Latest news with #SCDNR
Daily Mail
10-07-2025
- Daily Mail
Summer lake tragedy as couple die in horror boat crash
Two college sweethearts were killed in a boat crash on a South Carolina lake over the Fourth of July weekend. Thomas Chandler Davis and Abby Katherine Davis, both 23, were on a small Alumacraft speedboat on Lake Greenwood when the crash happened Sunday morning. At around 1.42am, officers with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) were on the lake and saw a Yamaha boat without proper navigation lights approaching the Alumacraft. Before they were able to intervene, it collided with the Alumacraft from behind, killing Thomas and Abby. The recent Clemson University graduates died from blunt force trauma, according to Laurens County Coroner Patti Canupp. There were a total of five people on the boat that was hit. One of them was ejected into the water and quickly rescued, while another was taken to the hospital before being released. Allen Sidney Benware Jr. III, the man accused of negligently driving the Yamaha boat, was arrested at the scene and charged with two felony counts of boating under the influence leading to death. Benware was on board with one other passenger who hasn't been identified by authorities and hasn't been charged with a crime. 'This tragic event serves as a stark reminder that alcohol and water are a deadly combination,' a SCDNR spokesperson said. 'We continue to urge the public: always designate a sober skipper. Lives depend on it.' SCDNR noted that the Alumacraft did have proper navigation lights on at the time of the crash. Benware was booked at the Laurens County Jail and was denied bond on Monday. If convicted, he will spend a minimum of one year in prison per count of boating under the influence. He also faces a minimum fine of $10,000 per count. The obituary for Thomas said he earned a degree in civil engineering from Clemson, a public university about an hour-and-a-half from Lake Greenwood where he died. It described him as a 'fitness enthusiast' who 'enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, and boating on the lake'. Abby's obituary revealed she got a degree in graphic communications and was currently freelancing in social media marketing. 'Her love for music and concerts was infectious. Abby's adventurous spirit led her to travel, always eager to explore new places and cultures, often accompanied by her cherished friends,' it continued. 'Known for her easy-going nature and warm personality, Abby never met a stranger.' Clemson University released the following statement after confirming Thomas and Abby were graduates. 'We are saddened to hear the news of these alumni who lost their lives far too soon. Our hearts go out to the families, friends and loved ones impacted by this tragedy.' According to the U.S. Coast Guard, alcohol is the number one cause of boating accidents. Last year, 92 people died nationwide from alcohol related boat crashes. That represented 20 per cent of the total fatalities in 2024.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Algae identified that gave a local shrimper trouble
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Rocky Magwood, a fourth-generation shrimper on Shem Creek, faced a new challenge on the opening day of shrimp season: a mysterious sea grass. Biologists have since identified it. Shrimp trawling season began June 2 in the Lowcountry, and Magwood told News 2 that he could only drag his shrimp nets for ten minutes before they were clogged with this sea grass, leaving him to catch only 15 shrimp that day. Biologists with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) got samples of the grass and identified it as a type of red algae, likely belonging to the genus Polysiphonia. Typically, this kind of algae is seen further north and offshore on rocky seafloors, according to biologists at SCDNR. They also suspect that recent storms may have dislodged large quantities of the algae and pushed it into South Carolina coastal waters. According to the biologists, this type of algae is not harmful, but is more of a nuisance, as local shrimpers expressed. The good news: this kind of algae is not here to stay. Ocean currents should disperse it. This type of red algae has not completely vanished from Lowcountry waters. 'We are experiencing it in certain places, but it has lightened up a lot. You can work around Charleston now, it's in the channel now, and in front of the inlets, it's not as thick as it was,' said Magwood. According to Magwood, this is a win because shrimpers are now able to return to the waters that they normally work in. Magwood expressed, 'We are back in our areas around home now.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
South Carolina shellfish harvesting season closing
BEAFOURT, S.C. (WSAV) — South Carolina's 2024-2025 shellfish harvesting season will come to a close on Wednesday. The season is closed when summer weather kicks in due to bacteria, according to South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) officials. Vibrio parahaemolyticus are bacteria that naturally live in coastal waters, but higher levels occur when water temperatures exceed 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The bacteria can cause stomach cramps, vomiting and fever if consumed. Raw or undercook oysters are often a way to contract Vibrio, the CDC reports. Coastal waters will remain closed to recreational shellfish harvesting until the fall, when water temperatures begin to cool and ensure that shellfish are once again safe for harvesting and consumption, officials said. Shellfish harvesting is expected to reopen Oct. 1, 2025. Even though recreational harvesting is closed, South Carolina Oyster Recycling and Enhancement (SCORE) works on community-based oyster restoration building oyster habitats using recycled shell. The public is invited to join SCNDR staff to help create the habitats. SCORE accepts recycled oyster shells year-round. Collection sites can be found online or by calling SCDNR at (843) 953-9397. Other types of shell, such as clams and whelks, are also accepted. Check the SCORE webpage for a calendar of events or email the community restoration staff at score@ Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Yahoo
Search continues for missing boater on Waccamaw River
GEORGETOWN COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) – The search continued Monday for a missing boater along the Waccamaw River. The Georgetown County Sheriff's Office and SC Department of Natural Resources have been looking for Kerry Van Arsdel, who left The Reserve Marina on May 19 and has not been seen since. Officials with the sheriff's office said marina employees located Arsdel's unmanned boat Thursday near Butler Island, miles away from the docks. His belongings were still inside. The Georgetown County Sheriff's Office Marine Patrol ended its recovery efforts Monday ahead of expected bad weather. 'Deputies are concentrating on the area between The Reserve Marina and the bridge near Georgetown, judging tides, water temperature, and time as factors in the search. They will resume Tuesday morning,' officials explained. As the investigation progresses, deputies ask that anyone with information about Arsdel give them a call at 843-546-5102. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Yahoo
SCDNR to conduct boat safety checks over the holiday weekend
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources will conduct courtesy boat inspections across the state over the holiday weekend. If you have your boat inspected, you will not be ticketed if your boat is non-compliant with current regulations. Instead, you will have an opportunity to correct any issues. This is part of an effort to keep people and waterways safe during the Memorial Day weekend, which SCDNR said is one of the busiest times of the year for state lakes and waterways. 'SCDNR boating safety and enforcement officers will perform quick but thorough inspections for required safety equipment and proper boat and motor registrations,' said SCDNR. 'Officers will also be available to answer questions and give boaters tips on how to stay safe on the water.' Inspections will take place at the following locations in Charleston, Colleton, Georgetown, and Berkeley counties: Saturday, May 24: Charleston County: Wapoo Cut Landing, Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Colleton County: Bennett's Point, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Sunday, May 25: Berkeley County: William Dennis Landing, Tail Race Canal, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Charleston County: Remley's Point, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Monday, May 26: Charleston County: Limehouse Landing, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Georgetown County: Carroll Ashmore Campbell Marine Complex Landing, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. You can report boating violations, such as reckless operation or an intoxicated boat operator, by calling SCDNR's toll-free, 24-hour hotline at 1-800-922-5431 or dialing #DNR on your mobile phone. The United States Coast Guard will also offer free vessel safety checks this weekend. Last year alone, officials said South Carolina reported 150 boating accidents, which resulted in 23 deaths. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
