News Summary
A tragic boating collision on Lake Greenwood, South Carolina, has resulted in the deaths of two individuals. The incident involved a Yamaha boat striking an Alumacraft. The operator of the Yamaha has been arrested and faces felony charges for Boating Under the Influence. The investigation is still ongoing as authorities work to piece together the events leading up to the collision. This incident highlights the importance of boating safety and adherence to regulations.
Lake Greenwood, SC: Fatal Boating Collision Claims Two Lives
Two individuals have tragically lost their lives following a boating collision on Lake Greenwood, South Carolina. The incident occurred early Saturday morning at approximately 1:42 AM, involving two boats: an Alumacraft carrying five passengers and a Yamaha boat with two passengers. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) is currently leading an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision.
Details of the Incident
The collision transpired when the Yamaha boat struck the Alumacraft from behind. As a result of the crash, two passengers aboard the Alumacraft were pronounced dead at the scene. One female passenger was ejected into the water but was quickly rescued and reportedly did not suffer serious injuries. Another passenger from the Alumacraft was taken to a nearby hospital but has since been released.
Further investigations into the incident revealed that the operator of the Yamaha boat, identified as 37-year-old Allen Sidney Benware III, has been arrested and is facing two counts of felony Boating Under the Influence (BUI). Officers had observed the Yamaha boat traveling without proper navigation lights shortly before the collision took place. Notably, the SCDNR officials were stationary on the water at the time conducting safety operations when the crash occurred. Despite having blue lights, these were not activated, and the officers were not in pursuit of the Yamaha boat when the incident occurred.
Current Status of Investigation
The investigation is ongoing, with SCDNR officials working to reconstruct the timeline of events and interviewing witnesses to gather more information. Misinformation regarding the collision has been addressed by the SCDNR, emphasizing the importance of accurate facts as the investigation unfolds.
Background Context
Boating accidents are not uncommon in South Carolina, particularly during the warmer months when more individuals take to the water. Local authorities emphasize the significance of adherence to safety regulations and boating under the influence laws to prevent such tragedies. The safe operation of vessels, including the use of navigation lights and awareness of surroundings, is stressed as crucial for all boaters.
The case involving Allen Sidney Benware III is part of a broader legal framework in South Carolina that holds boat operators accountable for reckless or irresponsible behavior while navigating waterways. Charges of Boating Under the Influence are serious offenses that seek to ensure the safety of all individuals on the water.
This incident on Lake Greenwood serves as a reminder of the dangers present on bodies of water, urging boaters to prioritize safety, remain aware of their surroundings, and operate their vessels responsibly.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- WYFF4
- Wikipedia: Boating Accidents in the United States
- ABC Columbia
- Google Search: Lake Greenwood boating accident
- Fox Carolina
- Google Scholar: Boating Under the Influence South Carolina
- Index Journal
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Boating
- GoLaurens
- Google News: Lake Greenwood accident
Author: HERE Greenwood
The GREENWOOD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGreenwood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Greenwood, Greenwood County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Flowers, Greenwood Community Theatre performances, and agricultural showcases at the Greenwood County Fairgrounds. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Greenwood United Ministry, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as FujiFilm Manufacturing and Self Regional Healthcare. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
