North Carolina's Outer Banks faced a tragic loss as Captain Charlie "Griff" Griffin, known for his appearances on 'Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks,' met an untimely demise along with his beloved dog, Leila, in a boating accident.
The distressing news was confirmed via a heartfelt message shared on Griffin's official Facebook page.
Boating Tragedy Claims Fisherman's Life
"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," the Facebook post read. "Please keep family and friends in your thoughts and prayers. We will forever remember Griff!"
The Coast Guard's involvement emerged shortly after reports of Griffin's death surfaced.
The Coast Guard revealed that they were alerted about a distressing situation involving a recreational vessel traveling from Virginia Beach, Virginia, to Wanchese, North Carolina, where it was scheduled for repairs, as reported by E!News.
This prompted a search operation encompassing both the water and land areas between Nags Head and Rodanthe.
The Coast Guard announced the discovery of Griffin's body and his dog on Monday. Griffin's 35-foot vessel was found off Pea Island. Tragically, both were found lifeless, approximately 2.5 miles south of Oregon Inlet.
While Griffin was pronounced dead by the medical examiner, efforts persisted to locate the second individual who was believed to have been on board during the ill-fated voyage.
The Coast Guard, alongside local authorities, including the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, continued their search operations.
'Wicked Tuna' Community Mourns Loss of Captain Charlie Griffin
Griffin, the captain of the fishing vessel 'Reels of Fortune,' gained widespread recognition for his appearances on 'Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks.'
The series depicted the endeavors of bluefin tuna fishermen navigating the perilous waters of the Outer Banks, renowned as the "graveyard of the Atlantic."
The news of Griffin's passing prompted an outpouring of condolences from fans, colleagues, and production entities associated with the show.
National Geographic and Pilgrim Media Group expressed their sorrow in a joint statement to Fox News Digital. They acknowledged Griffin as "a spirited fisherman with a big heart" and extended their condolences to his family, friends, and fellow cast members.
As the investigation into the accident persists, the Outer Banks community mourns the loss of Captain Charlie Griffin and his faithful companion, Leila, reflecting on their enduring impact within the fishing fraternity and beyond.
