News Summary
The community of Kill Devil Hills mourns the loss of 49-year-old Carlson “B.J.” Johnson III, whose body was recovered from the Atlantic Ocean following an overnight fishing trip. After being reported overdue, search efforts led to the discovery of his remains two miles north of Oregon Inlet. As the investigation continues, Johnson’s dog remains missing, raising further concerns. Local authorities urge anyone with information about his boat to come forward, highlighting the dangers of recreational boating in coastal waters.
Kill Devil Hills – The body of 49-year-old Carlson “B.J.” Johnson III, a resident of Kill Devil Hills, has been recovered from the Atlantic Ocean following an overnight fishing trip. Johnson had embarked on a recreational fishing excursion from Oregon Inlet on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, around 10-11 a.m., accompanied by his dog.
Concern for Johnson’s safety grew when he was reported overdue to the U.S. Coast Guard at 9:54 p.m. that same evening. Efforts to locate him escalated after he failed to return home, leading to a search that culminated in the discovery of his body the next day. A local fisherman was the first to find Johnson’s remains approximately two miles north of Oregon Inlet and two-and-a-half miles offshore.
Following the recovery, the North Carolina Marine Patrol took charge of Johnson’s body, which has been sent to the state Medical Examiner for further examination to determine the circumstances surrounding his death. As of midday on Friday, May 16, 2025, Johnson’s dog has not yet been located, adding to the community’s concern for both the man and his pet.
The North Carolina Wildlife Commission is actively searching for Johnson’s vessel, described as a gray 18-foot Maycraft. There were reports of a found vessel during the search, but it did not match the description of Johnson’s boat. Consequently, the search for the Maycraft continues, with officials urging anyone who may have spotted a similar vessel to reach out to the authorities.
As the investigation proceeds, the community remains on high alert, hoping for positive news regarding the whereabouts of Johnson’s dog and any possible information related to the vessel. The incident has highlighted the risks associated with recreational boating and fishing, especially in the unpredictable waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
This tragic event serves as a reminder of the dangers present in such outdoor activities and the importance of safety measures including notifying someone of your travel plans and the estimated time of return. The local community is rallying in support of Johnson’s family during this difficult time.
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Additional Resources
- 13 News Now: Man and Dog Missing
- Wikipedia: Recreational Boating
- WAVY: Waterspout Forms in Kill Devil Hills
- Google Search: Waterspout Kill Devil Hills
- The Coastland Times: Fire in Kitty Hawk
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Atlantic Ocean
- Charlotte Observer: Local News Article
- Google News: North Carolina Fishing Accidents
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
