ANDERSON, Anderson County, S.C., Oct. 18, 2026 — An 80-year-old Anderson man died on Friday afternoon, October 16, after falling from a boat into Lake Hartwell near Portman Marina, according to the Anderson County Coroner's Office.
The Anderson County Coroner's Office said a 911 call came in just before 3:45 p.m. reporting a drowning in the area. Responders arrived and found two people in the water.
Both were treated at the scene. One man was taken to AnMed Health, where he died shortly after arriving, the coroner's office said.
The man has been identified as James De George, 80, of Anderson. A preliminary investigation indicates he was on a boat when a gust of wind came through, and he fell over the back of the vessel, according to the coroner's office. His wife reportedly went into the water to try to help him but could not get him back onto the boat.
The coroner's office has ruled the cause of death freshwater drowning and the manner of death accidental. The Anderson County Sheriff's Office and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources are also investigating, along with the coroner's office.
Our condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased.
Crash Reports and Road Safety in Anderson, SC
This crash happened in Anderson, SC. Anyone involved in a crash in Anderson usually needs a copy of the police report, and our Anderson, SC crash reports and road safety guide explains how to request one and what the latest local crash figures show.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should someone do if a person falls overboard? Stop the boat, throw a flotation device toward the person, and keep eyes on them while maneuvering back. Avoid jumping in unless trained in water rescue, since a struggling swimmer can pull a rescuer under.
What are common injuries or risks in boating accidents? Drowning is the leading risk, along with head injuries from striking the boat or hull, hypothermia in cold water, and injuries from propellers. Even strong swimmers can struggle in open water, especially with wind or waves.
How does weather affect boating safety? Sudden gusts of wind or wake from other boats can shift balance quickly and throw passengers off balance or overboard. Checking forecasts and wearing a life jacket while underway can reduce that risk.
What to Do After a Boat Accident in Anderson, South Carolina
Anyone involved in or who witnesses a boating accident should get everyone out of the water and call 911 immediately. Even if someone seems fine after being pulled from the water, a medical evaluation is important, since secondary drowning and shock can develop hours later. Keep the boat and surrounding area as undisturbed as possible until investigators from the sheriff's office or the Department of Natural Resources arrive. Write down what happened while it's fresh, including weather conditions and who was aboard. Family members coping with a loss like this can also reach out to the coroner's office for updates on the investigation.
