News Summary
A tragic boat crash on Lake Greenwood has left two people dead and two others injured. The incident involved a collision between an Alumacraft and a Yamaha boat, raising serious concerns about boating safety. The operator of the Yamaha boat has been arrested for felony boating under the influence. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities emphasizing the dangers of alcohol consumption while boating and the importance of safety regulations.
Greenwood, South Carolina – A tragic boat crash on Lake Greenwood early Sunday morning has resulted in the deaths of two people and injuries to two others. The incident occurred around 1:42 a.m. on July 6, 2025, and has raised significant concerns regarding boating safety in the region.
According to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), the collision involved two vessels: an Alumacraft boat carrying five individuals and a Yamaha boat occupied by two passengers. The Yamaha boat collided with the Alumacraft from behind, leading to the fatalities and injuries.
At this time, the identities of the deceased occupants from the Alumacraft have not been disclosed. Two other individuals from the same boat were injured; one was ejected during the accident but did not sustain any serious injuries, while the condition of the second person remains undisclosed, though it has been confirmed that they are not seriously injured.
The operator of the Yamaha boat, identified as 37-year-old Allen Sidney Benware Jr. III, has been arrested and charged with two counts of felony boating under the influence (BUI) resulting in great bodily injury. Prior to the collision, SCDNR officers were conducting safety operations on the water and observed the Yamaha boat navigating without proper lighting. Officials indicated they intended to stop the Yamaha for this violation when the crash occurred, although their blue lights had not yet been activated.
The SCDNR confirmed that the Alumacraft boat was equipped with fully functioning navigation lights at the time of the accident. Following the incident, officials have emphasized the ongoing investigation, which will include interviewing witnesses and reconstructing the events leading up to the crash.
As part of their investigation, SCDNR personnel have extended their condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims and have reiterated the dangers associated with consuming alcohol while boating. Alcohol consumption is known to significantly impair an operator’s judgment and reaction times, increasing the risk of accidents on the water.
This incident has sparked a broader conversation about boating safety in South Carolina, particularly regarding the importance of adhering to navigation regulations and the perils of boating under the influence. Stakeholders in the community, including local law enforcement and safety organizations, are being encouraged to advocate for safer boating practices to prevent future tragedies.
Lake Greenwood, a popular recreation area in South Carolina, attracts numerous boaters, fisherman, and water sport enthusiasts, particularly during the summer months. However, incidents like this remind the community of the potential dangers that can arise when safety measures are not followed.
As the investigation continues, the community is urged to stay informed about safe boating practices and to consider the serious implications of negligence on the water. The SCDNR remains committed to investigating this incident thoroughly to provide clarity and to promote safety on South Carolina’s waterways.
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Additional Resources
- WYFF 4 News
- Wikipedia: Boating Safety
- WLTX News
- Google Search: Lake Greenwood boat crash
- Index Journal
- Google Scholar: Boating Under Influence
- The State
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Boating Safety
- Fox Carolina News
- Google News: Boating Safety South Carolina
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.
