Man Dies After Sportfishing Boat Capsizes. Another Passenger Survived by Clinging to Detergent Bottle

Title: Fatal Incident: One Man Dead, Another Injured as Sportfishing Boat Capsizes off North Carolina Coast

A tragic incident unfolded near the Outer Banks of North Carolina as a sportfishing boat capsized, resulting in the loss of one life and leaving another individual injured. The vessel was en route from Cape May, New Jersey, to Florida with two occupants when the accident occurred. The journey was meant to include a stop in Beaufort, North Carolina, for necessary repairs, as reported by the North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission and revealed to PEOPLE.

Tragedy struck as the 50-foot sportfishing boat, named Moonstruck, sank while navigating the Oregon Inlet on October 18. The two men aboard were identified as 50-year-old Francis Hennigan Jr. and 29-year-old Taylor Flannery. Sadly, Hennigan was found unresponsive in the water and could not be revived, while Flannery managed to survive with only minor injuries after being rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard and transported to the Outer Banks Hospital.

According to reports from The Coastland Times, operators of another boat in the vicinity alerted the Coast Guard about the capsizing vessel, which led to a prompt response. Flannery’s survival was aided by his resourcefulness, as he used a life jacket and a detergent bottle to stay afloat until help arrived. The Coast Guard’s arrival took approximately 30 minutes, during which Flannery battled the elements to survive.

Sergeant Anna Barbosa from the North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission highlighted that Flannery’s ability to find a life jacket and his quick thinking likely played a crucial role in his survival. Regrettably, Hennigan’s fate was tragic, and authorities suspect drowning as the cause of his demise. An official autopsy will be conducted by the state medical examiner’s office to confirm the exact cause of death.

The aftermath of the incident saw the capsized boat washing ashore along the northern end of Pea Island, indicating the severity of the situation. Investigations revealed that the boat was still under power from three out of the four engines at the time of the sinking, raising questions about the circumstances leading to the capsizing.

As the community mourns the loss of one individual and the recovery of another, the investigation into the incident remains ongoing. The devastating outcome serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers that can arise at sea, even during routine journeys. Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of the victims during this difficult time.

Tragic maritime incidents like this underscore the importance of maritime safety protocols and preparedness for unforeseen circumstances while at sea. The bravery and resilience shown by survivors in such situations are a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to overcome adversity. The community’s support and solidarity in times of tragedy play a vital role in helping those affected navigate the challenging aftermath of such incidents.