Documents reveal man charged in fatal Shem Creek boat crash previously cited for dangerous boating

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCBD) - Another update into the fatal Shem Creek boat crash in April 2026, documents provided to News 2 by the Department of Natural Resources show that the person arrested in connection with the crash had been previously cited for dangerous boating. Edward Tavel, a 21-year-old, was charged with Involuntary Manslaughter. After reviewing documents provided to News 2 by the SC Department of Natural Resources, Tavel was cited for "Negligent Operation of a Water Device" in December 2025. It states Tavel was driving at a high speed near the entrance to the Shem Creek No Wake Zone, which is also where the recent fatal crash took place. According to the document, Tavel also crossed in front of another vessel without the right of way. He also paid a $155 fine for that citation. DNR told News 2 it does maintain an internal violations database and officers have access to that information during enforcement actions. In South Carolina, repercussions are not triggered unless someone has three negligent convictions or two reckless convictions within a five-year period. Those repercussions can include a mandatory boater education course and sometimes a 90-day suspension. “I think repeat violators are a concern, but I think the bigger concern is that it used to be 25% of new boaters were new to the industry, and now, after Covid, it's now 75% of the people coming into boating are new to the industry, and they really just don't understand the rules," exp;lained SafeBoater CEO, Vickie Walker. In South Carolina, boaters are not required to have a license. Unless a boater was born after July 1st, 2007, they are not required to complete a boating safety course before operating a vessel. Lowcountry Senator Chip Campsen helped get it passed in 2023. “It's really important that even if you are not required because of the phase, it's really important to go take a boat or safety certificate because there's a lot more complexity," Senator Campsen said. "There are a lot more decisions you have to make operating a vessel than you have to operating a vehicle in your car.“ Both boat safe advocates and state lawmakers stressed the same thing. As the population increases in South Carolina, more people unfamiliar with boating are out on the water. Resulting in an increased need for education and enforcement. “Not understanding the terminology or the rules is huge. And that's a big problem in South Carolina and across the nation," Walker said. "As the population in South Carolina increases, and particularly along the coast, you're going to have more and more, there's more and more need for motor safety for people who are operating, those who have boater safety certificates or captain's licenses from the Coast Guard," Senator Campsen said. DNR also states that in order to prevent injuries and fatalities on the water, education combined with enforcement is key. Which is why they're reminding boaters to make sure all required safety equipment is on board, and there is a designated sober driver, before departing the dock.