Oregon Inlet, Dare County, North Carolina, October 20, 2025
News Summary
A tragic boating accident in Oregon Inlet has led to the death of Francis Hennigan Jr. from Pennsylvania. Another person, Taylor Flannery, sustained minor injuries. The yacht capsized while navigating after mechanical issues. Authorities found both men in the water, emphasizing the need for safety measures on challenging waters.
Oregon Inlet
A tragic boating accident in Oregon Inlet has resulted in the death of Francis Hennigan Jr., 50, from Glenmoore, Pennsylvania. The incident, which occurred on Saturday afternoon, October 18, 2025, also left another occupant, Taylor Flannery, 29, from Point Pleasant, New Jersey, with minor injuries.
The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission has reported that both men were aboard a 50-foot sportfishing yacht traveling from Cape May, New Jersey, to Florida. They had stopped in Beaufort, North Carolina, for repairs to a damaged propeller before continuing their journey. While navigating through Oregon Inlet, the yacht capsized. At the time of the incident, the vessel was operating on three of its four engines.
According to authorities, both men were discovered in the water without life jackets. Taylor Flannery was located by the U.S. Coast Guard, while Francis Hennigan Jr. was found unresponsive and subsequently pronounced dead at the scene. The Wildlife Resources Commission has expressed condolences to Hennigan’s family, and an investigation into the incident is currently underway.
Additional Boating Accident Claims Former ‘Wicked Tuna’ Star
In a related incident, Charlie Griffin, a well-known former star of the TV series “Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks,” was reported missing following a separate boating accident. Griffin, 65, was last heard from at 6:15 p.m. on Sunday when he was near Nags Head. Following a search, his body was discovered by the Coast Guard two miles south of Oregon Inlet, alongside his dog Leila, who also perished.
Griffin and his boat were reported overdue, prompting a search that lasted 41 hours. Another occupant of Griffin’s boat, Chad Dunn, remains missing, and the Coast Guard has since suspended the search efforts. Griffin was honored on social media for his contributions to the show and his legacy as a passionate fisherman.
Understanding Oregon Inlet
Oregon Inlet is a crucial waterway that connects the Pamlico Sound with the Atlantic Ocean, separating Bodie Island from Pea Island. The area is known for its diverse fishing opportunities but has also been the site of several boating accidents over the years. The latest incidents underscore the importance of safety measures while navigating these waters, particularly in conditions that can swiftly change.
Safety and Precautions
These tragic events highlight the need for greater awareness of boating safety, especially the use of life jackets and regular maintenance checks on vessels. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission continues to stress the importance of preparedness for boaters navigating challenging waters like Oregon Inlet.
Conclusion
The recent accidents in Oregon Inlet have resulted in significant loss, reflecting on the dangers that come with boating. While agencies conduct investigations, the community mourns the loss of lives and navigates discussions about safety practices on the water.
FAQs
A tragic boating accident occurred on October 18, 2025, resulting in the death of Francis Hennigan Jr. and injuries to Taylor Flannery.
Where were the men traveling from and to?
They were traveling from Cape May, New Jersey, to Florida and had stopped in Beaufort, North Carolina for repairs.
What caused the yacht to capsize?
The yacht was operating on three of its four engines at the time and capsized while navigating Oregon Inlet.
What were the circumstances regarding Charlie Griffin’s accident?
Charlie Griffin was reported missing following a separate boating accident. His body was found two miles south of Oregon Inlet after being overdue.
What safety measures should boaters take?
Boaters should wear life jackets, perform regular maintenance checks on their vessels, and be aware of the water conditions.
Key Features of the Incidents
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Oregon Inlet, Dare County, North Carolina |
| Date | October 18, 2025 |
| Victims | Francis Hennigan Jr. – Deceased, Taylor Flannery – Injured |
| Yacht Details | 50-foot sportfishing yacht, operating on three engines |
| Charlie Griffin Incident | Found deceased alongside his dog, 2 miles from the inlet, after being reported missing |
| Ongoing Investigations | Conducted by North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Boating Accident Claims Life in Oregon Inlet, North Carolina
Tragic Yacht Capsizing in Oregon Inlet Claims Life
Tragic Boat Capsizing in Oregon Inlet Claims Life
Oregon Inlet Tragedy: Pennsylvania Man Dies After Boat Capsizes
Deceased Commercial Fisherman Found in Hatteras Inlet
Tragic Boating Incident in Currituck Sound
Tragic Loss: Coast Guard Suspends Search for Tuna Captain
Rare Orca Sighting Off the Coast of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina
Body of Overdue Fisherman Found Off Oregon Inlet
Tragic Boating Accident in Oregon Inlet, NC
Additional Resources
- WDBJ7: Former ‘Wicked Tuna’ Outer Banks Cast Member Dies in Boating Accident
- 13 News Now: Outer Banks Boating Accident – 1 Dead
- ABC11: Airboat Rescue in Outer Banks
- WAVY: Former ‘Wicked Tuna’ Captain Believed to be Dead from OBX Boating Accident
- E! Online: ‘Wicked Tuna’s’ Charlie Griffin and Dog Leila Dead After Boating Accident
- Wikipedia: Boating Accident
- Google Search: Boating Accidents North Carolina
- Google Scholar: Boating Safety
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Boating Safety
- Google News: Boating Accident News
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.
