Wicked Tuna star Charlie Griffin dies along with his dog Leila in a boating accident off the coast of North Carolina, while a fellow sailor remains missing
Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks star Captain Charlie Griffin reportedly died in a boating accident on Monday.
The reality TV star with his dog Leila at the time of the wreck that claimed both their lives near Pea Island in Dare County, North Carolina.
The announcement was made on Facebook this week.
“It is with the deepest sadness that we report that Charlie Griffin and his beloved dog, Leila, died today, March 4, in a boating accident,” the note said.
“Please keep family and friends in your thoughts and prayers. We will remember Griff forever!’
The U.S. Coast Guard also posted about Charlie’s death.
Wicked Tuna star Charlie Griffin reportedly died in a boating accident on Monday. The reality TV star with his dog Leila at the time of the wreck that claimed both their lives near Pea Island in Dare County, North Carolina
“On the morning of 4/3/24, the US Coast Guard received a report of an overdue vessel en route from Virginia to Wanchese, NC,” the statement began.
‘The 35’ ship was subsequently located off Pea Island and the body of Charles Griffin Jr (Charlie Griffin) of Wanchese, NC and his (deceased) dog were recovered near the same land.
“The ship appears to have capsized somewhere near Oregon Inlet.
‘Officers are still searching for a second occupant who was on board the ship.
“North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is leading the ongoing investigation, along with assistance from officers from US Fish and Wildlife, National Park Service, NC Marine Fisheries, Dare County Sheriff’s Office and the US Coast Guard.”
It is not known who the other person was.
In an effort to locate the missing second sailor, the Coast Guard said they were searching the coastline with ATVs and a cutter on the water.
A helicopter departing from USCG Elizabeth City conducted an aerial search.
But it started to rain and get foggy, calling off the search.
The last contact with the boat was around 6:15 p.m. on March 3 and the boat was near Nags Head at the time, a Coast Guard spokesperson told 13News Now.
Griffin was a native of Wilmington, North Carolina.
The announcement was made on Facebook this week. “It is with the deepest sadness that we report that Charlie Griffin and his beloved dog, Leila, died today, March 4, in a boating accident,” the note said.