News Summary
A tragic incident near Hilton Head Island has resulted in the deaths of a married couple and their two dogs following a boating accident. The 23-foot vessel capsized in Skull Creek, and emergency responders found the couple deceased. The investigation is ongoing, and two passengers were injured but are receiving treatment. Local authorities and community members are mourning the loss of the well-known couple who actively engaged in community life.
Hilton Head Island, S.C. – A tragic boating accident occurred near Hilton Head Island on June 27, 2025, claiming the lives of a married couple and their two dogs. The incident, which took place around 9:45 p.m. local time, involved a 23-foot vessel that capsized in Skull Creek.
The victims have been identified as 73-year-old Patsy Montgomery and her 76-year-old husband, James Montgomery, both residents of Bluffton, South Carolina. Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene following reports of the boating crash and discovered four individuals on board the sinking vessel.
While the couple did not survive, two passengers were injured and taken to Hilton Head Medical Center for treatment. The exact causes of the Montgomerys’ deaths are still pending autopsy results; however, initial findings suggest that they may have drowned. The investigation is ongoing, with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) leading the inquiry into the accident.
Preliminary reports indicate that the vessel encountered a day marker, which marks the Intracoastal Waterway, prior to capsizing. The operator of the boat was also among the deceased, although their identity has not yet been disclosed. There are currently no criminal charges pending as part of the investigation.
The tragic accident also resulted in the loss of two dogs that were aboard the vessel at the time of the incident. Search efforts included the deployment of divers and a helicopter from the U.S. Coast Guard, which conducted a patrol of the surrounding area.
Multiple agencies have responded to this unfortunate event, including the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Coast Guard. This incident marks one of the first reported boating-related fatalities in Beaufort County since a high-profile case in 2019.
The Montgomerys were known members of the local community, actively participating in Beaufort’s Community Bible Church. In response to their passing, the church will be holding a funeral service to honor the couple’s memory.
The investigation into the causes of the accident is still ongoing as authorities work to determine more about the events leading up to the capsize. Local residents and community members have expressed their condolences as they come to terms with this tragic loss.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Major Renovations Begin at South Beach Marina in Hilton Head
Heartwarming Rescue of Otis Sheldon in Beaufort County
Tragic Drowning Incident in Beaufort County
Tragic Boating Accident Claims Lives Near Hilton Head Island
Hilton Head Island Celebrates July 4th with Festivities
Tragic Drownings Highlight Water Safety Ahead of Holiday Weekend
House Fire on Hilton Head Island Causes Significant Damage
Tragic Boating Accident Near Hilton Head Island
Tragic Drownings at Beaufort County Beaches Raise Safety Concerns
Drowning Incidents on Hilton Head Island Raise Beach Safety Concerns
Additional Resources
- WYFF4 News
- Wikipedia: Boating accidents
- People
- Google Search: Hilton Head boat accident
- Bluffton Today
- Google Scholar: Boating safety
- WTOC
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Boating safety
- Fox News
- Google News: Hilton Head boat accident
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.
