals is currently being handled by the Beaufort County Coroner’s Office, which is working to notify their next of kin before releasing any names. Meanwhile, the circumstances surrounding the accident remain under investigation as officials work to determine what led to this tragic event.
In reaction to the incident, Hilton Head Mayor Alan Perry extended condolences through a social media post, sending prayers to the affected families during this difficult time.
This event highlights ongoing concerns regarding boating safety in South Carolina. In 2023, the state reported 23 boating fatalities from 150 incidents. This was a notable figure, but the most significant annual statistics occurred in 2021, when the state experienced its highest number of boating accidents in a decade, totaling 201 incidents and 21 fatalities.
In an effort to enhance boating safety and prevent future accidents, the SCDNR is currently offering free courtesy boat inspections across the state. These inspections aim to ensure that vessels meet safety standards, thereby reducing the risk of accidents on the water.
Additional resources to promote boater safety are available to the public, including information on South Carolina’s boating laws, safety courses for operators, float plan forms, and a 24-hour hotline for reporting violations. These initiatives reflect a commitment to fostering a safer environment for all those who enjoy boating in the region.
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Additional Resources
- WTOC News
- Wikipedia: Boating Safety
- Fits News
- Google Search: Boating Safety South Carolina
- Live 5 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Boating
- Island Packet
- Google News: Boat Accident Hilton Head
- WSAV News
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.
