Vessel 1 was traveling down the Pee Dee river and Vessel 2 was traveling up river. 

The operator of V1 stated he saw V2 through some trees because of a bend in the river. V1 operator stated V2 appeared as they were going across the river. V1 went to the left side to allow V2 to pass on the right. V2 then turned hard right and the vessels collided. 

The initial impact appeared to be bow to mid port side based on the damage. The vessel owner/passenger in V2 was thrown overboard and recovered deceased by Horry County Fire/rescue dive team approximately five hours later. 

Preliminary autopsy results were that multiple traumatic injuries caused his death. The operator of V2 was taken to Grand Strand Trama unit with severe head injuries. He had surgery for multiple broken bones in his facial area. The operator of V1 was not injured in the incident. The required safety equipment was on board both vessels. The operator of V2 was not wearing the engine cut off lanyard.

Great Pee Dee River