News Summary
A tragic boating accident on Lake Greenwood resulted in two fatalities and two injuries early Sunday morning. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources reported that a collision occurred between an Alumacraft boat and a Yamaha boat. The operator of the Yamaha boat, who was observed operating without proper navigation lights, has been arrested and faces felony charges. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, highlighting the critical importance of boating safety and the dangers of alcohol consumption while operating a vessel.
Greenwood, South Carolina – Fatal Boating Collision on Lake Greenwood Leaves Two Dead and Two Injured
Two individuals lost their lives, and two others sustained injuries in a boating accident on Lake Greenwood early Sunday morning. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) confirmed the tragic incident, which involved a collision between an Alumacraft boat with five people aboard and a Yamaha boat carrying two individuals.
The SCDNR reported that officers were dispatched to the scene of the accident at approximately 1:42 a.m. Initial investigations revealed that the officers were engaged in proactive safety operations at the time they observed the Yamaha boat operating without proper navigation lights. As the SCDNR officers prepared to stop the Yamaha for a safety check, it collided with the Alumacraft boat from behind.
The collision was witnessed by SCDNR officers, who immediately intervened to provide life-saving assistance to those involved. Tragically, two passengers aboard the Alumacraft were pronounced dead at the scene. Their identities have not yet been released to the public. One female passenger was thrown from the Alumacraft during the accident but, fortunately, did not suffer serious injuries. Another passenger from the same boat was transported to a local hospital and has since been discharged.
The operator of the Yamaha boat, identified as Allen Sidney Benware Jr. III, 37, has been arrested as a result of the incident. He faces two felony boating under the influence (BUI) charges in connection with the collision. According to SCDNR reports, the Alumacraft boat was operating with fully functioning navigation lights at the time of the accident, raising questions regarding the circumstances that led to the tragic collision.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing. Authorities are conducting interviews with witnesses and working to reconstruct the timeline of events leading up to the collision. The SCDNR has stressed the importance of boating safety and the dangers of consuming alcohol while operating a vessel. The agency urges all boaters to designate a sober individual to operate the vessel and remain mindful of safety regulations to prevent such tragedies.
Boating safety is a critical issue in South Carolina, particularly during the warmer months when recreational boating activities peak. The state has seen numerous incidents related to boating under the influence and other safety violations. Community awareness and adherence to safety regulations are essential components in reducing the number of accidents on the water.
This tragic incident serves as a grim reminder of the potential dangers that arise when boating safety is compromised. The SCDNR continues to remind the public to remain vigilant, follow safety protocols, and never mix alcohol with boating activities. Boating is a popular recreational activity in South Carolina, known for its picturesque lakes and rivers, but it comes with responsibilities that every boater must uphold to ensure safety for themselves and others on the water.
As the investigation unfolds, updates will be provided by the SCDNR, highlighting the importance of responsible boating. In the meantime, communities around Lake Greenwood are mourning the loss of life while seeking to promote safer boating practices in the future.
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Additional Resources
- WYFF4 News
- Wikipedia: Boating Safety
- ABC Columbia
- Google Search: Lake Greenwood boating accident
- Fox Carolina
- Google Scholar: South Carolina boating accidents
- Index Journal
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Boating Safety
- GoLaurens
- Google News: Boating Under the Influence South Carolina
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