CHARLESTON, S.C. — Coast Guard and partner agencies say five people are were killed Saturday after two boats collided with a total of nine people aboard in the Wilmington River just north of Thunderbolt Marina.
The victims were identified as David Leffler, 51, of Savannah; Lori Lynn Leffler, 50, of Savannah; Zachary James Leffler, 23, of Alpharetta; Nathan Leffler, 17, of Savannah, and Robert Steven Chauncey, 37, of Savannah.
“We are saddened to report the death of our faculty member, Mr. Chris Leffler, and his wife, Lori, their sons, Zach and Nate, who passed away from injuries sustained in a boating accident this weekend,” the Georgia Department of Natural Resources said in a statement.
A good Samaritan notified Coast Guard Sector Charleston at 10:42 a.m. stating two recreational boats collided and people were in the water. It was reported one vessel had three people aboard and the second vessel had six people aboard. It was also reported four people were taken to the hospital by emergency medical services, and one person is in good condition.
A Coast Guard Air Station Savannah aircrew hoisted and transferred one of the nine people from the water and was safely transferred to Memorial Health University Medical Center.
The cause of the crash is under investigation.
Coast Guard Station Tybee boat crew have established a safety zone while Chatham County and Savannah Fire Department are conducting rescue and dive operations.
