Wednesday, August 19, 2026
By Outer Banks Voice on March 4, 2024
March 4 at 9:30 p.m. Update: Earlier this evening, the US Coast Guard released this update on the boating tragedy that corrects and expands on some of the earlier information.
On the morning of 3/4/24, the US Coast Guard received a report of an overdue vessel traveling from Virginia to Wanchese, NC. The 35′ vessel was subsequently located off Pea Island and the body of Charles Griffin Jr (Charlie Griffin) of Wanchese, NC and his dog (deceased) were recovered onshore near the same. The vessel appears to have capsized somewhere near Oregon Inlet. Officers are still searching for a second occupant that was aboard the vessel. 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 with the deepest sadness we report that Charlie Griffin and his beloved dog, Leila, have passed away in a boating accident today, March 4th.
Please keep family and friends in your thoughts and prayers. We will forever remember Griff!’
The Voice has contacted the US Coast Guard for further information. We will update this story as soon as possible.
SEE ALSO: Charles Marshall Griffin
Comments
Susie Romeo
So sad. He was such a great guy.Thinking of his Mom and son. God Bless you all.
Susan B Romeo
So sad. Charlie’s such a good guy. I feel for his mom Karen and son Jake. My prayers are with them. God Bless them. He is with Daddy Charlie now.
Sully52
This is sad news. I believe he was one of the tuna guys on Wicked Tuna, Outer Banks. A sad day.
Louise
This is devastating to our community. He took a bunch of us girls offshore fishing back in the day. Great guy. RIP
anna sadler
My heart goes out to his Mom Karen and his son Jake. Such a tragedy and may God be with them in their grief. He was loved by so many and will be missed.
Kimberly Romero
Our island just became so much smaller.
Honestly one of the most lovable souls I ever met. My heart is with his family I am truly sorry for your loss. I know he was such a blessing for you.
Kathy Brill
My heart feels so heavy right now
It was too soon for Charlie to go . He always had a smile for every one
And he always wanted to help.
And fun . One night my sister and I stayed the night at his house and we only had one night gown between her and I
This was quickly by Charlie
He decided to wear it. !!! I really will miss his sweet character.
RIP CHARLIE!!
Norris Family
After watching Griff many years on Wicked Tuna OBX, met him at a NC fisherman events, signed a baseball cap for me that was covering my bare head from chemo. On our family vacation last year, 12 of us took Griff’s dolphin tour and I had a new hat signed, he was so happy for me to share cancer free. We all loved on Lelia and enjoyed the time with such a precious , kind and smiling man. So happy to have known him and prayers to his family, friends and the Wanchese community. “Tuna Fishing, Baby!”🙏❤️🐠❤️🙏
John Cocke
When Charlie was just 14 years old, he spent 3 days with me teaching me how to rig baits and how to be a mate. This was on the “Gypsy Angler” fishing out of Oregon Inlet. His kindness began at a young age. God Bless him and his family.
craig doxey
My first offshore fishing trip on the outer banks was with Little Charlie that’s what we always called him, was around 1990 on the SEA WITCH. We fished with him every chance we got from there on. Thoughts and prayers go out to the family and the entire fishing community on the east coast.
Dorinda L. Guzzo
Our sincere sympathy for the families