Georgia DNR, boaters return to Savannah River; DNR continues deadly crash investigation

by Aaron Dixon

EFFINGHAM COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) - Investigators with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are working to determine what caused a deadly two-boat collision on the Savannah River near the Tuckasee-King Boat Landing in Effingham County.

What we know

Where: Savannah River, near Tuckasee-King Boat Landing, between Big Boykin Bar and Little Boykin Bar.
When: Sunday night.
What happened: Two boats collided while traveling on the river.
Victims: Two people were on each boat (four total).
Outcome: One person died, and three others were injured.

Victim identified

Officials identified the person who died as William Ligon III of Pooler.

First responders initially located three people at the scene. Two were treated at the boat landing, and another was transported to a hospital. That person’s condition has not been released.

Crews later found Ligon’s body several hours after the crash.

DNR continues investigation

On Monday, DNR investigators returned to the water near the landing as the investigation continued.

The boat landing was closed Sunday night while law enforcement worked the scene, but it reopened Monday, with game wardens still on the river.

Boaters react: “Totally shocked”

Longtime river users told WTOC they were stunned by the crash and said the Savannah River is typically a peaceful place to be on the water.

“I was totally shocked; I am still a little bit shocked,” Larry Hunter said. “I can’t understand how two boats hit head-on, I just don’t understand it.

Another longtime fisherman said accidents can happen anywhere, but he didn’t expect something like this on the Savannah River.

“The river seems calm, but it is dangerous,” Jerry Shuman said. “You must watch what you are doing the whole time.”