News Summary
A tragic boating collision on Lake Greenwood in South Carolina has resulted in the deaths of two individuals. The incident involved an Alumacraft Jon boat and a Yamaha boat. The collision occurred early Sunday morning, leading to the immediate deaths of two passengers from the Alumacraft. The driver of the Yamaha has been arrested on charges of felony boating under the influence. The investigation is ongoing as authorities emphasize the importance of safe boating practices.
Lake Greenwood, South Carolina – A tragic boating collision on Lake Greenwood resulted in the deaths of two individuals early Sunday morning, with a third person arrested on charges related to the incident. The collision occurred around 1:42 a.m. and involved two vessels, an Alumacraft Jon boat carrying five people and a Yamaha boat with two individuals on board.
The Alumacraft Jon boat was struck from behind by the Yamaha boat, leading to the immediate death of two passengers on the Alumacraft. One woman was ejected into the water during the collision but was swiftly rescued and reported to have no serious injuries. Another passenger from the Alumacraft was hospitalized following the incident but has since been released.
At the time of the accident, the Alumacraft was reported to have fully functioning navigation lights. The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) clarified that their officers were not in pursuit of the Yamaha vessel when the collision occurred. However, the officers were conducting proactive safety operations and had observed the Yamaha traveling without the necessary navigation lights prior to the accident.
Witnesses to the collision included officers from the SCDNR, who immediately responded and provided life-saving aid to the victims as they arrived on the scene. Following an evaluation, the driver of the Yamaha, identified as Allen Sidney Benware Jr. III, 37, was found to be under the influence of alcohol. He has been arrested and charged with two counts of felony boating under the influence.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing as authorities work to determine the full circumstances surrounding the collision. In a statement, the SCDNR expressed heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims, acknowledging the profound loss caused by this tragic event.
This incident highlights the importance of safe boating practices and compliance with navigation laws, especially during nighttime operations. The SCDNR encourages boaters to ensure their vessels are equipped with the required safety gear and lights, and to adhere to regulations to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Boating collisions, particularly involving alcohol, can have devastating outcomes, as illustrated by the deaths on Lake Greenwood. According to statistics from the U.S. Coast Guard, alcohol use is a leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents, and operators are urged to remain sober while on the water.
As the investigation progresses, local authorities aim to raise awareness about the dangers of impaired boating, advocating for safer practices among all watercraft operators. The community is expected to come together to support the families affected by this accident and to reinforce the message of safety on the water.
Boat operators are reminded to familiarize themselves with local laws and safety protocols, particularly those concerning navigation lighting and alcohol use, to prevent future incidents of this nature.
The Lake Greenwood community is left mourning the sudden loss of life, and authorities continue to stress the necessity of responsible boating to ensure the safety of all who enjoy the waterways.
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Additional Resources
- ABC News 4
- Wikipedia: Boating Safety
- WSPA
- Google Search: Lake Greenwood boating accidents
- NJ.com
- Google Scholar: Boating accidents statistics
- North Jersey
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Boating Safety
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.
