Authorities said on Sunday they had recovered the bodies of three people missing after two boats collided in Georgia, bringing the death toll to five. Four more people were rescued, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.
It was confirmed that two people were killed while three others were missing, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources said in a statement.
Several agencies searched for the three missing victims using “sector exploration sonar and divers,” Georgia DNR said. The three missing victims were located Sunday morning around 9 a.m. in 14-foot-deep water and “close to each other,” Georgia DNR said.
The identities of the five victims are not being disclosed until their families are notified.
Georgia DNR said in a statement that witnesses said the collision occurred when “two center console ships carrying a total of nine passengers, six on one ship and three on the other, were traveling in opposite directions. when they collided “.
The other four people were rescued and taken to a local hospital with minor injuries, Georgia DNR said. The Coast Guard said a person was in “good condition.” No other information was given about his injuries. A person with an apparent leg injury had to be lifted out of the water by a helicopter, according to the video released by the Coast Guard.
The collision occurred around 10:30 a.m. on Wilmington River, near the docks of the Oatland Island Wildlife Center, where Richardson Creek and Wilmington River are located in Chatham County. “said Georgia DNR. The Coast Guard said it was notified of the crash by a good Samaritan at 10:42 a.m.
The Coast Guard, DNR, Chatham County Marine Patrol, Savannah Fire Department and Chatham Emergency Services are still searching for the three missing sailors.
Georgia DNR is investigating the crash.