Updated — Two dead after BUI related crash on Lake Greenwood

Photo Courtesy: SC Lakes.info

LAKE GREENWOOD, SC (WOLO) — Two people are dead and two others injured after a boating accident on Lake Greenwood.

According to the SC Department of Natural Resources, officers responded to a boating collision involving two vessels.

An Alumacraft boat carrying five people was struck from behind by a Yamaha boat carrying two others.

The operator of the Yamaha boat has been arrested and charged with two counts of felony boating under the influence (BUI).

SCDNR says the operator of the Yamaha, 37-year-old Allen Sidney Benware III, was found to be under the influence following a field sobriety evaluation. He has been arrested and charged with two counts of felony Boating Under the Influence (BUI).

Photo Courtesy: Laurens County Detention Center

In a press release, SCDNR also says it wants to address the situation and what it calls false reports, saying,

“Preliminary findings indicate that an Alumacraft jon boat, carrying five individuals, was traveling on the water when it was struck from behind by a Yamaha boat with two occupants. Two passengers on board the Alumacraft were pronounced deceased at the scene. A female passenger was ejected into the water but was quickly rescued by responding officers and sustained no serious injuries. Another passenger from the Alumacraft was transported to the hospital and has since been released. The Alumacraft vessel had fully functioning navigation lights at the time of the incident.”

“We also want to address misinformation circulating regarding this incident. Contrary to false reports, our officers were not pursuing the Yamaha vessel at the time of the collision. Our officers were stationary on the water conducting proactive safety operations when they observed the Yamaha traveling without proper navigation lights. As officers prepared to initiate a vessel stop, the Yamaha collided with the Alumacraft. Blue lights had not been activated, and no pursuit had begun.

Our officers witnessed the collision and immediately rendered life-saving aid. They also took swift action to prevent the at-fault operator from fleeing the scene.”

According to SCDNR, the incident remains under investigation. The names of others involved has not yet been released.