News Summary
A tragic boating accident near Tea Farm Creek in Ravenel, South Carolina, resulted in one fatality as Tropical Depression Three neared the U.S. coast. Early reports indicate a passenger suffered fatal injuries after hitting their head on a low-clearance bridge. As the weather system advances, a tropical storm watch is issued for parts of the coastline. Authorities urge caution among boaters in light of increased waterway activity during the July 4th holiday weekend. The SCDNR is currently investigating the incident, which serves as a reminder to prioritize safety on the water during adverse weather conditions.
Ravenel, South Carolina — One person has died following a boating accident that occurred on the evening of July 3, 2025, near Tea Farm Creek, as Tropical Depression Three approached the Southeast U.S. coast. Preliminary reports indicate that while navigating the waterway, a passenger on the boat struck their head on a low-clearance bridge, suffering fatal injuries. The identity of the deceased has yet to be revealed by the Charleston County Coroner’s Office, and the incident is currently under investigation by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR).
As Tropical Depression Three makes its way towards the region, a tropical storm watch has been issued for portions of the South Carolina coastline, specifically from Edisto Beach to Little River Inlet. The depression formed off the Southeast U.S. coast on July 4 and is projected to strengthen into Tropical Storm Chantal by Saturday, July 5.
As of 5 p.m. ET on July 4, the center of the tropical depression was situated approximately 150 miles south-southeast of Charleston, South Carolina, possessing maximum sustained winds of 35 mph, close to the threshold for tropical storm classification. The system is currently moving northward at a sluggish pace of 2 mph. Weather forecasts predict that areas from Florida to southeast Georgia and the coastal Carolinas could experience stormy weather as the system progresses.
Officials are warning that rainfall totals may reach between 2 to 4 inches in the eastern Carolinas, with isolated amounts potentially hitting 6 inches. Conditions are expected to include gusty winds and minor coastal flooding, with a predicted storm surge of 1 to 2 feet in regions under the tropical storm watch. An Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft has been deployed to gather more information about the storm’s structure and impact.
In light of the approaching storm and the increased boating traffic due to the July 4th holiday weekend, local and state agencies have implemented heightened waterway patrols to ensure safety on the water. Authorities are urging boaters and passengers to exercise diligence and take necessary precautions, particularly given the recent fatal incident.
This unfortunate incident comes amid a weather forecast for the majority of the country indicating ideal conditions for July 4th celebrations, with calm and mostly clear skies noting the Northeast and the West. However, concerns remain for the Southeast, where deteriorating weather conditions could complicate recreational activities. After the depression passes, drying conditions are expected to return by Tuesday, July 8.
This ongoing situation underscores the importance for all waterway users to prioritize safety amid a busy holiday weekend, particularly given the unpredictable conditions brought by Tropical Depression Three. Officials will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as needed.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Charleston Law Enforcement Launches ‘Operation Dry Water’ for July 4th Weekend
Chaos at Lauderdale Marina: Boat Fires & Legal Insights
Tragic Shooting Shakes Little River Community
Tragic Boat Crash in Clearwater Leaves One Dead and Many Injured
Judicial Independence at Risk: The Role of Lawyers in Personal Injury Cases
Rocky the Golden Retriever Makes a Splashing Comeback in Charleston
Iowa Lawyers Face Growing Disciplinary Actions for Misconduct
Tragic Boat Capsizing Near Breezy Point Leaves Three Dead
Additional Resources
- Count on 2 News
- Wikipedia: Tropical depression
- Live 5 News
- Google Search: Tropical Storm Chantal
- Weather.com
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hurricane
- CNN
- Google News: Weather forecast July 4 2025
- USA Today
