New Details Released Following Boat Crash That Claimed One Life

SCDNR listed a navigation rules violation and excessive speed as contributing factors. The investigation remains active.

New details have been released regarding a fatal boat crash in Georgetown County.

Around 12:30pm on May 23, two boats crashed along the Sampit River near Georgetown. 49-year-old Wendell Holbert III of Conway and 50-year-old Eric Gobbett were the drivers.

Both vessels were traveling near the middle of the river before the collision. Gobbett said he tried maneuvering his boat to the right after spotting Holbert’s vessel, but Holbert veered left in front of him which resulted in the collision. Another occupant on Holbert’s boat confirmed he did maneuver left.

Holbert was thrown from the vessel and suffered fatal head, neck and other traumatic injuries. Meanwhile, Gobbett suffered minor injuries. SCDNR listed a navigation rules violation and excessive speed as contributing factors. The investigation remains active.