The two ships were traveling in opposite directions when they crashed, said Mark McKinnon, a spokesman for the law enforcement division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
One of the two ships was carrying six passengers while the second was carrying three, McKinnon said. The other four people involved in the crash sustained minor injuries and were taken to a hospital near Savannah.
“The identities of those involved are kept awaiting notification from the family,” the spokesman said.
Savannah is approximately three and a half hours drive from Atlanta.
Authorities are now looking at the sector exploration sonar, McKinnon said, a device commonly used to navigate vehicles and help avoid obstacles. Two U.S. Coast Guard helicopters are also assisting in the search, McKinnon said.
In a statement on Facebook, Chatham emergency services said several members of Chatham’s fire department, EMS, Coast Guard and Marine Patrol were at the scene of the crash and urged those close to “avoid the area.” .
The cause of the accident is being investigated.