The operator of that vessel was Capt. Charlie Griffin, according to the Facebook page for his boat “Reels Of Fortune.”
Known as “Griff,” he became known the world over after his appearances on the television show “Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks”
“It is with the deepest sadness we report that Charlie Griffin and his beloved dog, Leila, have passed away in a boating accident today,” the Facebook post said.
A second person, whose name has not been confirmed, was also reportedly on board the vessel at the time.
A U.S. Coast Guard spokesperson said they received a call about an overdue 30-foot recreational vessel around 11:35 p.m. on Sunday
The boat was transiting from Rudee Inlet in Virginia Beach to Wanchese, with their last communication occurring around 6:15 p.m., somewhere off Nags Head, the spokesperson said.
The body, presumed to be Griffin, and his dog, were located sometime Monday morning along Pea Island. A third person onboard the vessel had not been located as of 4:00 p.m. on Monday.
The vessel was located about 70 yards off the breakers along Pea Island, with the cabin detached.
U.S. Coast Guard crews from Station Oregon Inlet continued to search Monday afternoon on a 47-foot boat in the ocean, with local ATVs along the shoreline, while a Station Fort Macon cutter was en route to the area. Private vessels have also been searching the waters around Oregon Inlet, and people have been walking the shoreline to assist.
A helicopter from Base Elizabeth City was also deployed, but could only conduct a limited search due to low clouds, fog, and moderate-to-heavy rain Monday morning.
The Oregon Inlet sea buoy reports seas of around 5 to 6 feet and a water temperature of 51 degrees, while winds were east-to-northeast at 10 to 15 mph at the Oregon Inlet Coast Guard Station, around the time the vessel went missing.
