News Summary
A tragic boating accident at Skull Creek has resulted in the deaths of two individuals, Patsy and James Montgomery, while two others were injured. The incident occurred on a Friday night and is under investigation. Emergency responders found the vessel had capsized after striking a navigation marker. Authorities urge boaters to exercise caution while navigating waterways, especially at night.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina – A tragic boating accident on Friday night claimed the lives of two individuals and left two others injured in the Skull Creek area. The incident, which occurred around 9:45 p.m. on June 27, 2025, has prompted an ongoing investigation into the circumstances leading to the capsizing.
Emergency responders from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office arrived at the scene to find four passengers on the vessel. Sadly, two of the occupants were pronounced dead while the remaining two were rushed to a local hospital for medical treatment. The deceased have been identified as Patsy Montgomery, 73, and her husband, James Montgomery, 76, who were residents of Bluffton, South Carolina.
Authorities are awaiting autopsy results to determine the official cause of death for the married couple. According to preliminary reports, investigators determined that the boat struck a day marker marking the Intracoastal Waterway prior to capsizing, indicating that navigation hazards were present at the time of the incident.
The injured individuals were transported to Hilton Head Medical Center following their rescue at the dock at Skull Creek Boathouse. Their current conditions have not been disclosed, but both were treated for their injuries from the accident.
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) and the U.S. Coast Guard played significant roles in the emergency response efforts that unfolded after the incident. Although the details regarding the operational status of the boat during the time of the accident remain undisclosed, authorities are actively gathering evidence as part of their inquiry.
Hilton Head Mayor Alan Perry took to social media to express his condolences regarding the tragedy, sharing feelings of shock and loss in the wake of the unfortunate event. Community members, particularly experienced boaters, have underscored the importance of safety precautions while navigating waterways, particularly at night when visibility is limited and hazards become harder to detect.
Nighttime sailing has been highlighted as especially perilous, necessitating heightened vigilance and knowledge of local waters, which can pose risks even to seasoned boaters. The community is coming together to address these safety concerns and promote a culture of awareness during boating activities.
Meanwhile, the investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing. As of now, no criminal charges are pending against any party involved, but authorities continue to gather information that may shed light on the circumstances surrounding the capsizing. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is expected to release further updates as the investigation progresses, ensuring that the community receives clear and factual information regarding this heartbreaking incident.
This tragic incident serves as a somber reminder of the inherent risks associated with boating. As families and friends mourn the loss of the Montgomerys, local officials and residents alike remain hopeful for the recovery of the injured individuals and are committed to taking steps to improve safety on the water.
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Additional Resources
- WTOC
- Wikipedia: Boating Safety
- WYFF4
- Google Search: Hilton Head boat accident
- Island Packet
- Google Scholar: Boating Safety
- WJCL
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Boating Safety
- WLTX
- 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.
