The Coast Guard received a complaint at 11 p.m. on Sunday night about two boaters who had departed Virginia Beach and were supposed to arrive to Wanchese, North Carolina, where their vessel needed repairs.

A Coast Guard spokesman informed The Virginian-Pilot that they hadn’t been heard from since 6:15 p.m. that night.

Griffin and his dog’s deaths were discovered inside the idle boat on Monday by the Coast Guard and other emergency personnel.

As of Monday night, the second traveler remained unaccounted for, and authorities are actively looking for them.

What Happened to Charlie Griffin?

Charlie Griffin lost his life in a boat accident on March 4, 2024. While traveling from Virginia Beach to Wanchese for repairs, his boat vanished. After a thorough search, they discovered that Charlie and his devoted dog, Leila, had died approximately two miles south of Oregon Inlet. As they investigate every detail of what transpired, the fishing community is deeply shocked and saddened.

Who Was Charlie Griffin?

Charlie Griffin gained popularity as the host of the reality television program Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks on the National Geographic Channel. In Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks, which followed the skipper and his crew as they fished for bluefin tuna off the coast of North Carolina, Griffin made appearances in seasons two through five.The actor was also well-known from television programs that included Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew (2008), Sober House (2009), and 8 Days a Week (2011).

Our hearts are heavy as we pen this post. Early on Monday morning, outside Oregon Inlet, Captain Charlie Griffin was involved in a horrific boating accident. Local North Carolina company NC Watermen United posted the news on Facebook.