Effingham Co., GA (May 4, 2026) – One person died, and three others were injured after two boats collided on the Savannah River on May 3. The crash happened Sunday evening near the Tuckasee-King boat landing in Effingham County.
Officials said emergency units responded around 5:45 p.m. after reports of a boating accident involving two vessels. Each boat had two people on board, including an operator and a passenger.
After the collision, emergency units launched a search for a person reported missing in the water. The search focused near Stokes Bluff Landing in Hampton County, which was temporarily closed during the response and later reopened.
Officials later recovered the missing person from the river. He was identified as 25-year-old William Ligon III of Pooler. Three other people were hurt in the crash. Two were treated at the scene and released, while one person was taken to a Savannah hospital.
The collision remains under investigation, and additional details may be released after the review is complete.
Our condolences go out to William Ligon III’s loved ones, and we wish those injured a swift and full recovery.
Why Boat Collisions Can Become Deadly
Boat collisions can cause severe injuries because people on board may be thrown into the vessel, into another boat, or into the water. Unlike cars, boats do not have lanes, brakes, or fixed paths, so operators must judge distance, speed, and movement on open water.
Water conditions can change quickly. Current, wake, darkness, glare, and nearby boat traffic may affect how much time operators have to react. A crash can also become more dangerous if someone enters the water and cannot be found right away.
Medical concerns after a boating crash may include head injuries, broken bones, cuts, and drowning risks. Even people treated at the scene may need careful evaluation if they were exposed to impact or cold water.
