Beaufort, September 11, 2025
News Summary
A 24-year-old man from Beaufort faced a severe foot injury due to a boat accident on the Colleton River. The incident, caused by a boat propeller, occurred during a chaotic turn of events leading to the man’s fall into the river. Witnesses noted that the boat crashed and sank, and medical teams transported the injured man to a nearby hospital for treatment. An investigation by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources is currently underway to identify the circumstances of the incident and enhance safety measures.
Beaufort Man Suffers Severe Foot Injury in Boat Accident on Colleton River
A weekend boat accident on the Colleton River has left a 24-year-old Beaufort man with a severe foot injury. The incident, which involved a boat propeller, occurred at approximately 6:30 p.m. Saturday in the Pinckney Colony neighborhood, specifically at a waterfront address on Okatie Road.
Upon police arrival, medical crews were already on the scene treating the injured man, who had suffered a severe laceration to his foot. Initial investigations revealed that the injury occurred after the man lost control of the vessel, leading to him being thrown from the boat. During this chaotic turn of events, the boat began turning uncontrollably in circles, ultimately contributing to the man’s fall into the river.
Witnesses indicated that a female passenger was also thrown from the vessel, which rendered her unable to operate the boat effectively. While attempting to hang on to the side of the boat, the injured man was pushed away and contacted the propeller, leading to his injury.
The boat eventually crashed and sank into the river after the accident, prompting nearby family members, who were in another boat, to assist by picking up both occupants of the wrecked vessel. Following the incident, the injured man was transported to Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah for further medical treatment.
Details of the Incident
- The incident occurred at a waterfront address on Okatie Road.
- The Colleton River, which flows east/west through Okatie and Bluffton, empties into the Chechessee River near Daws Island.
- This event is part of a broader pattern of boating accidents; it follows a fatal incident in June when a couple died in a boating crash off Hilton Head Island.
Investigation Underway
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources has initiated an investigation into the boating accident to determine the specific circumstances surrounding the injury and the conditions of the boat at the time of the incident. The agency aims to establish safety protocols to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The boating community is reminded of the importance of safety measures and caution when operating watercraft, especially in busy waterways where accidents can occur swiftly and with devastating consequences.
Summary
This unfortunate event underscores the potential dangers associated with boating activities and highlights the necessity for vigilance and adherence to safety regulations on the water. The injured man’s recovery journey and the investigation’s findings will be closely monitored by the local community.
FAQs
What caused the injury in the Beaufort boat accident?
The injury was caused by the boat’s propeller after the driver lost control of the vessel.
What happened to the boat after the accident?
The boat crashed and subsequently sank into the river following the accident.
Where was the injured man taken for treatment?
He was transported to Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah for treatment.
Is there an investigation into the accident?
Yes, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources is investigating the incident.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday evening |
| Location | Colleton River, Beaufort, SC |
| Injured Party | 24-year-old male |
| Injury Type | Severe laceration to the foot |
| Investigation | South Carolina Department of Natural Resources |
| Previous Incident | A fatal boat crash in June off Hilton Head Island |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
South Carolina’s River Towns Showcase Natural Beauty and History
Severe Thunderstorms and Crane Incident Disrupt Traffic
Fatal Six-Vehicle Crash on U.S. 278 in Bluffton
Multiple Traffic Accidents in Beaufort County Result in Casualties
Tragic Drowning on Hilton Head Island
Serious Accidents Cause Traffic Disruptions in Beaufort County
Tragic Drowning Incident at Hilton Head Beach
Tragic Drowning Incident on Hilton Head Island
Tragic Drowning Incident on Hilton Head Island
Safety Concerns Rise in Beaufort County After Fatal Incidents
Additional Resources
- MSN: Colleton River Nightmare
- Wikipedia: Boating Safety
- Count On 2: Boating Accident
- Google Search: Boating Accidents in South Carolina
- ABC News: Edisto River Crash
- Google Scholar: Boating Accident Safety Protocols
- Live 5 News: Boating Accident Report
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Boating Accidents
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.
