12 were onboard during boating accident that killed 11-year-old girl, SCDNR says
The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources released more details Thursday on what happened during a boating accident along the Intracoastal Waterway that killed an 11-year-old girl.
A 23-foot boat carrying 12 people was traveling on the Intracoastal Waterway in Little River Wednesday afternoon when it was rocked by a large wake caused by another boat, according to the SCDNR. The waves resulted in nine of the occupants going overboard, including the young girl.
The Horry County Coroner’s Office identified the 11-year-old girl as Olivia Knighton of Massachusetts. She died after being struck by a propeller, officials said.
No one else was injured in the incident.
“We are in the process of a detailed inquiry that includes collecting witness statements, examining the boat and working to develop a complete picture of what happened,” Stephen Fastenau, a spokesperson for South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, said.
Horry County Fire Rescue crews responded to the area near Waterfront Avenue around 12:17 p.m.
