News Summary
A fatal boating accident in Skull Creek resulted in the deaths of two individuals, Patsy and James Montgomery, after their vessel collided with a day marker. Authorities are investigating the incident, which left two others injured. The accident highlights ongoing concerns regarding boating safety in South Carolina, where recent years have seen increasing fatalities. The local community is mourning the loss and calling for greater attention to safe boating practices.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina — A tragic boating accident in Skull Creek claimed the lives of two individuals and left two others injured on June 27, 2025, at approximately 9:45 p.m. EDT. The incident occurred just north of Skull Creek Marina and has drawn the attention of local and state authorities, who are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The victims of the accident have been identified as Patsy Montgomery, 73, and James Montgomery, 76, both residents of Bluffton. Both were pronounced dead at the scene shortly after the vessel they were aboard collided with a day marker on the Intracoastal Waterway. The operator of the vessel was also confirmed to be deceased. Two other occupants who were on the same boat sustained injuries and were promptly transported to Hilton Head Hospital for medical treatment.
Investigators from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) and the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) have been dispatched to the scene to conduct a thorough investigation. Preliminary findings suggest that the vessel was navigating the waters when it struck a submerged day marker, contributing to the fatal accident. As of now, there are no criminal charges pending against anyone involved in the crash.
The Beaufort County Coroner’s Office has confirmed the identities of the deceased after notifying their next of kin, and local law enforcement officers from the Sheriff’s Office responded to emergency calls shortly after the crash. In an unexpected turn, two dogs were also found unaccounted for from the overturned vessel but were later recovered safely.
This unfortunate incident occurs amidst a concerning trend in South Carolina boating safety. In 2023 alone, the state recorded 23 boating fatalities from 150 separate accidents, highlighting the ongoing risks associated with recreational boating in the region. With summer in full swing, the SCDNR is taking proactive measures by offering free boat safety inspections and urging all boaters to comply with existing regulations.
As part of their safety initiatives, the SCDNR encourages boaters to remain aware of their surroundings, check their equipment, and understand local boating laws. Violations can be reported through the SCDNR hotline, which remains active to aid in maintaining safety on the water. The organization emphasizes that awareness and preparation are crucial for preventing future accidents similar to the one in Skull Creek.
Investigation into the precise cause of the crash is ongoing, with SCDNR officials analyzing all evidence from the vessel and the surrounding area. The local community is in mourning following this tragic loss, with many urging for greater attention to boating safety practices across the state.
As authorities continue their work, they remind the public to be vigilant in their boating activities and to prioritize safety, especially during peak recreational periods.
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Additional Resources
- WIS TV
- Wikipedia: Boating safety
- Island Packet
- Google Search: Skull Creek boating accident
- WJCL
- Google Scholar: boating accidents South Carolina
- WYFF 4
- Encyclopedia Britannica: boating safety
- WTOC
- Google News: Hilton Head boat accident
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort 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 Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). 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 Beaufort 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 updating content as new details emerge.
