Boat Accident near Hilton Head Island Claims Lives

A recent boat accident close to Hilton Head Island in South Carolina has tragically resulted in two fatalities and left two others injured, according to local authorities.

The incident unfolded on the evening of June 27, right before 10 PM, when emergency responders were alerted to a boat collision in the Skull Creek area. Upon arrival, officials discovered four individuals on the vessel. Unfortunately, two residents were found injured and transported to a local hospital, while the other two were pronounced dead at the scene.

Rescue divers were quickly dispatched to the location, leading to a coordinated effort involving multiple teams. An update from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), which is spearheading the investigation, confirmed that a missing person along with two dogs were located inside a capsized boat.

The deceased have been identified as 73-year-old Patsy Montgomery and her husband, 76-year-old James Montgomery, both of Bluffton. The Beaufort County Coroner’s Office has verified this information, although the official cause of death remains to be determined.

A preliminary report from the SCDNR indicates that the vessel likely collided with a day marker in the intracoastal waterway.

Investigators are still piecing together the details surrounding the accident, noting that the boat’s operator was among those who passed away and so far, no criminal charges have been considered.

The Mayor of Hilton Head Island, Aramperry, expressed condolences in a Facebook post, sharing that he’s been at a loss for words in the wake of such a tragic incident, and his thoughts are with the families affected.