1 dead, 3 injured after a boat crash at Stokes Bluff Landing

HAMPTON COUNTY, Sc. (WTOC) - [UPDATE 5/3/26 10:41 P.M.] The Effingham County Sheriff’s Office said the missing person is dead.

They wrote online that the Georgia Department of Natural Resources found the missing person and that they have passed away.

Three people are recovering from their injuries in the two-boat crash at this time.

[UPDATE 5/3/26 9:18 P.M.] The authorities responding to the scene have told WTOC that they are still searching for a person in the water and that three people were taken away from the scene with injuries.

Effingham County Sheriff’s Office is the lead agency in the investigation at this time. It’s possible that the Georgia Department of Natural Resources will take over.

What’s been confirmed to WTOC, at this time, is that it was a two boat collision involving four people total.

[UPDATE 5/3/26 7:53 p.m.] Effingham Fire officials have confirmed to WTOC that they are actively searching for a missing person in the water.

The lead investigative agency is unknown at this time.

[ORIGINAL STORY] The Hampton County Sheriff’s Office reported a boating accident at Stokes Bluff Landing on Saturday night just after 6:30 p.m.

The area is closed to the public as emergency crews respond. WTOC has learned that Jasper County and Effingham County authorities are responding as well as the site of the crash is on the state line.

“We ask that residents avoid the area to allow emergency personnel to respond safely and effectively,” the Hampton Co. Sheriff’s Office wrote online.

This is a developing story.