A dive search was conducted Monday after a boating accident Sunday night. The incident occurred on the Intracoastal Waterway, according to an official with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.
Jacob Williams, 24, of Myrtle Beach, was thrown from the boat when it struck a dock near Buracle Road Sunday night, according to the Horry County Coroner’s Office.
The investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing.
S.C. Annual Boating Deaths
According to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, there were a total of 143 boating accidents reported in the state in 2020. Out of these accidents, there were a total of 26 fatalities and 70 injuries.
The number of fatalities is heartbreaking and it serves as a reminder that we must take boat safety seriously. In fact, South Carolina ranks among the top ten states for boating accident deaths every year.
Unfortunately, many people underestimate the dangers of operating a boat or being on one. Factors such as lack of experience, alcohol use, speeding and not wearing life jackets are often cited as causes for fatal accidents.
It’s important to remember that boating can be just as dangerous as driving a car if proper precautions aren’t taken. This means always following safety guidelines set forth by the U.S. Coast Guard and local authorities.
It’s up to each individual operator to ensure they have taken all necessary steps to keep themselves and their passengers safe while out on the water. By doing so, we can hopefully reduce the number of tragic accidents each year in South Carolina waters.