A man suffered a double amputation after an accident in the ocean in Myrtle Beach.
Lt. JB Zorn, with the U.S. Coast Guard, says an adult male suffered a double amputation of both legs below the knee after an accident in the ocean on Tuesday. The victim was on a small parasail boat and was transferring to a banana boat at the time of the accident. The victim was taken to the hospital, where he remains.
Preliminary investigation findings show the propellor on the parasail boat is likely the source of the investigation, Zorn also says.
A full investigation may take weeks to complete. Investigators were at the scene Tuesday and Wednesday conducting interviews.
The Myrtle Beach Fire Department, Myrtle Beach Police Department, Horry County Fire Department, and South Carolina Department of Natural Resources all responded to the accident.
The victim is identified as Henry Owens. An update on Owens’ GoFundMe page says “just wanted to give another update on Henry. He is doing well, and working really hard. Right now he is able to move from the bed to the chair. We think in a few days he will be moved to the rehab floor. On a side note I know many are looking to help when it is time to renovate the house. The Owens family will be having someone go to the house to suggest the changes that may need to be made. Once all that is done then the family can move forward with trying to figure out the best way to getting everything done. If you are looking to help with food, it was suggested we do gift cards to restaurants. As the family is not home at this time enough for us to do a meal train. We will be doing the meal Train when Henry gets home though.” Owens’ GoFundMe page can be found at www.gofundme.com/let039s-all-come-together-for-henry
