Tragic Boating Incident Claims Life in Oregon Inlet

Oregon Inlet, North Carolina, October 22, 2025

News Summary

A tragic boating accident in Oregon Inlet has resulted in the drowning of Francis Hennigan Jr., 50, from Pennsylvania. He and his companion, Taylor Flannery, were on a derelict sportfishing vessel that capsized while navigating the inlet. The North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission has launched an investigation into the incident, which emphasizes the critical importance of safety measures on the water.

Oregon Inlet, North Carolina – A tragic boating incident occurred in Oregon Inlet on Saturday, October 18, resulting in the drowning of Francis Hennigan Jr., 50, from Glenmoore, Pennsylvania. During the incident, Hennigan and his companion, Taylor Flannery, 29, from Point Pleasant, New Jersey, were aboard a derelict 50-foot sportfishing vessel that capsized while navigating the inlet. Both men were in the process of transporting the vessel from Cape May, New Jersey, to Florida.

The North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the capsizing of the vessel. Reports indicate that the men planned to stop in Beaufort, North Carolina, to get a damaged prop repaired before continuing their journey.

During the incident, both Hennigan and Flannery were thrown into the open water, where neither was wearing a life jacket. The U.S. Coast Guard successfully recovered Flannery, who sustained minor injuries and was transported to Outer Banks Hospital for treatment. Tragically, Hennigan was found shortly after the capsizing but was unresponsive. Medical personnel later pronounced him dead, with the cause of death believed to be drowning, pending an official autopsy report.

At the time of the incident, the sportfishing vessel was reported to be powered by three out of four engines. Operators of another boat in the vicinity noticed the capsizing and promptly reported it to the Coast Guard, who responded quickly to the scene.

The Oregon Inlet serves as a vital passage between Bodie and Pea Islands, connecting the Pamlico Sound to the Atlantic Ocean, making it an area frequented by boaters of varied experience levels. In light of this incident, the North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission has reiterated the importance of safety on the water, urging all boaters to wear properly fitted life jackets, regardless of their experience or swimming ability.

The investigation into the incident remains ongoing, as authorities seek to determine the specific factors that led to the capsizing of the vessel.

According to safety guidelines, boating fatalities are often associated with instances where personal flotation devices are not utilized. This underscores the need for continual education and self-regulation among boating enthusiasts.

Key Details of the Incident

• Location: Oregon Inlet, North Carolina
• Incident Date: Saturday, October 18
• Vessel: 50-foot sportfishing boat
• Victims: Francis Hennigan Jr. and Taylor Flannery
• Cause of Death: Drowning (Hennigan)
• Current Status: Investigation ongoing by North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission

Background Context

The Oregon Inlet is a crucial waterway for both recreational and commercial boaters. Its conditions can often be unpredictable, which requires all boaters to exercise caution. The Community and safety organizations constantly emphasize the use of life jackets to improve safety on the water.

FAQ Section

What was the cause of the fatal boating incident in Oregon Inlet?
A derelict 50-foot sportfishing vessel capsized while navigating Oregon Inlet, throwing both men into the water without life jackets.

Who were the individuals involved in the incident?
The individuals aboard the capsized vessel were identified as Francis Hennigan Jr., 50, from Glenmoore, Pennsylvania, and Taylor Flannery, 29, from Point Pleasant, New Jersey.

What were the plans of the individuals on the vessel?
They were transporting the vessel from Cape May, New Jersey, to Florida, with plans to stop in Beaufort, North Carolina, to get a damaged prop repaired.

What happened to the individuals after the vessel capsized?
The U.S. Coast Guard recovered Taylor Flannery, who sustained minor injuries and was taken to Outer Banks Hospital. Francis Hennigan Jr. was found unresponsive and was later pronounced dead.

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Key Features Chart

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Tragic Fishing Boat Capsizing in Oregon Inlet
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Oregon Inlet Tragedy: Pennsylvania Man Dies After Boat Capsizes
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Tragic Boating Incident in Currituck Sound

Additional Resources

• The News & Observer
• Wikipedia: Oregon Inlet
• WTKR
• Google Search: Oregon Inlet boating accident
• People
• Google Scholar: Oregon Inlet boating safety
• Delco Times
• Encyclopedia Britannica: boating safety
• Patch
• Google News: boating accident North Carolina
• 13 News Now

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.